Survival guide
Come prepared, and you’ll have more fun!
In the Survival Guide you’ll find some general advice and information that will help you make the most out of your participation in Vårlys.
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Vårlys is a co-created participatory event.
At Vårlys we cultivate community through creative interaction. There is no hired entertainment, no artists, no headliners or commissioned work. Vårlys is unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising.
There will be no sales or vending of any kind.
This means that you are responsible for the experience. There are no spectators, only participants. Your ideas, your songs, your initiatives and your projects are the main event. Your creativity is the fuel for Vårlys’ fire!
Vårlys is a leave-no-trace event. Whatever you bring you’ll have to take back home. Pack it in, pack it out!
Vårlys takes place at Herøya island in Steinsfjorden, close to Sundvollen, in a majestic Norwegian landscape. -
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Consent generally refers to a person's voluntary agreement to the proposal or desires of another. Consent comes into play in a variety of interactions that are common within the our community:
Physical affection ranging from touching someone as a simple gesture, to hugs, to sexual contact
Sharing food and beverages
Being photographed and/or filmed
Assigning and accepting work
Please think about your actions, requests and desires in relation to the person(s) you are interacting with at any point during Herlys (and beyond). Any breach of consent can be reported to the Rangers/Site Leads, and action will be taken according to the degree of severity.
Here are some simple, helpful tips:
Just ask!
Clear, explicit communication is the best way to avoid misunderstanding. Relying on assumptions is not enough. Always ask when sharing food and beverages, taking pictures or filming, assigning work tasks and for any form of physical contact.
Pay attention
Remember that not everyone is comfortable with the same type of physical contact or expression as you and may have different ways to communicate their boundaries.
Consent is revocable
A person’s comfort level may change depending on the situation.
Plan ahead
Talk about what you want to do before anything happens, ideally in a calm, sober environment.
Only YES means YES!
Anything less than a clear ‘Yes’ is not consent. Treat it as a ‘No’.
Intoxicated?
Approach situations with extra caution when one or more are intoxicated. If someone tells you ‘No’ - or doesn’t clearly say ‘Yes’ - treat it as a ‘No’.
How to
get there
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In order to get to Vårlys, you need to cross over to Herøya island on a small ferry that will be available at certain scheduled times.
There will also be a shuttle from the parking area / bus stop which is located slightly further away.
It is also possible to walk from the bus stop to the island docks (see Public Transportation tab)
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Both Gate and Shuttle (boat from island and shuttle to parking/pubaic transport) are open and operative at given times. Adhere to these when planning both arrival and departure.
Wednesday 29. May
Gate: 14:00 - 22:00
Shuttle: 15:00 - 21:00
Thursday 30. May
Gate: 14:00 - 22:00
Shuttle: 15:00 - 21:00
Friday 31. May
Gate: 14:00 - 22:00
Shuttle: 15:00 - 21:00
Saturday 01. June
No gate / no shuttle
If you cannot arrive before Saturday, you must contact the logistics and gate team on Discord.
Sunday 02. June
Gate: 10:00 - 16:00
Shuttle: 12:00 - 16:00
No boats will leave the island before 12:00. Help others and yourself to ensure you are in line with the Leave no trace principle while you wait!
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Bus 200 to Hønefoss from Oslo Bus Terminal.
If arriving during gate & shuttle hours, exit the bus at the stop Vik E16.
Bus tickets can be bought at Oslo Bus Terminal, through the operators ticket app (Brakar).
If you arrive outside of the scheduled shuttle hours, the closest bus stop is Vollgata. The walk to the docks is about 40 minutes. You must contact the logistics team on Discord before arriving outside of opening hours.
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Vårlys express takes you from Oslo all the way to Herøya. Traveling to site and back home can hardly get any more convenient than this.
Bus tickets can be purchased together with your membership.
The bus departs from Oslo Wednesday 29.05 at 18:00.
Return back to Oslo on Sunday 02.06 at 16:00.Meeting point in Oslo: Haakon VIIs gate 13
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We have a drop off spot at the dock near the ferry dock where you can drop off for your passengers and luggage.
You cannot park by the dock. You have to take your car to the designated parking spot at Vik. -
The main parking is at Vik Commuter Parking. There is a small shopping center with pharmacy, grocery store and Vinmonopolet (liquor store) close to the parking.
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Upon arrival you will receive a wristband that must be worn for the entirety of the event. If your wristband is torn or falls off, please keep it and get in touch wIth either Gate or a Ranger.
