Tour Norway with Vesterheim

Folk Art Pilgrimage: The Kinship between Rosemaling and Woodworking

Tour Guide: Patti Goke Tour Leader: Darlene Fossum-Martin June 13-29, 2014

THIS TOUR IS FULL

Day 1 Fri., June 13: IN FLIGHT

Board Icelandair for the transatlantic flight from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Trondheim, Norway.

Day 2 Sat., June 14: TRONDHEIM (D)

After arriving at Værnes Airport, near Trondheim, take a step into the Middle Ages with a tour of the 900-year-old Værnes Church. Next we will go to the town of Hell for a photo opportunity at the Hell Station. Welcome Dinner with guest speaker Rune Hjelen and overnight at Rica Nidelven Hotel, Trondheim.

Day 3 Sun., June 15: TRONDHEIM (B & L)

Start your day at Sverresborg Trøndelag Folk Museum with a scholarly talk on the folk arts of Trøndelag, visit buildings with examples of the rosemaling by the old Horne School and Knut Eriksen Horne from 1795, as well as a large collection of ale bowls from Trøndelag. Taste traditional Norwegian cuisine at historic Sverresborg Tavern, then enjoy a guided city tour including Nidaros Cathedral. Overnight at Rica Nidelven Hotel, Trondheim.

Day 4 Mon., June 16: TRONDHEIM-ORKDALOPPDAL-KONGSVOLD (B, C/D & D)

Enjoy coffee and waffles, with Orkdal acanthus carver Olav Kvåle at Bårdshaug Herregård, a 1908 manor representing a blend of Norwegian national romanticism and European traditions. Have free time in Oppdal before visiting Raulåna, a guesthouse from 1635 with examples of work by Knute Eriksen Horne and his father Erik Horne. Visit Brødrene Bjørndalsæter, a small commercial woodcarving and painting business. Dinner and overnight at Kongsvold Fjeldstue, Kongsvold.

Day 5 Tues., June 17: KONGSVOLD-LESJAÅNDALSNES (B, L & D)

Travel through the Dovre Mountains to enjoy a special visit and lunch at the Lesja Bygdemuseum and a tour of Lesja Church with carving and painting in the Gudbrandsdal-Lesja style. Head north to Åndalsnes to visit and shop at rosemaler Gunnar Bø’s studio, where he paints in the More og Romsdal style of rosemaling. Dinner and overnight at the Grand Hotel Bellevue, Åndalsnes.

Day 6 Wed., June 18: ÅNDALSNES-HELLESYLTHORNINDAL (B & L)

Take a nail-biting ride down the 11 hairpin turns of Trollstigen. Next visit the Stordal Church known as “rosechurch,” filled with rosemaling. Join Solveig Espe at her home in Hellesylt for lunch. Afterwards she will show us the Peer Gynt Gallery, which is filled with floor to ceiling woodcarvings by Oddvin Parr telling the story of Peer Gynt. Sit back and relax during the beautiful drive and ferry ride along the Norangsfjorden. Overnight at Raftevold Hotel, Hornindal.

Day 7 Thurs., June 19: HORNINDAL-SANDANE (B, L & D)

Visit acanthus woodcarver Rolf Taraldset and the home of Helge Kirkhorn where you will see a fantastic ceiling filled with rosemaling and painted animals. Stop at the shop of the Espe brothers, who carve the Hornindal Trolls. In Sandane, meet rosemalers from the Nordfjord area. Dinner and overnight at the historic Gloppen Hotel, Sandane.

Day 8 Fri., June 20: SANDANE-NORDFJORDEIDVIKSDALEN-BALESTRAND (B & D)

Study the collection of Nordfjord rosemaling artifacts at the Nordfjord Folk Museum. Stop at Audhild Vikens Vevstove, where you can purchase anything from Christmas décor to Dale of Norway sweaters, and have lunch at their café. Next, off to the Sunnfjord Museum to see and study the Viksdal style of rosemaling. Visit Eldalstunet, the studio of Viksdal rosemaler Alvhild Eldal and her husband Einar Eldal a woodworker. There will be time for a rosemaling demonstration, visiting, shopping, and a dinner of gårdsmat (farm food). Overnight at the historic Kvikne Hotel, Balestrand.

