During World War 2, the Germans were producing heavy water in occupied Norway. The heavy water was intended for the Nazi Atom bomb programme. Realising the significance of this, a group of Royal Engineer Marines flew into occupied Norway intending on blowing up the factory. However the Marines were either killed as their gliders crashed into the mountains or were captured and executed. The local resistance knew they had to sabotage the hydro plant where the Germans were producing the heavy water, and against all odds the resistance mounted a successful raid and blew up the machinery. However the Germans had anticipated an attack and quickly repaired the damage. A quantity of heavy water was then produced and was on its way to Germany when the resistance sank the ferry that was transporting the valuable cargo. It is fair to say that without the efforts of these brave men, we could all be speaking German now.
For a full detailed description click here
This trip is to walk in the footsteps of the resistance fighters. We will walk the route that they took to bomb the factory, known as the ‘Saboteurs Trail’, and we will visit the hydro plant where there is a museum to honour these brave men.
Whilst in the area we might as well take in Gaustatoppen, which is described as the most beautiful mountain in Norway, and enjoy the views over a sixth of the country. With an evening and day to explore Oslo this is an excellent value for money trip.
Gaustatoppen
SORRY - ALL PLACES FOR THIS TRIP HAVE BEEN SOLD OUT. KEEP AN EYE ON OUR WEBSITE FOR FUTURE TRIPS
Itinerary
Friday 2nd April 2021
07.45hrs - Check in at Manchester Airport
09.45hrs - Depart Manchester Airport
11.45hrs - Arrive Oslo Airport
12.30hrs - Collect hire car (Nissan Quashquai with 4WD)
Drive to Rjukan - 3 hours
Night in Rjukan Gjestegaard Hotel - 4 bunk beds
Evening meal at Rjukan
Saturday 3rd April 2021
08.00hrs - Breakfast
09.00hrs - Saboteurs walk - 3 hours
12.00hrs - Look around museum
14.00hrs - Explore area
Night in Rjukan Gjestegaard Hotel - 4 bunk beds
Evening meal at Rjukan
Sunday 4th April 2021
08.00hrs - Breakfast
09.00hrs - Drive to Stavsro car park (1170 metres)- 25 mins
09.30hrs - Walk up Gaustatoppen (1883 metres) - 5 miles return - 4 hours - Best view of Norway
14.00hrs - Drive to Oslo 2.5 hours
17.00hrs - Check into Forenom Aparthotel
18.00hrs - Evening meal and explore the capital
Monday 5th April 2021
08.00hrs - Breakfast
09.00hrs - Check out of apartment - Explore Oslo
16.00hrs - Drive to airport
17.00hrs - Check in
19.00hrs - Depart Oslo
20.05hrs - Arrive Manchester
Cost - £300 per person
Whats included
Transport to and from Manchester Airport & Airport car parking
Return flights to Oslo
Hire car for 4 days - Shared 4 ways
Petrol costs for journey
2 x nights accommodation at Rjukan Gjestegaard
1 x night accomodation at Forenom Aparthotel
Toll road fees
Petrol costs
What’s not included
Any meals
Drinks and beverages
Note
You will need 6 months valid on your passport
Alcohol is expensive (average £50 for a bottle of wine) so may well be worth getting some at the duty free on the outward journey
Exchange rate at time of planning £1 = 12.05 Norwegian Kroner
Full winter walking kit required
