The Magic of Norway – Night Sky in January

SUMMARY

Dates: Friday January 16th to Friday January 23rd 2026

Guide: local hiking Guide , Grethe who is a certified Astro Guide and Catherine Jones, artist

Walking Grade: Goat 2 if you do all the activities on offer – we walk from the door of the hotel to experience the winter landscapes and walk in the evenings with the dark sky to observe the stars. Theer will be other activities son offer and you can choose what feels right for you. If you just want a January break, but not too much activity, that is fine to join us.

Base: Dalseter Mountain Hotel- 3 hours from Oslo Gardermoen Airport. We recommend arriving latest early afternoon for a 2pm transfer as it is a 3 hour drive. You will arrive in time to settle in before the evening meal. We recommend returning on flights late afternoon on Friday January 23rd.

There are other options if you can’t make these times as there is a train to Lillehammer from the airport where a cab will pick you up but it is an extra cost. Some people add on a night or two, either before or after the holiday, in Oslo.

Some guests have travelled overland and this is an adventurous option. We can advise on travel and can advise  if you would like a stop over in Oslo.

Airport Transport is included from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Dalseter return at the specific group transfer times.

Price: £1,650 per person for the holiday all inclusive:

• en-suite solo occupancy room with a stunning view ( a bath available on request)
• Extensive buffet breakfasts,
• Lunches either packed or in the restaurant depending on the activity.
• All evening meals
• Equipment hire – snow shoes/ski’s/sleds as required
• Two sessions with our resident artist Catherine Jones – meditative art and drawing snow without white.
• There is also free use of the pool and sauna.
• Group Airport transfer by coach from Oslo Gardermoen Airport to Dalseter return at the specified times.

Not included are flights to Oslo and any drinks from the bar.

If you are bringing a friend or partner there is a discount to £100 per person for the week . Price £1550  and we I’ll adjust your invoice after booking and paying your deposit of £200.

DETAILS

We are once again returning to the breathtaking landscape of Espedalen in Norway to Hotel Dalseter run by Grethe and her family. This is a firm favourite of WalkingWomen and we return again and again. This time for an exciting brand new week for WalkingWomen, led by Grethe, with her passion for her homeland and especially the night sky in winter – we hope clear and bright and maybe even the northern lights.

The Dalseter Mountain Hotel is right in the middle of this incredible landscape and the views are stunning. Most people who go here return for more. The food is traditional Norwegian and the Smorgasbord at breakfast is always a hit! There is a swimming pool, sauna and a cosy downstairs bar.

In residence we have an artist,Catherine Jones who is offering our guests the opportunity to be creative and try painting, drawing, Lino printing, tetrapak (engraving) printing and even some tapestry weaving. To perhaps learn a new skill that is a great pastime in the colder,winter months. You have 2 sessions included and then you can pay for more to suit your interests. All workshops are ideal for total beginners as well as for those with some experience. The art work will be taking inspiration from the beauty of the local scenery,flora and fauna so you can take home memories that you create.

You can find out more about her here Catherine Jones Art

ITINERARY

The itinerary for this week may change depending on the weather. It is planned for guests to have time to be outdoors, time to try new activities and time to swim, have saunas and just relax and be together as we start a new year.

For those who can cross country ski you will be able to take to the trails and ski but on this trip w don’t have newcomers tuition available.

You can expect: 

Arrival Friday 16th Jan : Pick up at the airport to arrival in Dalseter for an evening Welcome meeting before dinner at around 7pm.

Saturday to Thursday 22nd Jan : 6 days of activities 

7-9am Breakfast

10am – 12 noon a walk, snow shoe trail, cross country skiing or sledding

Lunch

Afternoon – an art workshop , walk, snow shoe trail , cross country skiing or sledding

Evenings – evening outdoors with a telescope, slide show about the area, a talk from a night sky expert ‘ What is beyond Orion’ – the world beyond what we see plus a variety of short walks to observe the sky.

There will be free time to swim and relax .

For those brave wild swimmers there may even be a chance to visit the frozen lake and break the ice to have a dip ! And for those loving silent walks in the snow skis can be taken off and we can walk off the beaten track on quiet paths.

Friday January 23rd – depart after breakfast around 10am.