Sondre Norheim - «The father of modern skiing»
You can start this walk at The Norwegian Ski Museum. Make Øverbø your destination, and experience the smallholding that is the birthplace of skiing legend Sondre Norheim: known the world over as The father of modern skiing. Here you can see the cabin in which Sondre was born on 10 June 1825. It was in this cabin the first Winter Olympic flame was lit.
Spectacular views over «The cradle of modern skiing»
This is a medium easy, family-friendly walk. We recommend that you bring a picknick basket and enjoy the spectacular views from this historical site over the village of Morgedal. Morgedal is internationally known as «The cradle of modern skiing» and words such as slalom, Telemark landing and Telemark turn have their origins on these slopes.
Starting point
From The Norwegian Ski Museum you can take either the village road (tarmac) or the path through the forest. The village road and the path converge at Morgedal Camping. From the Norwegian Ski Museum the walk is around 1 km on the village road and about 2 km on the footpath.
After Morgedal Camping the path takes you through a wide and open cultural landscape before its final ascent before reaching Øverbø. From Øverbø you can take the same route on your return journey. If you prefer a slightly longer trip (approx. 1 km), follow the road to Månin and Gapahuken. There you will find a picnic area with spectacular views. For a shorter trip, start at Bjålandsgrendi.
Driving directions
Turn off the E134 towards Morgedal. After the Morgedal exit follow the road past Coop Marked. You can park at the Norwegian Ski Museum, Morgedal Camping or at Bjåland.
Be a sustainable hiker
When exploring nature, it's essential to practice responsible behavior to preserve and respect the natural environment. This includes staying on the marked trails to avoid damaging ecosystems, taking your litter with you, and respecting local rules and restrictions. Make sure to avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of any special considerations related to protected areas. By acting responsibly during your outdoor activities, you contribute to maintaining the beauty and sustainability of nature, ensuring future generations to be able to enjoy it as well.
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