2003 Trans-Norway Antarctic Expedition
The trip was a great success. For some commentary and photos, click here.
Last Updated: 26 May 2003.
Saturday 3 May: Fly LHR-Oslo via BA#0762 leave 8:05am (0805), arrive 11:15am (1115). Head for hotel.
Sunday 4 May: Fram Museum, Ski Museum ?? 7pm Shrimps with Anne-Christine Jacobsen.
Monday 5 May: Pick up rental car (collection downtown, address: DT South, Haakan VII's Gate 9, Oslo). Drive to Sandefjord, Larvik, Horten, etc.
Tuesday 6 May: 10am appointment for us at Roald Amundsen's House (Site 016) south of Oslo center [normally doesn't open until later in May but Wendy's managed to arrange it]. Anne-Christine Jacobsen will join us, also probably Paul Chaplin and Susan Barr. We probably would go from there to Amundsen's birthplace (Site 633) which isn't too far away (1-1/2 hour according to Paul).
Gathering with the Chaplin's at Ytre Enebakk (about 30 minutes drive from our hotel).
Drop off rental car in evening (according to Wendy we can do this well into the evening, allowing us to use it to go to and from the Chaplins).
Wednesday 7 May: Train to Fefor. Depart Oslo 0837, arrive Vinstra 1139. Overnight at Fefor Hotel.
Thursday 8 May: Train to Oslo. Depart Vinstra 1143, arrive Oslo 1453. Fly Oslo-LHR via BA#0769 leave 8:15pm (2015), arrive 9:15pm (2115).
Your host: Anne GutuFefor Hotel in Fefor, near Vinstra, north of Lillehammer:
Address:
Skedsmogata 7
N - 0655 Oslo
Phone: 22 19 99 44
Best time to call:
09.00 - 21.00
Room for 2 pers.: 450,-
Room for 1 pers.: 300,-
Shared bath and kitchen
No. of rooms: 3
Bed linen included
Breakfast available: 50,-
Open year round
TV in rooms
Yard
No smoking in rooms
Discount for children
English spoken
"In the heart of highland Norway, amongst the mountains of Peer Gynt's realm, is this deeply traditional, upland valley in the north of Gudbrandsdalen. It is an area of outstanding beauty, a splendid white wilderness, between the awesome Jotunheimen mountains and the Rondane National Park.
The historic Fefor Hotel's great traditions date back to 1891 when Captain Scott stayed here, a visit recorded in fascinating old photographs. It is easy to see why this magnificent location was chosen for the hotel: at nearly 1,000 metres the secluded Fefor Hotel is situated above a frozen lake in its own woodland dale. While the splendid style of a Victorian lodge remains in the lounges and dining room, the up-to-date facilities include a good-sized swimming pool, saunas, an outdoor ice rink and even a squash court. Owners Roy and Merethe welcome guests warmly, and there is a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The spacious dining room enjoys superb views across the lake, as do many of the bedrooms. Some are modern, some traditional - all are comfortable and simply furnished.
This is a cross-country skier's paradise and, with a wide range of more challenging trails, is ideal for those who want to improve their skills. We recommend beginners have a few hours with the local ski guide. Wonderful trails for all levels from novice upwards lead direct from the hotel across the frozen lake and into the snowy moorland and hills. There is a tow-lift nearby for some enjoyable downhill skiing or we are able to pre-book dog-sled excursions with local guide Bergsvein. With plenty to keep children amused, Fefor is excellent for families, and a great choice for a family holiday over Christmas or New Year.
Location: Highlands, central Norwayhttp://www.inntravel.co.uk/ski/guides/ski_fefor_n.htm
Village altitude: 950m
Cross-country skiing: 200km for all abilities from novice upwards to 1517m
Downhill skiing: 5km to 1550m (comprises 2 gentle slopes served by 1 lift)
Other activities: ice-skating, curling, swimming, squash, dog sledding, ice-fishing
Special breaks: 3-night breaks are available throughout the season from £520 per person, including a half-day guided dog-sled excursion
Hotel facilities: lounges, indoor pool, sauna, squash court, outdoor ice rink."
Sites in Norway with an Antarctic connection. (Numbers are from my database.) Scroll down further for more detail on those we're likely to get to: [I'VE NOTED THOSE WE DIO GET TO.]
