Eldorado in Totenvika: EVJUA BEACH PARK

Evjua Strandpark is located in Totenvika on the west side of Norway's largest lake Mjøsa, about an hour's drive north of Oslo. It is August and late summer when we arrive, perhaps a hidden gem for many camping enthusiasts. From the main road you can look down towards the large park area. Groups of caravans and cars light up, as white contrasts to the blue water and the green-clad landscape.

Idyll

A gentle guy welcomes and presents himself as Mats Reinsby, general manager. We start the hike towards the camping area, which is peacefully and idyllically located down to the water. - "We are still at a safe height with regard to the water level" - emphasizes Mats.
- «You can choose from places at the beach, near the marina, in the activity area, or at the service building. We have permanent places and 24-hour places for carriages and motorhomes, as well as areas for tents. ”-

Who is your typical guest? - "We have many visitors from the surrounding area and Upper Roman Empire. But there are people from Oslo and Akershus, as well as from North-West Norway, Ålesund and the Mørek Coast. At times, Germans and Dutch come by, "- says Mats.

How long has the family run this place? - "My father Ola Reinsby, started here with a small marina over 30 years ago," says Mats proudly. - So I "grew up with Evjua". After all, there were always bathers down here, so my dad eventually got a kiosk selling ice cream, soft drinks and snacks. In 2005 he built a cafe with light dining and rented out boat seats »-.

shipping Traditions

- What made you invest in camping? - "The number of guests increased from year to year and we were constantly asked if they could put their caravan here. Eventually the 2010 service building came up. As you can see, all the buildings here are inspired by shipping at Mjøsa ”- says Mats as he shows us around. -Is there been a lot of shipping at Mjøsa? - "Oh yes, there has been a lot of business and many boat owners over the years. Here were harbors, railways and a long history of shipping. ”- says Mats, who adds that his father Ola spent many years thinking about developing the area into something more than a favorite bathing place. The incredibly rich and exciting history of shipping in Totenvika, was formed the idea of ​​shipping and rail history from the Lake Region to characterize the area.

Skibladner brew

We walk out into the jetty area and on the jetty a "Skladadner" sign lights up against us.

- So this is where "Mjøsa's white swan adds? Mats smiles broadly: - "Yes, in 2016 we were asked if we could make a brew to receive Skibladner. Which of course we were not against. There was full coverage of NKK during the opening and the world's oldest steamer could add. A success that has become a regular tradition every Sunday during the summer season. Then you can embark on an 4-5 hour journey »-.

Local specialties

At the jetty we put the restaurant close to sea. Viken II, designed as an old Mjøs boat and has a spectacular view of Helgøya, Hamar and Stange. - "The name is taken after the ship Viken which was operating on Mjøsa from 1873 and for almost a hundred years until it sank in 1970" - explains Mats. - "Einar Haugland, accountant at D / S Viken lived for many years here in the Captain's house on Evjua, which has already become an accommodation. Several guests say they have felt it swing under their feet when they leave the restaurant, "- he laughs. No wonder perhaps, because one quickly gets the feeling of being aboard a boat. But in good weather you can find a table "out on the deck".

concerts

Some weekends during the summer season, food evenings and concerts are arranged. Not to forget Bryggefest and Children's Day, which has been a mega success in recent years! A look at the menu confirms local food traditions, based on short-lived local produce. - We are very lucky to have a restaurant in the middle of the dish! The raw materials are largely obtained from the farms around or directly from our farm. Not least, we are proud of our homemade farm beer - a fresh American Pale Ale. By the way, bigger companies are also arranging here, such as weddings and anniversaries, Mats proudly concludes.

Boat harbor with all amenities

In the harbor, the boats are row and row. Full activity with clearing is in progress and boats are going up on trailers, for Øvre Romerike Trolling Club has had hits this weekend. The club is engaged in advanced trout fishing in Mjøsa and has regular annual hits on Evjua.
- It's a pretty big marina you have here. - "Yes, we have many boat guests and several have fixed space here. Resident campers receive a discounted price on boat space. Inside the harbor there are guest spots right by the restaurant. There are many who come to the sea to get a bite to eat '- explains Mats, adding that it is free to stay here and have access to electricity, water and toilets, as well as showers and sinks in the service building. The modern service building has everything you need, from bathroom and laundry room to playroom and SPA room with whirlpool bath and space for the whole family.

