With dramatic fjords, idyllic islands, whimsical churches, peaceful saunas, and an impressive historic canal, life in Norway’s Telemark region, about a four-hour drive east of Oslo, is often said to be fairytale-like. Now there’s a new wondrous attraction: a treetop walk in Haramen Activity Park.
The fully accessible trail allows visitors of all ages to feel like they’re floating above the pine forests of Fyresdal Mountain, nearly 50 feet in the air. The 3,280-foot long and 6.5-foot wide boardwalk — thoughtfully designed to match the natural curves of the slopes — starts on the forest floor. It works its way up along the Fyresvatn Lake to the summit of Klokkarhamaren, a rock formation, and goes along mountain ridges and above treetops. The path leads to a nearly 164-foot diameter circular viewpoint, where visitors can take in the scenery of the forest, rocky mountains, and clear lakes.
This treetop walking trail in Norway offers stunning views
“The real task before us was to reconnect people with nature and create a design that would enhance the experience of the visitors — taking them on a slow and poetic walk through the forest canopy, culminating in a rush of excitement as they take in a scenic view of the lake against the sky at 60 meters (197 feet) above lake water level,” Tue Foged, one of the founders of Copenhagen architecture firm Effekt, which designed the project, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “Although it is a small gesture in the bigger picture, we hope that granting people free and universal access to experience the sublime nature of this site, can serve as an example for others.”
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To really give a sense of blending in, the pathway was built with locally-sourced pinewood, giving visitors the illusion of truly gliding along the canopy. Simplicity was also a priority during construction to have a minimal effect on the natural setting, as Effekt worked with local contractor Inge Aamlid to come up with a system that used small pre-fabricated elements that could be built using small machines or by hand.
The walking trail has been in development since 2017, when the idea came about to create a path that everyone could experience, regardless of their physical abilities and restrictions. As a result, the gently inclined path is as suitable for cyclists and walkers as it is for strollers and wheelchairs.
(Hero and feature image credit: EFFEKT Architects; Rasmus HjortshÃ)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
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