ALL ACCESSIBLE WITHOUT A CAR WHILE WE'RE IN OSLO:
015. Ski Museum (Oslo). DEFINITE. VISITED 3 MAY017. Fram Museum (Oslo). DEFINITE. VISITED 4 MAY
240. Memorial to Carsten Borchegrevink (at the Fram Museum, Oslo). DEFINITE. DOESN'T EXIST, AT LEAST AT THE FRAM MUSEUM.
107. Roald Amundsen's medals at the University (Oslo). DEFINITE (IF IT'S LIKELY THERE'S SOMETHING THERE TO SEE)
632. Norsk Sjøfartsmuseum [Norwegian Maritime Museum] (Oslo). DEFINITE. VISITED 4 MAY
634. Universitet i Oslo, Zoologisk Museum (Oslo). DEFINITE (IF IT'S LIKELY THERE'S SOMETHING THERE TO SEE).
654. Roald Amundsen Gate. Street in central Oslo, running between Fridjof Nansens Plass and Karl Johans Gate. DEFINITE. SAW IT ON 7 MAY
COULD BE GOTTEN TO WITHOUT A CAR BUT A CAR WOULD BE BEST:
016. Roald Amundsen's house (south of Oslo). DEFINITE. VISITED 6 MAYA CAR WOULD MAKE IT FASTER AND EASIER:633. Roald Amundsens Minne [Amundsen's birthplace]. (Postboks 91, N-1601 Fredrikstad) (South of Oslo not far from the Amundsen house.) DEFINITE. VISITED 6 MAY
622. Grave of C. A. Larsen. (Sandefjord). Sandefjord is within reach of Oslo. DEFINITEA CAR WOULD BE NECESSARY:631. Commander Chr. Christensen's Whaling Museum. (Sandefjord). DEFINITE. VISITED 5 MAY
638. Birthplace of Finn Ronne. (Horten, south of Oslo, between Oslo and Sandefjord). DEFINITE. VISITED 5 MAY
639. Grave of Martin Rønne (on Amundsen expedition, father of Finn). (Horten, south of Oslo, between Oslo and Sandefjord). DEFINITE. VISITED 5 MAY
684. Statue of Oscar Wisting. Larvik Sjørfartsmuseum, Larvik, Norway (sw of Sandefjord). DEFINITE
685. Statue of Colin Archer, designer of Fram. Near Larvik Sjørfartsmuseum, Larvik, Norway (sw of Sandefjord). DEFINITE
686. Vestfold Fylkesmuseum. Farmannveien 30, 3111 Tønsberg. Svend Foyn archive and superb collection of modern whale gear, much of which Foyn's original prototypes from obsolete manufacturers, much from the local manufacturer Henriksens Mek Verksted. Just north of Sandefjord. DEFINITE. STOPPED BUT NOT ENOUGTH TIME TO GO IN, 5 MAY
688. Martin Rønne's Veien/Gate, Street named for Martin Rønne.DEFINITE. SAW IT ON 5 MAY
386. Olav Bjaaland Museum, Morgedal, N-3847 Brunkeberg (Telemark). Could this be done as a day trip from Oslo? DEFINITE (IF WE CAN DO IT WITH THE TIME AVAILABLE. VIA CAR)BY TRAIN; COULD BE DONE BY CAR BUT PROBABLY TOO FAR/NOT ENOUGH TIME:
640. Site of testing of Scott motor sledges. (Fefor, north of Lillehammer. The hotel which was the base for the testing is still there.) Via rail. DEFINITE. STAYED THERE 7 MAYTOO FAR FOR THIS TRIP:
038. Robert Scott obelisk. (Finse, on the Oslo-Bergen rail-line. I think this is only or mainly accessible by train and may be too difficult, time consuming to do.) UNLIKELY068. Roald Amundsen statue. Tromsø, Norway. TOO FAR NORTH
558. Tromsø Museum. Lars Thørings vei 10, N-9006 Tromsø, Norway. TOO FAR NORTH
635. Polarmuseet i Tromsø [Polar Museum in Tromsø]. TOO FAR NORTH
511. Deck housing of Shackleton's ship, the 'Quest', Saltdal Museum, 8250 Rognan. Could be too far away. UNLIKELY
Ski Museum.
Variety of things from Amundsen's south pole expedition: tent, sledge, skiis, stuffed husky, clothing, stoves, provision boxes.
