Side Trips from Oslo - Norway - page 154

salmon at any of the delis in the area, along with drinks and bread, and enjoy a
picnic at Son, which is a good place to anchor for an hour or two to escape from
the industrialization along much of the fjord banks.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
The only reason to come here is to seek lodgings or food at the historic hotel
below. If it's too expensive for a luncheon stopover or an overnight visit, con-
sider enjoying that picnic previously recommended in the old fishing village of
Son (see above).
Hotel Refsnes Gods This is the most elegant and chic hotel in the
greater environs of Oslo. It originated with a soaring and fanciful pair of sym-
metrical towers in 1767 as the pleasure pavilion of the area's richest landowner.
Eventually, a modern wing containing bedrooms and lots of modern facilities
was added. Today the place is the largest and most stately looking building on
the mainly residential island of Jeløy.
Some aspects of this hotel evoke a sophisticated museum, partly because of
the five original drawings by Edvard Munch that hang in the public rooms, and
partly because each of the bedrooms displays original artworks by an individual
artist, usually Scandinavian. Expect a wide array of room styles, ranging from
small to spacious, from cozy and old-fashioned to modern, each with colors
evoked by the paintings they contain. Bathrooms are well maintained, each with
a tub/shower combination.
In a tasteful setting, you'll enjoy fixed-price meals, ranging from 295NOK
($42) for two courses up to 650NOK ($92) for six courses. Menu items, based
on European/Continental models, change with the season. Advance restaurant
reservations are recommended.
Godset 5, Island of Jeløy, N-1502 Moss. & 69-27-83-00. Fax [phone]. www.refsnesgods.no. 61 units.
Mon-Thurs 1,490NOK-1,690NOK ($212-$240) double, 2,390NOK ($339) suite; Fri-Sun and daily June
21-Aug 15 1,290NOK-1,490NOK ($183-$212) double, 2,390NOK ($339) suite. AE, DC, MC, V. From Moss,
drive 3.8km (2 miles) west of town, following the signs to Jeløy. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; heated (year-
round) outdoor pool; sauna; concierge; laundry service; dry cleaning; beach; boating. In room: TV, dataport,
minibar, hair dryer.
3 Fredrikstad: Norway's Oldest Fortified Town ¡
96km (60 miles) S of Oslo; 34km (20 miles) S of Moss
Lying at the mouth of Glomma River, Fredrikstad is Norway's oldest fortified
town. Visitors come here mainly to see the Old Town (Gamlebyen), one of the
best preserved in eastern Norway.
King Fredrik II founded the town as a trading post between the mainland of
Europe and western Scandinavia. Its characteristic landmarks are the 1880
cathedral and its delicate, silver arch Glomma Bridge, which stretches 824m
(2,703 ft.) from end to end and rises 40m (131 ft.) over the water.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE Trains from Oslo's Central Station depart for Fredrikstad
about every 2 hours. The trip takes about 1 hour from central Oslo. Call
& 81-50-08-88 or visit www.nsb.no for rail information.
There is frequent bus service daily from Oslo to Fredrikstad, the trip taking
1 1 ⁄ 2 hours. Take Highway E6 south from Oslo heading toward Moss. Continue
past Moss until you reach the junction at Route 110, and follow the signs south
to Fredrikstad. Visit www.nor-way.no for information.