Geithus is situated in the most beautiful valley in Norway. That of
course pretty nearly means the most beautiful valley in the world, and
coming to think of it, since the Earth is the most beautiful planet
thinkable, it's actually the most beautiful valley in the universe. It's
known as the 'Valley of Artists', and there sure are a few artists here
now, but a century ago, in the national romantic phase, the place
thronged with them. Two of the most famous spent their lifetimes here.
Christian Skredsvig was born in Geithus, later he went somewhat further
up the valley, to Eggedal, where he settled and took to landscape
painting. There, Theodor Kittelsen joined him. Those of you who know his
art get the impression that he makes his landscapes a little more
magical than a landscape really can be. That may be so, but it's not as
far from the truth as you think. Skredsvig painted lots of landscapes
and they look exaggerated too, but believe me or not, these are just
about right. Natural beauty is extraordinary here, the pastures,
meadows, forests, hills and lakes, something any occasional visitor can
see. But when you stay here for a while, you get to know the deeper
grounds of it. I don't know exactly what they are yet (I only came here
in 1996), but it's something with the weather and the light in different
times of the year and of the day, the weather seems to make love to the
landscape somehow, it's like the whole valley is enchanted.

People have enjoyed themselves here before, too. In the stone age, some
6000 years ago, they made rock carvings at a river crossing just 10
minutes walk from my home. The one of the elks copulating is quite
famous. There are a few more regular tourist attractions of which I
could mention a couple. Blaafarveværket is an old cobalt mine and dye
factory which is turned into an art museum and general experience park
with the mine and factory as part of the exhibits. Then there is
Krøderbanen, a museum railway where you can get a ride in discarded NSB
material. The train robbery staged once or twice a year is quite popular
with kids.

Then, there is the Furumo rink. Maybe not the fastest rink in the world,
but one of the nicest. And certainly one of the fastest outdoor lowland
rinks. Only Warsaw is ahead.

This, you can believe, at least, if nothing else.

LEF