Postcard (2000) shows a display case with following in it: several pairs of skis; husky, mannequin in furs; sledge; folding camera; eyeglasses and case; assorted polar clothing, gloves, socks, boots; what might be a compass or chronometer in wood box; what looks like some tinned provisions; a red tent.
Date of foundation: 1923.
Polar collections and displays: Illustrates the history of skiing in Norway. Polar artefacts on display include many associated with Nansen and Amundsen (e.g. tent, sledge, clothing, provision boxes, and a stuffed husky). Also Scott's skis; history of skiing from prehistoric rock carvings to modern-day polar equipment via traditional skis from different parts of Norway; and the history and development of ski-sport. publications: Skiforeningen (1894-, annual); Ski i Norge (Berg, 1993)
The Norwegian Ski Museum
Open: October-April: 10.00-16.00.
May and September: 10.00-17.00.
June-August: 09.00-20.00
Welcome to the most visited tourist attraction and museum in Norway. Enjoy the fantastic view of Oslo from the Ski Jump Tower. The Skimuseum presents history of skiing through 4000 years, polar history, olympic history, the history of Holmenkollen and several theme exhibits. Skisimulator, cafeteria and a gift - and souvenirshop with a rich assortment of top quality Norwegian items.
Roald Amundsens Hjem "Uranienborg", Roald Amundsens vei 192, N-1420 Svartskog, Akershus. Tel. +47-66-80-01-05.
Opening hours:
Open 18.5-15.9 daily 11-16
Closed Mondays.
Guided tours every hour on the hour, last tour 16.
Tickets (NOK)
A: 15,-
Ch: 10,-
Seniors 10,-
Discounts with groups of 10 or more.
Public Transport:
Train: Oslo-Kolbotn, Kolbotn-Svartskog
Information: 22 17 70 30
South of Oslo on east side of fjord.
Statue by fjord of Amundsen in polar gear with staff and husky.
Exhibitions and what to see:
The Arctic explorer's home by the inner Oslo Fjord (Bunnefjorden) from 1908 until his death in 1928. It was here that he prepared many of his expeditions. The house stands exactly as Amundsen left it the day he set out with Latham 47 in order to rescue the Italian explorer Nobile. Guided tours.
Polar collections and displays: Roald Amundsen's house was given to the State in 1934 and subsequently opened as a memorial museum.
On the shores of Bundefjorden, about 19 km. south of Oslo, is 'Uranienborg,' Roald Amundsen's house. There's a lot of gingerbread adorning the place, a gray and white color scheme, a tile roof and various decorative touches; even portholes in the great explorer's bedroom! It was at Uranienborg that Amundsen planned his polar expeditions; and it remains today as it was when he left in 1928 on that ill-fated attempt to rescue Umberto Nobile. The property was presented to the country in 1934 and is now a memorial museum. Included in the collections is Amundsen's polar library and various memorabilia, photographs, artwork and artifacts. Down near the edge of the fjord is a bronze statue of Amundsen, ski pole in hand, sled dog by his side.
I remember travelling down to visit the house back in 1974. I took a bus and was delayed and arrived just after closing. The caretaker kindly let me in but I didnÕt have time to really take it all in.
The address of Roald Amundsens Hjem is R. Amundsensvei 192, N-1420 Svartskog; Tel +47 66 80 01 05 . It's open daily except Mondays from 11 to 4.
Opening hours:
Period Mon-Fri Sat-Sun
2.1-28.2 11.00-14.45 11.00-15.45
1.3-30.4 11.00-15.45 11.00-15.45
1.5-16.5 10.00-16.45 10.00-16.45
18.5-15.6 09.00-17.45 09.00-17.45
16.6-31.8 09.00-18.45 09.00-18.45
1.9-30.9 10.00-16.45 10.00-16.45
1.10-31.10 10.00-15.45 10.00-15.45
1.11-30.12 11.00-14.45 11.00-15.45
Tickets:
Adults NOK 25,-
Children (7-16) NOK 15,-
Students NOK 15,-
Groups (15+) NOK 15,-
Public Transport: Bus no. 30
May-September: Boat 91 from RÅDHUSBRYGGEN
Address: Bygdøynesveien 36 0286 Oslo
Tel: + 47.23.28.29.50
Fax: + 47.23.28.29.51
For many years after the Fram's return to Norway in 1914, the fate of the ship hung in the balance. The outbreak of the First World War diverted public attention elsewhere, but in 1916 the first Fram Committee was formed at the instigation of the Christiania Mariners Association, with Chr. Christensen, a prominent Norwegian shipowner, as president. There was general agreement that the Fram ought to be properly restored and preserved for posterity.
