Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Autumn & Winter Experiences in Norway
Putten Seter – bring your kids! Not far from Øigardseter is Putten Seter, a lodge vested in quality outdoor experiences for grown-up adventurers, with a particular dedication to the younger ones. After listing muskox safari, bird and hare hunting, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and mountain climbing as possible and popular activity choices for many of the adult visitors, Manager Hans Svastuen is ecstatic to tell of activities for the many children who visit the three lodges. “It’s absolutely incredible, and so much fun!” he starts, pacing himself before continuing: “We use the long farm road as a tobogganing slope in the wintertime. I’ll start, with the kids sliding down the road after me, and when we all meet up at the bottom we’re invited in for some hot cocoa by the lady who runs the adjacent lodge.” Svastuen explains that while he loves the colourful autumn season at Putten Seter, the winter season offers a true fairy tale stay for the whole family. It was the children, he explains, who united his lodge with Øigardseter and Smuksjøseter. “We saw that we could offer families the chance to bring children under 12 for free, enabling many families with small kids to enjoy a holiday without compromise. When we go mountain climbing at nearby Formokampen, we
let each family decide their own pace. That way, everyone can participate!” At the end of a long day, Putten Seter’s guests can kick off their hiking boots and relish locally-produced foods and beers, before shutting their eyes in one of the timber cabins provided by the lodge. Smuksjøseter – traditional with a modern twist “Our location is definitely our strength,” says Roar Skaugen, manager of Smuksjøseter lodge, echoing his colleagues’ statements. “Not only are we situated in the middle of one of Norway’s most beautiful mountain terrains, with nearby access to the country’s oldest national park, but we also enjoy an unbeatable proximity to serene fishing waters and a completely traffic-free landscape.” As if this was not enough, Skaugen says that guests are usually surprised to find his lodge fully equipped with individual bathrooms, not to mention a spa. Adamant that authentic nature experiences need not get in the way of comfort, he explains his vision of the lodge as an enabler of a carefree stay. “People who come here love silence, and they love the wild outdoors. They love unpolluted nature
and coming home to a room free from outside traffic noise,” Skaugen says, adding: “That way, nature becomes a uniting force, something that belongs to everyone and can be used by everyone who wants to benefit from it.” Although the surroundings might be serene, Smuksjøseter can host a variety of happenings, and many choose to celebrate their wedding at the lodge. With Skaugen’s snowmobile used for transporting guests, a unique winter wonderland experience is almost guaranteed. “Oh, but I also own a 1930s veteran car that can I drive the bride and groom in,” he adds quickly. “I always try to make their day as special as possible.” Experience all three lodges and surrounding areas with the Jubilee Ski Trip, established to celebrate the 50th jubilee of Rondane National Park. The package trip includes full room and board at Øigardseter Fjellstue, Putten Seter and Smuksjøseter, maps and baggage transport. Children under 12 years of age stay for free.
For more information, please visit: www.oigardseter.no www.puttenseter.no www.smuksjoseter.no
LEFT: At Putten Seter it is all about the little ones – while making sure that mum and dad have some time to enjoy both calm surroundings and delicious cuisine. Photos: Putten Seter. ABOVE: Smuksjøseter is your carefree mountain lodge stay in one package, offering a spa, serene fishing waters during the autumn and a unique winter wonderland experience later in the year. Photos: Smuksjøseter
Issue 68 | September 2014 | 51