Day 9 Sat., June 21: BALESTRAND-KAUPANGERRØN-HEGGENES-FAGERNES (B, L & C/D)

Start off your day by studying pieces painted in the Sogn style at the Sogn Folk Museum. There will be matpakke (packed lunch) in route before a stop to look at the beautiful carving and painting at Slidredomen. Enjoy coffee and treats with Valdres rosemaler, Eli Sælid. Finish the day with a memorable visit with Ingebjørg Aarseth at the home and studio of Sigmund Aarseth. Overnight at Fagerlund Hotel, Fagernes.

Day 10 Sun., June 22: FAGERNES-GOL-ÅL-GEILO (B, L & D)

Following a tour of the Valdres Folk Museum, visit the mountain studio of Hallingdal rosemaler Tove Ness, who will talk about the three styles of Hallingdal painting over lunch. Compare Valdres folk art with Hallingdal folk art with a visit to the Hallingdal Folkmuseum. Dinner and a tour of the Culture House with special guests and rosemalers, Nils Ellingsgard and Tore Christianson. Overnight at Dr. Holms Hotel, Geilo.

Day 11 Mon., June 23: GEILO-RAULAND (B, L & D)

Study the Numedal style of rosemaling in the Uvdal Bygdetun. Enjoy lunch at the charming Sevletunet. The Nore Stavkirke and the Rostadstove at Rollag Bygdetun have an abundance of Numedal rosemaling for your viewing. Dinner and overnight at Rauland Academy, Rauland.

Day 12 Tues., June 24: RAULAND-EIDSBORGRYSSTAD-DALEN (B, L & D)

A morning of relaxation at Rauland before we begin our drive to West Telemark Museum in Eidsborg to study Telemark painting, followed by a trip to Setesdal, where we will study and sketch the Setesdal

Day 13 Wed., June 25: DALEN-OLEN-SKÅNEVIK (B, L & D)

Start your day exploring the Roldal church filled with rosemaling. This tour would not be complete without a visit to rosemaler Unni Marie Lien’s studio. Contemporary Telemark rosemaler Turid Helle Fatland will join the group for dinner at the Skånevik Fjordhotel, Skånevik, where you will spend the night.

Day 14 Thurs., June 26: SKÅNEVIK-TYSSEDALUTNE-NORHEIMSUND (B & L)

Drive to Tyssedal for time to shop at woodturner Lars Stana’s studio. Drive to Utne for lunch at the Utne Hotel, where Johild Mæland will talk about her rosemaling. Next visit Hardanger Folk Museum for a guided tour. Overnight at Hardangerfjord Hotel, Norheimsund.

Day 15 Fri., June 27: NORHEIMSUND-OSTERØYYTRE ARNA-BERGEN (B & L)

After breakfast, head to Osterøy to enjoy a private Os rosemaling collection, a scholarly talk, and a traditional lunch at Osterøy Museum. Visit Oleana Sweater Factory, the only knitting factory in the country that is still knitting and sewing all of their products in Norway. Here we will hear a presentation on how they use elements from artifacts and nature in their new designs for sweaters and clothing. Time to shop at their outlet store! Overnight at Bergen Hotel Grand Terminus.

Day 16 Sat., June 28: OS-BERGEN-OS (B & D)

In the morning visit the Ole Bull Museum to see Os painting done by previous generations of Os painters and then see the studio of Os rosemaler, Torunn Rød Farsund. Afternoon free in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. The tour will conclude with a Farewell Dinner and overnight at Bergen Hotel Grand Terminus.

Day 17 Sun., June 29: OS-BERGEN -MINNEAPOLIS (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the transatlantic flight to Minneapolis.

Tour Guide and Leader: Folk Art Pilgrimage

Patti Goke, an avid rosemaler, instructor, and Vesterheim Gold Medalist, has studied with many top Norwegian rosemaling instructors. She has also taught various styles of painting over the past 20 years and has traveled extensively throughout Norway seven times.

Darlene Fossum-Martin, Vesterheim’s Education Specialist, previously has been the museum’s group tour coordinator and special events coordinator. She led the Vesterheim Folk Art Tour to Voss in 2001 and Rørøs in 2003. She attributes her strong Norwegian ties and traditions to the women in her family, her community, and years spent living, working, and traveling in Norway. She looks forward to sharing her love of the Norwegian countryside and its cultural richness while on this tour.