A succession of committees worked untiringly to this end, but their plans met with considerable opposition and they found themselves constantly thwarted by petty considerations; nor were matters helped by an initial shortage of funds.
Otto Sverdrup was one of the scheme's most enthusiastic protagonists. For many years he battled alone, but in 1929 Consul Lars Christensen of Sandefjord came to his assistance, and the Fram was towed to the Framnaes Shipyard there for repair. Sverdrup kept a keen eye on the work, to ensure that every detail of the restoration was correct.
When Otto Sverdrup died in 1930, new champions stepped into the breach, men like Lars Christensen, Knud Ringnes, and Captain Oscar Wisting and continued Sverdrup's efforts to have the Fram hauled ashore and suitably housed.
In the course of the next few years various schemes were launched to raise money to save the Fram, and many prospective sites were considered for her last resting place.
A competition was held to find the best design for the museum, and the work was entrusted to the winning architect, Bjarne Tøien.
In May 1935 the Fram was towed to Oslo and carefully hauled ashore where she now lies. Work then commenced on erecting a building about her, and on 20 May 1936 the Fram Museum was ceremoniously opened in the presence of His Majesty King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav. (Booklet: Fram Museum, 1971)
FRAMMUSEET - THE POLARSHIP FRAM
FRAM is the strongest vessel in the world. This remarkable vessel has advanced further north and further south than any other surface vessel.
The Fram museum is a polar museum. The worlds most famous Polarship FRAM is the main attraction.
It is possible to go abroad the ship to see how the members of the expeditions lived. The museum also tells the story of the classical Norwegian polar expeditions which represent world history within polar research.
These are:
- Fridtjof Nansen's expedition with FRAM across the Polar Sea 1893 - 1896 and his attempt to ski to The North Pole.
- Otto Sverdrup's expedition with FRAM to the areas Northwest of Greenland 1898 - 1902,
the most scientific Norwegian expedition. Between 200.000 - 300.000 square
kilometers of new land were discovered and mapped.
- Roald Amundsen's conquest of The South Pole (with FRAM to The Bay of Whales) 1910 - 1912.
- Roald Amundsen's discovery of the North West Passage (with Gjøa).
- Roald Amundsen's attempts to reach The North Pole with the polarship MAUD.
- Roald Amundsen's attempt to reach The North Pole by aircraft in 1925 and his trip by the Dirigible Norge from Kings Bay to Teller via The North Pole.
In the exhibition you will also find a representative selection of animals from the polar areas in the south and in the north such as polarbears, penguins, muskoxs and birds.
Fram Museum
Date of foundation: 1933.
Polar collections and displays: The central exhibit is the Fram, the polar exploration ship built by Colin Archer in 1892 and used on the expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen (1893-96), Otto Sverdrup (1898-1902) and Roald Amundsen (1910-12).
Fram Museum
After "Fram"'s homecoming in 1914, the fate of the ship was uncertain for many years. The breakout of the First World War gave people other things to think about.
In 1916, the first "Fram" committee was established, at the initiative of the Kristiania Seamen's Association. The committee agreed that the ship had to be repaired and preserved for posterity. Otto Sverdrup was as mentioned one of the most active spokespersons for the ship. Money was collected, and in 1929 "Fram" was towed to Sandefjord for repairs at Framnæs Mek. Verksted. In 1935, the vessel returned to Oslo and was put ashore at Bygdøynes, where it lies today. A building was erected over the venerable vessel, and that same year the "Fram" Museum was ceremoniously opened with HM King Haakon and then Crown Prince Olav as honoured guests.
In 1990-92 the museum was expanded in order to make the permanent exhibitions more informative. A focus was placed on the classic expeditions to the North and South Poles, with special displays dedicated to animal life in the Arctic and Antarctic. Exhibits on Amundsen's journeys with "Gjøa", "Maud", the airboats "N.24" and "N.25" and airship "Norge", and the "Latham" tragedy were also set up.
Further improvements took place in connection with the museum's 60th anniversary in 1996, an event that coincided with the 100th anniversary of "Fram"'s homecoming from the Arctic Ocean.
