What’s special about March?

Usually during the first half of March, parts of the fjord are still frozen over.  It is then possible to walk, ski or (if not covered by snow) skate on the fjord – although always important to follow the safe marked paths.

If and when the fjord freezes over, the Oslo ferry boat to and from Vollen cannot sail.  So during these weeks traveling to Oslo means taking the bus or driving.

The ice-skating rink at Risenga is kept in excellent condition.  It’s only a few minutes drive from Vollen.  Some of the local Vollen lakes may have parts swept clear of snow and are good for skating or a game of bandy.

For more information about skating, visit the page in “Sports and other Activities”

For those who don’t skate, it is also possible to walk on the ice, using “brodder” – the spiked fitment for boot-soles.  You can buy these in Vollen apotek – the local chemist shop. We usually have a couple of pairs which you can borrow in the apartment.  Brodder come in two varieties – for walking or for training.  Those pictured are for putting on shoes or boots for walking and cost about NOK 280,-

Skiskyting i Kollen (Biathlon at the Holmenkollen ski centre in Oslo)
The biathlon races are held on 20th – 22nd March 2020. The world’s best skiers will be competing in sprint, hunting start and relay at one of the most famous ski arenas in the world.

RAW AIR – super final
At Vikersund the super final of the  ski jumping on the world’s highest ski jumping hill will be held on the 6th – 15 March 2020.
Spectators enjoy amazing feats of ski-flying and quite possibly world records!   You can buy tickets and see the programme for 2020 by clicking here

Easter holidays can fall either in March or April and for school children this means 10 days free with return to school on the Tuesday after Easter Sunday.

In Norway, Påskeferie (Easter school holiday) begins on Friday afternoon before Palme Søndag (Palm Sunday). In 2020 Palm Sunday is on April 5th. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday (in 2020 on 9th, 10th and 13th April) are public holidays in Norway.  On Saturday, 11th April, which in Norway is called Påskeaften (Easter Eve), shops close early and many families gather for a special dinner.  Many people, and especially families with school age children, leave for their mountain chalets to enjoy hytteliv (chalet holiday life) and hopefully get the first tan of the season when outdoors for winter sports.

Children in Norway look forward to receiving decorated cardboard Easter eggs on Påskeaften (the afternoon before Easter Sunday). The eggs are filled with small toys, candies or chocolate.

Life in Norway slows down during these 10 days and it is important to check opening times for shops, museums etc.  In general shops are only closed on Thursday and Friday, with a short day on Saturday and again closed on Monday.
All alcoholic drinks, except low strength beer, is sold in the State owned Vinmonopol shops.The closest wine monopoly shop (vinmonopol) is in Slemmestad, 3 km south of Vollen. This is closed on national holidays & Sundays and early on Saturdays.

Some of the small specialty shops and cafés in Vollen village remain open throughout Easter.

Places especially worth going to in March