Price..............................................$5,595 Single supplement ....................... $800

Minimum of 25 participants Maximum of 35 participants

Price Includes (as listed in this itinerary):

• Airfare, taxes, and fuel surcharge • Accommodations for all nights • All land travel by first-class tour coach • Daily breakfast (B), 11 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D), 2 coffee/desserts (C/D) • Admission fees to all museums and attractions • Luggage handling (one piece) • Gratuity and tips • Comprehensive information kit with brochures and maps • Vesterheim travel gift and luggage tags

Tour Norway with Vesterheim

North to the Arctic and Sámiland

Tour Guide: Harley Refsal Tour Leader: Michelle Whitehill July 3-20, 2014

Day 1 Thurs., July 3: USA-KIRUNA (D)

Board Scandinavian Airlines for the transatlantic flight from Chicago, Illinois, to Kiruna, Sweden.

Day 2 Fri., July 4: KIRUNA-JUKKÄSJARVI-KIRUNA (B & D)

Arrive in Kiruna and transfer by bus to Scandic Hotel Ferrum to check-in. Once settled, depart for Nutti Sámi Siida AB for a traditional welcome Sámi dinner in a laavo and visit the 1600’s log church, home to the famous alter carved by Bror Hjorth. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Ferrum, Kiruna.

Day 3 Sat., July 5: KIRUNA-JOKKMOKK (B & D)

After free time in the morning, depart for Jokkmokk where some of the shops that sell Sámi handcraft and the Jokkmokk Tenn will open especially for our group. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Jokkmokk, Jokkmokk.

Day 4 Sun., July 6: JOKKMOKK-JUKKASJÄRVIKIRUNA (B & L)

Enjoy a guided tour and lunch at Ãjtte Museum - The Swedish Mountain and Sámi Museum. After lunch, leave for Jukkasjärvi to visit the location of the Ice Hotel and see the ice and snow exhibition in their large freeze house. Overnight at Scandic Hotel Ferrum, Kiruna.

Day 5 Mon., July 7: KIRUNA-SVOLVÆR (B, L & D)

Head west to the beautiful Lofoten Islands. Stop in route at Riksgränsen on the border of Sweden and Norway for lunch, then drive along the beautiful coastline to Svolvær where there will be dinner and overnight at the Rica Hotel Svolvær.

Day 6 Tues., July 8: SVOLVÆR-BØSTAD-REINE (B & D)

Take the morning to relax or explore Svolvær before departing for Bøstad for a guided tour of Lofotr Viking Museum, a historical museum based on a reconstruction and archaeological excavation of a Viking chieftain’s village dating to 500 AD. From there drive to Reine for dinner at the Gammelbua restaurant, which serves typical Norwegian food, specializing in fish and fresh, local produce. Accommodations for the night will be in rorbuers, traditional fisherman cottages, located by the Reine Fjord and surrounded by the Lofoten Mountains.

Day 7 Wed., July 9: REINE- Å-REINE (B & L)

Start the day with an exciting visit and guided tour of the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, which features the life of the fishing village and the Lofoten Fishery over the past 200 years. Lunch will follow at the Brygga Restaurant. Rest of the day is for relaxing in Reine.

Day 8 Thurs., July 10: REINE-HENNINGSVÆRHARSTAD (B & D)

Arrive in Henningsvær with time to shop and look around this quaint fishing village. Lunch on your own. In Harstad, take a guided tour of Trondenes Church, the northernmost and one of the largest medieval stone churches in Norway, and see the world’s largest land-based cannon dating from World War II, the Adolf Gun, during our guided tour of Trondenes Fort. Dinner and overnight at Clarion Hotel Arcticus, Harstad.

Day 9 Fri., July 11: HARSTAD-TROMSØ (B, L & D)

Get a taste of the Hurtigruten sailing aboard the MS Vesterålen from Harstad to Tromsø. Enjoy lunch on board “The World’s Most Beautiful Voyage” with an unforgettable treasure trove of landscapes, scenery, sights, and sounds. Once in Tromsø, take a city tour

including a stop at the Arctic Cathedral. Dinner and overnight at Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Tromsø.

