Local Information
Information about Gräftåvallen
Gräftåvallen is a tiny mountain resort on the eastern slope
of the Oviken mountains out in the wilderness. It is located
approximately 600 km NNW of Stockholm. It is quite far north
(lat. 63 degrees), but it may surprise you that it is indeed very
close to the geographic center of Sweden. It is still quite a bit south
of Arctic circle, but close enough that we shall have daylight
around the clock at the time of the Workshop.
Gräftåvallen is located about 700 m above sea level just at the tree
line. It has a central building with a restaurant, a small store, sauna,
solarium, etc. Spread around the central building there are a number of
small cottages, each having a bathroom with shower, a small kitchen with
refrigerator, electric heating and a color TV. Most cottages
also have a nice front porth for basking in the afternoon sun.
All meals will be served in the restaurant in the central
building. The restaurant is licensed for wine and liquor, but
it should be mentioned that prices for alcoholic beverages are high
in Sweden.
There is a Laplander native population in the area and they keep
reindeer herds on the mountain side. There are also a variety of wild
animals. The surroundings are very scenic and great for outdoor activities.
The nearest mountain is "Östfjället", 1200 m above sea level. The
peak is only 4 km from Gräftåvallen. Other mountains are within
easy reach and there are several marked routes.
Our hosts at Gräftåvallen are Annika and Tommy Hagström, who
will make everything possible to make our stay a pleasant one.
Mail and telephone service
The mailing address during the Workshop is
Black Hole Workshop
Gräftåvallens Fjällanläggning
Box 129
S-840 44 Oviken
Sweden
Phone: +46-(0)643-52010
Fax: +46-(0)643-52335
46 is the code of Sweden, 0643 is the area code (skip 0 when calling
from abroad).
Since there are no phones in the cottages, it is recommended that
outside callers simply leave a message asking for a call back.
E-mail will NOT be available during the workshop.
Juri Poutanen can be reached by:
Phone: 46-8-164468, Fax: +46-8-7174719 (when in Stockholm, before the workshop)
or dialing his mobile phone:
+46-70-3139531 (070-3139531 in Sweden)
Recommended clothing and some tourist information
June is early summer in this area - the snow will be gone, but the terrain
can be wet. The afternoon temperature will usually
be in the range of 15-20C, but may be lower in the case of rain and
strong winds. The weather is usually clear and sunny in June and we
shall have daylight around the clock.
You will have use for practical heavy sport clothes such as a rain-
and windproof jacket, sweaters, heavy sport shoes. RUBBER BOOTS
are recommended for walking in the mountains as it will be quite wet.
A small back pack will be
useful to carry small things for those who will make short excursions.
Mittens or gloves and a cap or hat will also be useful. Some of the items
may be bought in the local store together with maps, route
descriptions, and mosquito repellents. Mosquito repellent with the most
effective but poisonous substances are no longer for sale in Sweden, so
you may want to buy the repellents in your home country.
Do not forget to bring sun glasses and sun lotion. There will be no point
in bringing formal clothes - you cannot use them up there!
For participants who plan a longer hiking trip there are cottages
open for overnight stops along the recommended mountain routes. You
are requested to bring your own sheets or sleeping-bag, since beds with
blankets and pillows are permanently available in these cottages. It is
also a good idea to bring a small compass.
Our hosts can provide the necessary equipment (e.g. tents) and maps.
There is a possibility to rent mountain bikes (at 100 SEK/day).
The area is great for fishing both in the lakes, rivers, and small streams.
Bring your own fishing equipment if you like to try. It will also be
possible to borrow the equipment.
Local costs
The registration fee - 800 SEK (about 100 USD, to be paid in cash during the
workshop in any major currency, preferably in SEK)
- covers proceedings, organized local transportation from Östersund
to Gräftåvallen on days before and after workshop, banquet dinner,
activities, etc. (Note: private
transportation could be ~300 SEK, or in the worst case ~1000 SEK by taxi).
Registration fee for students - 550 SEK.
Full board (June 29- July 4, 1998)
650 SEK/day X 5 full days = 3250 SEK (about 410 USD)
to be paid directly to the hotel at Gräftåvallen.
Major credit cards (except American Express) and
American Express traveller's checks are accepted.
Accompanying persons (staying in the same room):
Full board - 325 SEK/day X 5 = 1625 SEK (about 205 USD)
Registration fee - 550 SEK
(includes the same benefits as for participants except the proceedings).
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