Skiing and snowshoeing in Rondane (accommodation)

Rondane Spa Hotel, Rondane

Originally a mountain hotel for outward-bound enthusiasts, the Rondane Spa has become a real retreat from the fast pace of day to day living. It is hidden in the tree line high above the tiny town of Otta, at the end of 10 km road in the hamlet of Mysuseter.

A series of spacious public rooms, full of comfortable sofas gathered around fireplaces, are the social hub of the hotel, warm and cosy in the evening when candles are often lit to add to the very relaxed atmosphere.

Meals are taken in the grand restaurant, with panoramic views of the hills across the valley.

Bedrooms are warm and cosy with direct dial phones and hairdryers in the bathrooms, and all the rooms look out onto the snowy landscape.

The spa facilities are excellent, and the hotel has a large indoor pool in which you can swim while listening to Mozart! There is also a jacuzzi, tokens for which can be purchased at reception. A list of treatments in English can be found at the front desk, and Headwater guests receive 20% off a spa bath, energy massage or aroma spa massage.

Hotel Karl Johan, Oslo

The Karl Johan hotel is centrally located on the main street of Oslo and has 111 beautifully furnished rooms with full private facilities including direct dial phone, satellite television, hairdryer, minibar and radio. Breakfast is a generous buffet and is served in the fourth floor breakfast room. There is also a separate restaurant and bar available for lunch and dinner.

Oslo is the oldest Scandinavian capital dating back to 1048, its name derived from the Norse words ‘As’ meaning God and ‘Lo’ meaning field. It’s colourful, confident and can hold its own against any other major city. Today it is a cosmopolitan place with over half a million people and transudes an easygoing ambience.

The old quarter’s house some excellent museums and galleries, boast an interesting street life with cafés, shops and restaurants and offer dignified parks and gardens. During the summer, the city is a real delight with street entertainers, open-air pavement cafés, and many festivals. It’s worth spending a couple of nights just to take in the sights and sounds.