To commemorate the first journey of "Fram", a five kroner coin and a commemorative medal in silver were struck by the Royal Norwegian Mint in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the museum. Over the course of the summer of 1996, the anniversary was observed in various ways, including a special exhibition at the Norwegian Information Centre at Vestbanen in Oslo and an anniversary sailing race in the Oslofjord.
In recent years the Fram Museum has attracted around 250,000 visitors a year.
The author of the article, Kåre Berg, is director of the Fram Museum.
Source: http://odin.dep.no/odin/engelsk/norway/history/032005-990503/index-dok000-b-n-a.html
http://www.explorenorth.com/library/weekly/aa122200a.htm
The Norwegian Maritime Museum, founded in 1914, houses a vast collection of ships, boats, and related artifacts and other material. The large library houses the collections of several noted ship designers, and is also heavily used by genealogists, as it contains manifests of many of the vessels that took emigrants to North America. Of particular note in the museum's boat collection, which ranges from dugout canoes to polar exploration ships and a modern racing sloop are:
* the Colin Archer, built in 1893, was the first of what became a very successful style of sail-powered rescue boat (Redningsskøyter) on the Norwegian coast.
* the Gjøa, the first vessel through the legendary Northwest Passage, sits outside. It took Roald Amundsen from 1903 until 1906 to make the passage
* the three-masted schooner Svanen ("Swan"), built in 1916, is one of three operational vessels owned by the museum.
The Fram Museum preserves the polar exploration ship Fram, which, between 1893 and 1925, sailed further north and further south than any other surface vessel. She was designed by Fridtjof Nansen specifically for ice-choked waters, and most importantly, to survive wintering in the ice pack. He sailed her north and spent the years 1893-1896 sailing and/or drifting in the Arctic seas. Otto Sverdrup then used her to explore northwestern Greenland from 1898 to 1902, during which time he added 200-300,000 square kilometers of land to the maps of Greenland. Finally, between 1910 and 1925, Roald Amundsen took her to both the Arctic and Antarctic on four trips.
50 medals in all were given to the University upon Amundsen's death.
Date of foundation: 1817
Collections: Includes many medals presented to Norwegian polar explorers, e.g. Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen, Harald Ulrik Sverdrup and Otto Sverdrup.
"A memorial to Carsten Borchgrevink is situated in the "Fram" house in Oslo."
(Aurora, Vol 11, No 3, p. 18)
Olav Bjaalands Museum, Morgedal, N-3847 Brunkeberg
Date of foundation: 1966
Polar collections and displays: Olav Bjaaland was a champion skier who accompanied Roald Amundsen to the South Pole. The museum includes displays relating to this expedition and to Bjaaland's other accomplishments.
http://www.sondrenorheim.com/morgedal.htm
Morgedal is a small village centrally located in the county of Telemark, southern Norway. As a part of the municipality of Kviteseid, the village is situated about 200 kilometres or three hour's drive from the Norwegian capital of Oslo, along highway E 134 between eastern and western Norway.
Morgedal has about 300 inhabitants. Most of them are working in tourism, the service industry or farming. The village has a hotel and other accommodations. Also located in the village close to Lake Morgedal (423 metres above sea level) is Norsk Skieventyr, the Norwegian Ski Adventure Centre. On the hillside one can find ¯verbø, the former cotter's farm where ski legend Sondre Norheim (1825-1897) was born.
Morgedal is also known as the birthplace of other famous skiers, such as the Mikkel and Torjus Hemmestveit brothers, Svein Sollid and Jon Hauge. Olav Bjaaland, who participated in the Roald Amundsen South Pole Expedition (1910-1912) is also among the recognised skiers. The Olav Bjaaland Museum which opened in 1966, has become a part of the Ski Adventure Centre. This centre opened in 1993.
"You won't get there, but at a museum in Morgedal, a town west of Oslo in the mountains - the birthplace of skiing, there is an exact duplicate of the tent of the one left at the South Pole by Amundsen. Both were made by Martin Ronne at the same time. It's in a nice display in a museum about skiing and has other Antarctic stuff and displays, too. My uncle donated it there, for some strange reason. We always felt that historic duplicate tent should have been in the Fram Museum." --From Karen Ronne Tupek.
Kommander Chr. Christensens Hvalfangstmuseum [Commander Chr. Christensen's Whaling Museum], Museumsgaten 39, N-3210 Sandefjord. Tel. +47-33-463251/63138. Fax +47-33-463784.
