Destinasjon Trysil – Go pedalling on new paths in Trysil
Text: Ingrid Opstad | Photos © Destinasjon Trysil
Many people associate Trysil with winter and skiing, but did you know that in recent years it has also become an attractive place to visit during the warmer seasons? Since 2014, Destination Trysil has been focusing on expanding its family-friendly summer activities to become a year-round holiday destination, and today it is the top location in Norway when it comes to mountain biking.
A comfortable two-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Oslo will take you to the largest skiing destination in all of Norway: Trysil. Here, surrounded by unspoiled nature, tourists have been coming to experience the great outdoors in the winter for years. However, with its deep forests, wild rivers, and impressive mountains, Trysil is also an ideal destination for summer activities, such as family-friendly mountain biking, white-water rafting, hiking, and fishing.
“Our aim is to invest 25 million Norwegian kroner in Trysil and become the leading mountain bike destination in Scandinavia by 2020. We have already added over 50 kilometres of purpose-built trails, graded from easy to very difficult, as well as two bike parks, and we have over 100 kilometres of natural trails, which are well used by our visitors,” says Gudrun Sanaker Lohne, destination manager at Destination Trysil. “We have already seen an increase in visitors, with 30 per cent just in the last year. There were over 200,000 rounds done in our bike arena during 2018!”
For sporty and outdoorsy people
Proud to offer exciting biking opportunities with a varied selection of challenges, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced mountain biker, Trysil has become the go-to place for adventure-seeking families and mountain bike enthusiasts from all over the globe.
It was during a trip abroad, in Scotland, that Lohne and her colleagues noticed how popular mountain biking was and decided, after consulting the firm Bike Solutions, to start facilitating biking in forests and fields in Trysil. “We are well on our way to creating an optimal setting for mountain biking in an exciting and family-friendly environment. I always say that as long as you are sporty and outdoorsy, you will have an amazing time here!”
There is something for everyone at Trysil Bike Arena, and a visit to Gullia is almost compulsory. This completely unique bike area is full of playful and fun trails for the whole family to enjoy. It offers several impressive wooden bridges and custom-built bike elements. Another exciting area is Magic Moose, one of the longest flow trails in Europe. The seven-kilometre-long trail is located right in the middle of the ski area, which is easily accessed via the chair lift. “In addition, we have two other exciting bike areas: GT Bike Park, which has four jump lines, and the other, which is super popular: a paved Pump Track,” says Lohne.
Essentials
When pedalling on new paths, maps are essential to plan your ride. “We have new, updated maps available in the app Singletracker. They include more than 100 kilometres of colour-graded trails, both natural and built,” says Lohne and explains that the area also has rental places where you can find everything needed for your adventures. “You can rent bikes and accessories for the whole family. If you are a beginner, a great way to start is by getting a bike instructor or a guide to help you have the best and safest experience possible.”
Something exciting and new every day
Trysil is not only for biking; there are plenty of other active experiences to enjoy during the summer. “The climbing park Høyt & Lavt Trysil is very popular and special, because it runs over and along the bike trails. We also have a large 18-hole golf course in addition to many family-friendly hiking trips and river activities such as rafting. You can stay in Trysil for a long time and do something exciting and new every day.”
When planning your next summer holiday, make sure to consider Trysil and everything this idyllic location in eastern Norway has to offer. “Whether you’re going on a trip with your family or with your partner or a group of friends, you’ll find plenty of things to do here. I can guarantee that you will never have a dull moment,” she smiles.
Happenings this summer in Trysil:
Trysil Bike Festival: 20 – 30 June
Utflukt Mountain Bike Festival: 20 – 23 June
Terrengsykkel Ungdomscamp (Mountain Bike Youth Camp): 23 – 28 June
Stijakta–aninteractive and exciting trail hunt in the bike arena: 29 June
Family day in Gullia: 30 June
Facebook: trysilcom Instagram: @trysilcom trysil.com
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