If you are seen without your wristband, you will be asked to prove you are legally at the event and, if you cannot, you will be told to leave.
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You’re responsible to conduct a proper cleaning and moop sweep of your camping area and any other areas and cabins you have contributed to in terms of art, workshops and activities before leaving.
Cabin check-out is Sunday 13:00.
All participants except the essential crew must leave the site by Sunday 16:00.
Being there
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On the map there is a red exclusion Zone.
These areas falls into one of two categories:
• Habitat management areas
• Private areas
Stay away from these areas.
Some of the cabins have private owners. If the cabin is not marked as part of the event, do not enter or go near as these belong to long-term renters. -
We have two flat fields for camping;
The quiet one
This camping is close to the docks and is a quiet location. You cannot swim or bathe in the lake by this camping. No amplified sound or content should be here.
The main one
More centrally located, with the possibility for amplified sound, content and swimming. This camping ground has more shade in the early morning hours and is more protected from the environment.
Other
Hammocks and tents can be pitched between our cabins and in the whole area that we are using, but not close to cabins and buildings that are not part of the event.
Disposable barbecues (engangsgrill) are not allowed.
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There are several taps on site where you can refill your water, and these will be marked with signs and on the map. The water taps are well water, and while not being particularly tasty, the water is perfectly safe to drink.
We also have access to better quality tap-water from the mainland. This tap is located near the docks.
Remember to bring enough containers to keep yourself hydrated.
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No dogs, pets or other live animals are allowed at the event. You will be turned away and denied access to both event and island if you bring an animal.
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All indoor locations on the island have a no shoe policy. This is to preserve the flooring in line with the Leave No Trace principle.
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There are several compost toilets located in proximity to the cabins, camping and communal areas. Do not dispose of anything but toilet paper, sawdust and what comes out of your body.
No wipes/tampons/trash.
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We do not allow participants to use gas or combustion heaters in their camp site. It can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is an extremely toxic and odorless gas which can’t be detected by humans.
You can use camping gas for cooking outside in dedicated zones. Disposable barbecues (engangsgrill) are not allowed.
No open fire is allowed on the island.
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The camping areas do not have electricity. We highly recommend that you bring a power bank to charge your devices.
The cabins do have power - and you might be able to borrow/use some there if you ask those in charge of the cabin.
What to bring
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• ID for check in
• Hand sanitizer
• First aid kit
• Food
• Drinks
• Cooler box
• Water containers
• Warm clothing
• Rain clothes
• Boots
• Tent
• Sleeping bag/bed linen
• Inflatable mattress
• Cup for drinks
• Plate
• Bowl
• Cutlery
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Toilet paper
• Trash bags
• Medications
• Prescriptions
• Contact lenses
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Extra batteries
• Portable ashtray -
• Hand sanitizer
• Painkillers
• Band-aid
• Sunscreen
• Eye wash solution
• Tampons/pads/menstrual cups
• Condoms
• Lip balm
• Aloe vera
• Insect repellent
• Earplugs
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• Art Installations
• Costumes
• Arts and crafts
• Instruments
• Decorations
• Earplugs
• Yoga mat
• Pillow
• Warm blanket
• Trolley -
• Dogs/pets/live animals
• Excessive packaging
• Weapons/fireworks
• Fire lanterns
• Flares
• Bean bags
• Feathers
• Glitter
• Disposable barbeques -
Moop is an acronym for “Matter out of place” and refers to anything and everything that is not of the land where the event takes place. This can mean anything that does not originate from the site. Examples can be cigarette butts, glitter, food waste and build materials.
Being a Leave No Trace event entails that there will be no trash cans at Herlys, which means that everything you bring in, you must take back with you. You pack it in, you pack it out.
Before you arrive:
• Remove excess packaging
• Avoid glass
• Leave your feathers, glitter, confetti and Styrofoam
Everyone is responsible for their own trash and campsite. We ask you to kindly carry a moop-bag with you and please pick up any moop you find during the event. Secure everything in your camp and on yourself.
Make a plan for how you are going to store and transport your MOOP. Please dispose of it responsibly. Do not dump your trash in quayside containers. If you brought it from home, you can take it home.
While preparing for Vårlys, keep in mind that you are responsible for yourself at all times, and that this event is an exercise in radical self-reliance.
There will be no vending at this event, so whatever you need to survive or wish to enjoy while participating, you are responsible for bringing it.