Date of foundation: 1917
Polar collections and displays: The largest whaling museum in Europe with displays and collections illustrating the development of whaling from primitive to modern times. Includes material from Gjoa, Fram and Maud expeditions. Library.
http://www.culture.no/engelsk02/listingereng02/vfol_eng.html
Sandefjordmuseene
N-3200 Sandefjord
Tel: +47 33 48 46 50 Fax: +47 33 46 37 84
Internet: www.whalingmuseum.com
2002
Open: All year
Time: Oct-April: Mon-Sat 1100-1500, Sun 1200-1600.
May-Aug: Every day 1100-1700.
Sep: Every day 1100-1600.
Price: 25,- (i), 20,- (g)
Guide: N, GB, D
Signpost: N
Distance: Sandefjord centre
Contact: Kommandør Christensens Hvalfangstmuseum
Tel: +47 33 48 46 50.
"In Sandefjord, there is a small museum, related to whaling or polar stuff, can't remember, but as I recall, it may have some Antarctic things there belonging to the Ronne family and definitely more relating to the Antarctic. It's in a small white one story building a few blocks away from the main hotel there, as I recall." --From Karen Ronne Tupek.
Norsk Sjofartsmuseum [Norwegian Maritime Museum], Bygdoynesveien 37, N-0286 Oslo 2.
Tel. +47-2-43-82-40. Fax +47-2-56-20-37.
Date of foundation: 1914, opened 1974
Polar collections and displays: Carries out research on and collects/displays relating to Norway's maritime history. The major exhibit is Gjoa, Amundsen's ship on his first crossing of the North-West Passage. Library and archives contains manuscripts, e.g. construction plans, concerning the polar ships Gjoa, Fram and Maud. Photographs of polar ships and Antarctic whaling.
Oslo Sjøfartsmuseet
Bygdøynesveien 37
0286 Oslo 2
Norway
National maritime museum, some interesting harpoon cannons and whaling exhibits nsm@hiof.no
"Right next to the Fram Museum. The Gjøa is actually outside the Fram museum and I'm not sure about the relevance of other exhibits at the Sjøfartsmuseum. It's a huge place and would certainly need good time to study it." --From Paul Chaplin
Roald Amundsens Minne, Postboks 91, N-1601 Fredrikstad, Norway
Polar collections and displays: Amundsen's birthplace.
South of Oslo not far from the Amundsen house.
http://www.roaldamundsen.no/English_mainpage.htm
Roald Amundsen Senter
Framveien 7
1659 Torp
Norway
Opening hours all days: 11.00 - 16.00
Tel.: +(47) 69 34 83 26
Roald Amundsen's childhood home is more than just a museum. The Centre can offer a magnificent museum of Roald Amundsen's life and expeditions. The location of Amundsen`s childhood home is perfect for all different kinds of festivities. We also arrange small and large conferences.
The polar explorer Roald Amundsen was born in 1872 on the family estate at Hvidsten, which lies between Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad.
The Centre is run by the Foundation of Roald Amundsen's Memory (Stiftelsen Roald Amundsens Minne).
The polar explorer Roald Amundsen was born in 1872 on the family estate at Hvidsten, which lies between Sarpsborg and Fredrikstad. Amundsens's childhood home dates from 1860 and remains almost unaltered in the last 100 years. The building is in the late Empire style and is situated in a scienic area near the Glomma, Norway's longest river.
A large stone monument showing a relief of Roald Amundsen was erected here on December 16, 1928 in memory of his extradordinary polar expeditions. . . .
In conjunction with the museum at Roald Amundsen's childhood home, the old barn has been replaced by a new one. This now houses a tourist and cultural centre open to visitors who wish to learn more about the life and times of the explorer.
Also: http://www.norwaypost.no/Np/culture/musamundsen.html
Universitet i Oslo, Zoologisk Museum, Botanisk Hage, Sarsgate 1, N-0562 Oslo 5.
Tel. +47-22-851600. Fax +47-22-851837.
Date of foundation: ca. 1813
Polar collections and displays: Include specimens from both the Arctic and Antarctic.
Horten is on sw coast, in Oslo fjord. House was home of Martin Rønne (on Amundsen's south pole expedition), father of Finn Ronne.
"In Horton, a relatively small town, Martin Ronne lived (and Finn was born & raised) at Prestegate 13. We always ring the bell and the lady living there lets us in. Finn was born in the small den-like bedroom just off of the living room - December 20, 1899." --From Karen Ronne Tupek.
