BATTLEFIELD TOURS TO RJUKAN TELEMARK
From May to September 2010
The Heavy Water Sabotage action at Vemork
"The Heroes of Telemark"
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Program
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Day 1
We depart
from the mainline bus/train station at Kristiansand southern Norway 10 am
presis. Our journey takes us north through the Setesdal valley to Rjukan and Telemark.
Along the way we take time to look at Evjemoen camp, an ex Norwegian military
establishment re-built, and used by the Germans during the occupation of
Norway between 1940-45. We also visit the museum there which gives a
graphic description of military activity and life there from the
beginning of the last century. From Evjemoen we continue north with a
brief stop at the regional centre of Evje and take a look at the spectacular Syrtveit waterfalls.
On our way towards Telemark we visit war graves of fallen allied
airmen at Bygland. We hear about an air battle over the area where the
second world wars first Flying fortress was shot down by German fighter
aircraft. Continuing northwards we
have a well deserved break at the beautiful natur spot at Honnevje in
the Setesdal valley. Hovden, one of southern Norway`s primary ski
resorts at the very top of the Setesdal valley is
our next port of call. From there, we continue on our journey to
Telemark, and our high mountain hotell at Skinnarbu. We arrive approx 7
pm. There will be ample time to shower and change before dinner, and
enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the spectacular veiws over the
Hardanger vidda mountain range.
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Day 2
Breakfast;
we drive the short distance to to the start of the famous "Heavy
Water" sabotage route with our experienced and knowlegeble guide.
We re-enact the Norwegian sabotuers route that they took on the evening
of the 27 February 1943. We hear what happened that evening, and the events leading
up to, and after the action was carried out. We also take a look at the
route used by the sabotuers down into the gorge and up the other side to
their intended target; the hydro electric power staion at Vemork and the
supply of Heavy Water which was stored there. We continue by bus up to
the museum, and are given a guided tour by one of Vemorks capable multi-lingual guides, and watch a short film "If Hitler had the
Bomb". On our way back to the hotell we will have the opportunity
to visit a statue of Claus Helberg and taste some light,
traditional Nowegian snacks at the 140 year old "krokken"
hytte which is situated near by. Dinner and
social evening at the Skinnarbu High mountain hotell with specially
invited guests.
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Day 3
Breakfast: We continue our tour with a trip by cable car to the top of the Hardanger mountain plateau. After absorbing the fantastic views over Rjukan and Gausta mountain we continue onto Rjukan for a short visit and some shopping/sightseeing. From Rjukan we drive the short distance to Mæl village on the edge of the Tinnsjø lake to hear about the last operation to destroy Hitlers attempt to make an atomic bomb. In February 1944 three Norwegian sabotuers made their way on board the ferry Hydro and placed a time fuse connected to explosives supplyed by the Special Operations Excutive in London. We take a look at Hydros sister ship Ammonia and meet one of the sabotuers involved in this, in what was to be the last operation involving Heavy water. From Mæl we start our journey home to Kristiansand stopping briefly along the way at the village of Dalen in Telemark where we hear about several intriging episodes experienced by Claus Helberg after the attack on Vemork, his subsequent arrest and escape from his Nazi guards. From Dalen we head westwards to Valle in Setesdal where we take the leisurely drive south and onto kristiansand arriving approx 8 pm.
Price: £ 395,- per person without travel
Single room supplement; £ 55,- What is included:
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2 nights fullboard Skinnarbu High mountain Hotell (sharing double room)
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2 evening meals
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2 traditional Norwegian Breakfasts
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2 packed lunches (sandwiches/hot drink)
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Transport through-out plus travel leader and guide
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Free entry to Vemork museum
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Free tour with Europes first cable car Krosso banen.
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Free entry to Evjemoen defence museum
We can, if neccesary organize flights etc to/from Kristiansand where the tour will begin and finish.
Destination Setesdal can also produce taylor made travel programs for those travelling from the UK/Central Europe or the USA. Wish to stay longer, or arrive earlier and/or stay later? Destination Setesdal can arrange hotel and a suitable itinery to suit your needs.
Do you want to be with us for only part of the tour? We can arrange Helicopter transport, or other forms of transport (bus/train/hired car) for you and your baggage at reasonable prices to/from Rjukan.
Battlefield tours to Norway
