Cecilie Moestue

Kaupanger is one of my favorite places near Sogndal in Sogn og Fjordane county in Norway. When I read in the Norwegian magazine, D2, about Knaken café, I knew that this would be my pitstop next summer.

It is a family run café located in the old sheepbarn belonging to Kaupanger Manor, an old titled farm.



The owners, the Knagenhjelm family, celebrated their 300 year anniversary in Kaupanger in 2010. Today, Christoffer Knagenhjelm (picture), who is the 10th generation, runs the farm. He and his wife are both archaeologists, and also offer guided tours of Kaupanger.
Photos: kpsf.no, Knaken.no and The adventures of Labb and Laboline

This amazing place to stay is located on Skrova, an island off the Lofoten town of Svolvaer. A Norwegian couple has transformed an oil tank into a modern home over three floors. For you to rent! Read the fascinating story and see more photos on their website Oljetanken.

All photos: Oljetanken.no

The area of Piemonte in Italy has many beautiful places to stay. Is it possible to say that one of them is “the best place to stay”? Well, I don´t know, but what I know is that if you are in the Roero area Villa Tiboldi will be high up on the list. Try it if you are in the area. And tell me what you think.

After a long summer I start dreaming of where to go next year. For the ultimate Swedish experience I think you must visit Wreta near Stockholm. Their homepage is full of beautiful photos – enjoy nine of them here. Maybe you´ll dream like me?

All photos: wreta.com

Are you going to the western part of Norway this summer? Why not have a pitstop at Patina café in Evanger near Voss? Here you can enjoy homemade cakes or lunch and have a stroll through their second hand shop. This year you can even stay overnight. They have two lovely apartments for rent. See you there!

Laurence has once again written some travel tips for foodies. This time it is in Paris, last time it was New York. So if you ar going to the french capital soon, take a look at her blogpost and enjoy her photos.

All photos: laurencefranskadelikatesser.blogspot.com

On the island of Tysnes you find an amazing place, Haaheim Gaard. Torstein, the owner writes on his website: “An oasis for the good life. Savour the flavours of a bygone era in the restaurant, wake up to the smell of newly-baked bread fresh from the oven. Breakfast is served when the sun shines through the small window panes of our elegant guest rooms.” What a nice invitation – I hope I´ll find time for a visit this summer!
Photos: Haaheim Gaard and Fryd og glede

Soon the summer holiday starts! In my opinion the best place to spend it is in Norway. Our country has a lot to offer, and the best time to see it is during summer. Why not choose Hardangerfjord? It is one of my favorite fjords. These photos are from Herand, a small village in Hardanger. The place has a nice pizza restaurant, “Meieriet”, in the old dairy building. I recommend stopping here and have som nice home-made pizza from the old wood-fired oven.

Last week I was in Arendal, in the southern part of Norway. We had dinner at an excellent restaurant called Bark, situated in “Langbrygga” in the center of Arendal. The place has lovely food, nice staff and the interior is amazing. The chef, Robert Petersen, has worked at Noma in Copenhagen, and the restaurant manager, Agnete Johansen, has experience from Statholdergaarden in Oslo.

A new hotel has opened in Oslo! The Saga Hotel. From the photos it looks as a brilliant choice for travellers who seek away from the chain hotels in the city centre. It is situated in the Frogner area.