Holiday in Norway as the locals do

A Norwegian's favourite way to holiday is to stay in a traditional log cabin tucked away in forests, fjords, hills and other areas of outstanding natural beauty.

The Norwegian word for cabin is "Hytte", which simply means "hut", but it holds a higher status in Norway than the English word implies.

A quarter of the population own a "hytte" and they are usually used to relax and take refuge from every day life.

Typical activities while staying in a hut would be to chop your own wood for the stove, going fishing and hunting and just enjoying the wilderness.

In Norway there are thousands of square miles of pine trees, lakes mountains and pristine wilderness, so getting out into the fresh clean air, onto the empty roads and doing invigorating outdoor activities could not be easier.

There are plenty of cabins for rent so British holidaymakers can really get the authentic cabin experience.

Some are available for very short periods, others for a minimum of one week, and standards vary from the extremely simple to the very luxurious.

What they all offer, however, is an experience that is miles away from a city hotel room.

Ons such cabin is SB Furulunden (Pine Wood Cabin), self-catering accommodation in Gjorvdal.

It costs from £420 to £840 per week and is a reasonably short drive away from Oslo Torp, which Ryanair flies to.

The cabin is very close to a river, and not far from a secluded sandy beach, which has a volley ball net and is ideal for swimming.

There are great fishing and walking possibilities if you feel like venturing off, with trout and perch the main fish varieties to be caught.

If you are planning a winter holiday, there are two ski centres at Vradal and Gautefall within 40 minutes drive, but you could just cross country ski from the door.

The cabin comprises four double bedrooms in total as well as television, a music system, an open fire, cooker, oven, fridge, freezer, kettle, dish washer, washing machine, cutlery, crockery, glassware and cooking utensils.

Linen can be ordered in advance as an extra.

For more information on cabin accommodation and car hire see www.norwaydirect.co.uk.
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