Full activity

We continue on to the beautiful sandy beach. Here it is really rigged for swimming. A few meters away is the Nature Climbing Park. The equipment is made of natural materials as the name implies and glides nicely into the surrounding nature - completely plastic-free! It's full of activity and Anna at 9 years is deeply focused on fixing the hook properly. With beach volleyball, swimming, trampoline jumping, sandbox and slide for the little ones go about each other in beautiful association. There is plenty to do here.

many deals

- What else can visitors spend time with? - "Oh, it's not so small" - says Mats. - "Totenvika is a paradise for the hikers. You can choose between idyllic farm roads, the beach path along Mjøsa, or top trips to vantage points on Totenåsen. We rent boats with or without a captain and there are many nice stops and within an hour's radius. Or how about a RIB safari? Fishing trips are also popular. ”- During the summer season concerts, brewing parties and Children's Day - a mega success in recent years. Here the whole family gets a free day full of fun for the kids. The program includes face painting, drawing competition, fishing, cozy pets, climbing jungle play, and exciting treasure hunting. Several animals live in the farm area and the hens in the yard are also a popular feature.

Winter camping for ski lifts

- "This is the perfect place for winter camping, a short distance from Oslo" - exclaims Mats, adding: - "With a huge light trail network here in Totenvika and Totenåsen, there is plenty of space for Sunday tourists, exercise enthusiasts and competition runners. He points out - here are great ski runs just outside the Captain's residence. The ski trail goes straight from the campsite, and straight out into many hiking trails over the idyllic farm roads in Totenvika. Ice fishing is right outside the "door", where you can peel perch, trout, lake and many other species. -Is it all year-round camping here? - "Yes we started posting winter pitches in 2017 and there is a growing interest in winter camping. We hope that many more will know about us and look forward to meeting many of our readers here next year ”- concludes Mats. It has been an interesting tour and we highly recommend to visit Evjua Strandpark.

Facts about Skreia

Skreia is a village in Østre Toten municipality in Oppland. Skreia was previously the terminus for the Skrei train which went from Reinsvoll on the Gjøvik track to 1987. The course was closed in 1988.

Famous people from Skreia: Inger Lise Rypdal, May Brit Andersen, paints Paul Lillo-Stenberg and others

Trade: Several shops, hairdressers, kiosk, grocery stores, accounting office, car repair shop, gas stations, plumber and medical center. Short distance to the shopping center Gjøvik.

Main industry: Kims factory, manufacturer of snacks for the whole of Norway.

Camping: Evjua Strandpark offers camping; fixed and round-the-clock. Climbing park, beach, restaurant, banquet facilities and marina.

A large selection of leisure activities

• Boat trips at Mjøsa: Daycruiser is rented with or without a captain.
• Ski leaflets: "The world's oldest wheel steamer" adds to the quay every Sunday from Evjua.
• Beach volleyball on the course: Good sand with professional net and marking.
• Fishing trips: Lake Mjøsa has many exciting fish species. Hire an Alufish '.
• Gallery and garden visits: Travel to Totenvika Gallery and Culture Café. Continue on to the beautiful Fredheim Cottage Garden. Suitable for cycling.
• Winter: Large trail net for skiing and own ice fishing.
• Hammastranden and Hvervenknappen: Top trips and fantastic views of Mjøsa.
• On a tour with Iceland horse at Isigard: Experience the Mjøs district from the horseback.
• Nature Climbing Park Everything in environmentally friendly natural materials.
• Canoe or kayak hire and set out on your own.
• Panene ground: Several beautiful stretches of lake Mjøsa, through woodlands over streams and over farm yard. Own bike path.
• RIB safari: Fast-paced action tours or safari with your own guide.
• Walk in the footsteps of Peder Balkes: Experience the best food and cultural experiences from the village he was so fond of.