Find tranquillity between historic trails and deep forest
At Sandviken Camping, you don't have to get in your car to find great nature experiences. In the north-east corner of the campsite you'll find the entrance to Øyan hiking area. Here we encourage our guests to practice «forest bathing» - a Japanese method of stress management where you walk slowly, listen to the birds chirping and breathe in the fresh scent of pine needles and moss. This is also the most beautiful way to get to Austbygde city centre, where you can reward yourself with freshly baked goods from the bakery after a leisurely walk along the river.
For those seeking a little more elevation and history, the paths at the entrance lead you up the sunny hillside. Here you can follow in the footsteps of previous generations up to Åseral homestead. This was once part of the Sandviken estate, where grain and barley were grown on the steep slopes. Along the path you can still see traces of the past, such as the old well and the remains of the bridge over Midtstråndbekken. Up here you can read the legends of the tough Hans Åseral, before continuing your walk towards Mobrannutes to enjoy the view of Lake Tinnsjøen.
Health benefits in every step
We like to say that the forest is our natural pharmacy. Research shows that time spent under the treetops lowers the stress hormone cortisol, strengthens the immune system and boosts self-esteem. The proximity to water and fresh air has a positive effect on our mental health that no fitness centre can match. At Sandviken, the forest is an extension of your living room, a place where you can re-energise and let your thoughts fly freely.
Our recommended tours (Pearls on a string)
Ingrid Wiens has prepared detailed descriptions of the most popular hiking opportunities in the area. You can download PDFs of these for your planning:
- Trolltur (7.2 km): A magical round trip that starts on the same route as Åseral, but here the children can look for trolls hiding in the forest.
- Lure cultural heritage site: A family-friendly tour with exciting historical features and the spectacular Lurefossen waterfall as a highlight.
- Gjuvhovd: A hidden gem for those who want a view that really takes your breath away.
- Pilgrimage walk: Follow the historic trail between the white churches along Lake Tinnsjøen - we offer a great «taster» of this traditional route.
- Røyslandsbergo and Sandven: Perfect excursions in Atrå for those who want to combine hiking with swimming in natural slides or on shallow beaches dating back to the Stone Age.