Day 10 Sat., July 12: TROMSØ (B)

There is so much to do and see in Tromsø on your free day. Take in the sites, or just relax. Visit the Polaria, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, and Polarmuseet, or ride Fjellheisen to the top of the mountain to get a beautiful view of the city. Overnight at Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Tromsø.

Day 11 Sun., July 13: TROMSØ (B & L)

Vesterheim’s friends at the University of Tromsø Museum have arranged a special visit at North Norway’s largest and oldest museum. This museum offers a comprehensive exhibition on the traditional culture of the Sámi people and an exquisite collection of ecclesiastical art and a full-scale Viking longhouse. Overnight stay at Clarion Hotel Bryggen, Tromsø.

Day 12 Mon., July 14: TROMSØ-SAMUELSBERGALTA (B & L )

A special day has been planned by our friends from the Nord Troms Museum with activities at the Manndalen Husflidslag, the coastal Sámi farm, Sámi boat houses, and more. Lunch will be at the Senter for Nordlige Folk. After a wonderful day, head north along the

Day 13 Tues., July 15: ALTA-MAZE-KARASJOK (B, L & D)

Start the day with a guided tour of the Alta Museum. Experience Northern Europe’s largest and richest rock carving site inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. These 2000 to 6200 year old rock carvings show the life of hunters and fishermen. The museum also has historical exhibitions on fishing and Sámi. Next drive along the Alta River to Maze for lunch and a unique experience of “past and present” Sámi activities. Depart for Karasjok to have dinner and an overnight stay at Rica Hotel Karasjok.

Day 14 Wed., July 16: KARASJOK-TANAKIRKENES (B, L & C/D)

After breakfast have a guided tour of Riddo Duottar Museat, which displays objects and Sámi art. The outdoor museum offers a view of the old Sámi lifestyle. After lunch there will be a private tour of the Sámi Parliament. Heading north, visit the Tana Gull og Solvsmie for a chance to purchase traditional, hand-made Sámi jewelry before heading to Kirkenes for an overnight stay at Rica Arctic Hotel, Kirkenes.

Day 15, Thurs., July 17: KIRKENES (B & L)

Enjoy a tour of the Borderland Museum, plus a visit to Pasvikdalen, which forms a narrow valley between Finland and Russia. A wonderful local family will serve a private picnic lunch at the riverside—an exceptional experience made possible only through Vesterheim’s connections. Culinary delights will include salmon, pikeburgers, smoked Pasvik river whitefish, reindeer soup, berries, and more. Overnight at Rica Arctic Hotel, Kirkenes.

Day 16, Fri., July 18: KIRKENES-OSLO (B)

Following breakfast, transfer to the Kirkenes Airport for the flight to Oslo. Upon arriving in Oslo, transfer to the city center for free time to explore the city. Overnight stay at Thon Hotel Europa, Oslo.

Day 17, Sat., July 19: OSLO (B & D)

Enjoy more time to tour or relax in Oslo. The tour concludes with a “Farewell Dinner” and overnight stay at Thon Hotel Europa, Oslo.

Day 18, Sun., July 20: OSLO-USA (B & L)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the transatlantic flight to Chicago, Illinois.

Tour Guide and Leader: North to the Arctic and Sámiland

Harley Refsal recently retired from nearly four decades of teaching Norwegian language and Scandinavian culture courses at Luther College. A noted woodcarver, he has taught courses in Scandinavian-style figure carving in Norway and the U.S. since the 1980s, including several courses each year at Vesterheim. He has led two Luther College January Term courses to Norway and guided the 2012 North to the Arctic and Sámiland tour.

Michelle Whitehill is Vesterheim’s Coordinator of Tours to Norway. She has planned 13 tours and led 5 tours to Norway, including the 2012 North to the Arctic and Sámiland tour. Her organization and friendliness allow participants to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip.

Price..............................................$5,695 Single supplement ....................... $875 Land only.....................................$4,695

Minimum of 35 participants Maximum of 40 participants

Price Includes (as listed in this itinerary):

• Airfare, taxes, and fuel surcharge • Accommodations for 16 nights • All land travel by first-class tour coach • Hurtigruten day trip • Daily breakfast (B), 10 lunches (L), 9 dinners (D), 1 coffee/desserts (C/D) • Admission fees to all museums and attractions • Luggage handling (one piece) • Gratuity and tips • Comprehensive information kit with brochures and maps • Vesterheim travel gift and luggage tags