Horten is on sw coast, in Oslo fjord. In the cemetery is the grave of Martin Rønne (on Amundsen's south pole expedition), father of Finn Ronne.
"The cemetery where Martin Ronne is buried is located down the hill from there, near a park in a flat area, just north of the main street area. I don't recall the name, but perhaps someone in town can tell you. I was under the impression it was the main, old cemetery, so shouldn't be hard to find. Martin's grave is sort of near the middle. My cousin just recently had the grave stone refinished, so the names are now in gold. The stone is black. Maren was his wife." --From Karen Ronne Tupek.
http://www.inntravel.co.uk/ski/guides/ski_fefor_n.htm
"In the heart of highland Norway, amongst the mountains of Peer Gynt's realm, is this deeply traditional, upland valley in the north of Gudbrandsdalen. It is an area of outstanding beauty, a splendid white wilderness, between the awesome Jotunheimen mountains and the Rondane National Park.
The historic Fefor Hotel's great traditions date back to 1891 when Captain Scott stayed here, a visit recorded in fascinating old photographs. It is easy to see why this magnificent location was chosen for the hotel: at nearly 1,000 metres the secluded Fefor Hotel is situated above a frozen lake in its own woodland dale. While the splendid style of a Victorian lodge remains in the lounges and dining room, the up-to-date facilities include a good-sized swimming pool, saunas, an outdoor ice rink and even a squash court. Owners Roy and Merethe welcome guests warmly, and there is a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The spacious dining room enjoys superb views across the lake, as do many of the bedrooms. Some are modern, some traditional - all are comfortable and simply furnished.
This is a cross-country skier's paradise and, with a wide range of more challenging trails, is ideal for those who want to improve their skills. We recommend beginners have a few hours with the local ski guide. Wonderful trails for all levels from novice upwards lead direct from the hotel across the frozen lake and into the snowy moorland and hills. There is a tow-lift nearby for some enjoyable downhill skiing or we are able to pre-book dog-sled excursions with local guide Bergsvein. With plenty to keep children amused, Fefor is excellent for families, and a great choice for a family holiday over Christmas or New Year.
Location: Highlands, central Norway
Village altitude: 950m
Cross-country skiing: 200km for all abilities from novice upwards to 1517m
Downhill skiing: 5km to 1550m (comprises 2 gentle slopes served by 1 lift)
Other activities: ice-skating, curling, swimming, squash, dog sledding, ice-fishing
Special breaks: 3-night breaks are available throughout the season from £520 per person, including a half-day guided dog-sled excursion
Hotel facilities: lounges, indoor pool, sauna, squash court, outdoor ice rink."
Larvik Maritime Museum is part of the Larvik Museums, located in the old custom house from the 1700s. Exhibitions from Larvik's maritime past including Colin Archer's boat building and Thor Heyerdahl's expiditions. An exhibition about the Viking trading post at Kaupang, original finds from the graves and town area.
Larvik Sjøfartsmuseet
Kirkestredet 11
3280 Larvik
Norway
Nice provincial whaling collection in the former third biggest "capital" of modern antarctic whaling.
In the town's little skerry park, Tollerodden, a stone's throw from the nautical museum, are placed statues of both Thor Heyerdahl and Colin Archer, reminding us of the great significance of the sea has had for Larvik. The old pilot boat Frithjof II, is a living monument to our coastal culture, whilst Farris Spring is worth the visit. The granite industry is important to Larvik, and to begin to undertand the Larvikitt's (Larvik Granite type) unique beauty, it is advised to visit the Town Square, centre of the town and it's pulsing heart. We have much on offer in Larvik!
Vestfold Fylkesmuseum.
Farmannveien 30
3111 Tønsberg
Norway
phone +47- 33 31 24 18
fax +47 33 31 89 09
http://www.museumsnett.no/vestfoldfylkesmuseum
Svend Foyn archive and superb collection of modern whale gear, much of which Foyn's original prototypes from obsolete manufacturers, much from the local manufacturer Henriksens Mek Verksted.
Martin Ronne's Veien/Gate.
"Outside of the town to the west, as I recall, in a sort of suburban neighborhood (if a small town has suburbs), there is a one-two block street named "Martin Ronne's Veien/Gate" with big signs at either end. You'd have to ask around about finding that." --From Karen Ronne Tupek.