Be sure to bring what you need to survive and hopefully enjoy your time at the event. You can’t expect to go shopping for supplies during the event as you are dependent on boat transportation to get to and from the island.
Gifting is one of our principles, and a good expression of community, but you must take personal responsibility for yourself, your survival and wellbeing.
Participation
Vårlys is run by volunteers, and relies on the effort committed by the participants. Together, we are responsible for what this event is and can be.
When you secured your membership, you chose one of our volunteer roles. Check out the volunteering page in main navigation!
Health
and safety
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Ringerike Hospital
Arnold Dybsjords vei 1
3511 Hønefoss
Phone: +47 03525
15 min drive from Sundvollen. -
Boots Apotek Hole
Vik Torg,
3530 RøysePhone: +47 32 16 20 10
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Fire: 110
Police: 112
Ambulance: 113Keep in mind the limited medical support on-site before you consider placing yourself at risk. You are responsible for your own safety and your own actions.
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Open flames, pyrotechnics and other fire related activities are allowed in designated areas only.
Any activity, performance or installation involving fire must be preapproved before the event. With the exception of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces, open flames are not permitted indoors at any time. You are allowed to use tea lights in the cabins, but no other candles.
Fireworks are prohibited.
Keep barbeques and kerosene/gas burners at a safe distance from structures, vegetation and tents.
We prohibit the use of gas/fire-sources inside tents or cabins as it can lead to suffocation, loss of consciousness and poses an extreme fire hazard.
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Rangers are participants (like you) who volunteer a portion of their time to support the safety and well-being of others.
If you are in need of urgent help or assistance, the Rangers also act as an initial point of contact with the Site Leads. -
Each cabin and campground will have a map showing the nearest meeting point. Participants are encouraged to ensure their basic first aid needs. In case of emergency first aid kits are available at HQ.
In case of evacuation, we have access to several boats for a safe passage from the island.
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If/when swimming in the lake, please make sure you’re in the safe company of others.
We strongly advice you not to go swimming in the lake after dark unless you’re in safe company of others who may come to your aid in case of emergency.
Do not dive/jump into the lake. The water is shallow and the bottom is rocky. You might suffer serious injuries. -
The infrastructure and facilities of the island is not adapted for universal accessibility, but we welcome everyone to participate.
Feel free to contact us on Discord or on contact@frostlys.no if you have any questions about accessibility. -
• Keep hands clean
• Drink enough water
• Eat nutritious food
• Take time to rest
• Be kind to your body
• Bring earplugs
Legal stuff
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By attending this event, you agree that you have read this survival guide in its entirety and agree to abide by all the information and guidelines contained herein.
Vårlys complies with all local and national laws, and all participants are reminded that you are bound by these laws.
Vårlys does not condone illegal drug use and strongly advises against individuals taking risks with their health, as you are responsible for your own actions and safety. The use of illegal substances is a serious risk to your health and can result in your arrest.
There will be no sales or serving of alcohol at the event, but if you choose to bring it for your own consumption we ask you to drink responsibly.
No commercial or media photography or videography is permitted.
Any act of assault or theft is a violation of the law, and may be cited or arrested as a felony offense.
Dumping, leaking or spilling oil, fuel or other chemicals is illegal. -
By attending this event you, the membership holder, personally and voluntarily assume the following risks for yourself by entering this event: risk of injury, serious injury or death by attending this event, and risk of damage, loss or destruction of personal property brought by you to the event (whether or not owned by you).
You acknowledge and agree that Vårlys and Frostlys org is not responsible or liable for any damage, loss or injury to your person or your property sustained relating to your participation in the event and release Frostlys org from any claim arising from the use of this ticket. You also agree to Vårlys’ applicable policies, rules and terms and conditions.
You are expected to insure all property brought by you to the event whether or not owned by you. If you need medical treatment or to be medically evacuated, you will be expected to cover these costs and so you should ensure you have adequate medical insurance in place.
You must bring enough food, water, shelter and first aid to survive for the entirety of your participation and presence at the event. Commercial vending is prohibited, as are fireworks, rockets and other explosives. You agree to read and abide by all the rules contained in the survival guide, as well as all valid instructions from all event organizers, and to follow national and local laws. This is a leave no trace, pack it in, pack it out event.
Memberships are non-refundable even if the event is terminated or cancelled due to harsh weather, pandemics, acts of nature, governmental regulation or other conditions beyond Vårlys’ control.
Use of your Vårlys’ membership confirms your agreement to
the terms reflected above.