Ronne, Finn. b. 1898, Horten, Norway. d. Jan. 12, 1980, Bethesda, Maryland. Son of Martin Ronne (Finn changed the ø into an o when he came to the USA in 1923). From 1924-39 he was a mechanical engineer at Westinghouse, during which time he was invited by Byrd to go on his 1933-35 expedition as ski expert, dog driver, and trail radio operator. This was the first of 9 Antarctic outings for Ronne, one of the greatest figures in Antarctic exploration. He was with Byrd again on the United States Antarctic Service Expedition (better known as the USAS), from 1939-41, in which he was second-in-command (chief of staff) of the party at East Base. A captain in the USNR, he organized his own private venture to Antarctica in 1947-48, the Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition, better known as the RARE, which wintered-over on Stonington Island in 1947. His wife, Edith, went along. His disproving of the mythical Ross-Weddell Graben finally proved Antarctica to be a continent. He was the IGY scientific and military leader at Ellsworth Station until Jan. 16, 1958, when he handed over to Paul Tidd and Matthew Brennan. Ronne wrote several books.
Rønne, Martin. b. 1861, Norway. d. 1932, Norway, of a cerebral hemorrhage. A sailor since childhood, he was with Amundsen on several Arctic trips, and went with Amundsen on the Norwegian Antarctic Expedition of 1910-12. He was not one of the shore party, but remained on the Fram as sailmaker. He was sailmaker, ski instructor, dog driver, and ice-pilot on Byrd's 1928-30 expedition, the only one on that expedition who had been in the Antarctic before. He was the father of Finn Ronne.
Ronne Antarctic Research Expedition. Better known by its initials, RARE. 1947-48. The last of the major private ventures to Antarctica, this was Finn Ronne's own private expedition, privately financed but with some government aid. It was sponsored by the American Antarctic Association, which had been formed for this purpose. 23 people left Beaumont, Texas, on Jan. 25, 1947, on the Port of Beaumont, Texas. They were Ronne, his wife, Schlossbach, Nichols, Petersen, Thompson, Lassiter, Charles Adams, Darlington and his wife, James Robert: son, Hassage, Latady, Fiske, Walter Smith, McClary, Gutenko, Kelsey, Dodson, McLean, Wood, Owen, and VaIdes. They arrived at Stonington Island in Marguerite Bay off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, on March 12, 1947, with 3 aircraft, 2 Weasels, dog sledges, and 43 dogs (at least, that's the number of dogs they had when they left Texas. Half of the dogs died of distemper en route to the Antarctic). They set up Main Base at Stonington Island, froze the Port of Beaumont, Texas in the ice for the winter, and wintered-over in 1947. They set up an advance base at Cape Keeler. They greatly extended the knowledge of Palmer Land, and explored south of 73°S, and between 35°W and 80°W. A half million square miles were covered by 14,000 trimetrogon aerial photographs, and several scientific investigations were made. They finally disproved the existence of the Ross-Weddell Graben. Two women wintering-over with 21 men led to a few problems. Jennie Darlington became pregnant and almost had her daughter in Antarctica (she just made it back to the USA in time), and the two husbands had a violent quarrel (Ronne barely mentions Darlington in his books), and the wives stopped communicating. The party left the Antarctic on Feb. 23, 1948, and arrived back in New York on April 15, 1948. The expedition led to a great interest in the Antarctic.
Ronne Ice Shelf. Centers on 78° 30'S, 61'W. Large body of ice at the head of the Weddell Sea, immediately to the west of the Filchner Ice Shelf, from which it is partially separated by Berkner Island. It is over 500 feet thick and extends to more than 520 miles inland. After the Ross Ice Shelf it is the largest body of ice in the world. The area was claimed by Britain in 1908, by Chile in 1940, and by Argentina in 1942. It is bounded on the west by the base of the Antarctic Peninsula and Ellsworth Land. In Nov. and Dec. 1947 Finn Ronne discovered it (or rather a thin strip along the northern portion of the entire ice shelf) and called it theJames Lassiter Ice Barrier, for James Lassiter. The huge stretch of land which Ronne presumed lay to the south of the ice shelf he named Edith Ronne Land, for his wife. In 1957-58 Ronne determined that the ice shelf went inland much further than he had thought, and took in most of what he had mapped as Edith Ronne Land.
--From Stewart's Antarctica--An Encyclopedia.