Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Autumn & Winter Experiences in Norway
smoking its own meat – basing its culinary approach on traditional, and primarily clean, produce. The lodge regularly hosts seasonal culinary nights, where the surrounding areas make up the entirety of the menu’s origin. Showing his excitement about the soon-to-start grouse hunting season, Bakke also explains that the nearby areas are popular for training of gun dogs. “What makes us special is the close contact we have with all our guests, whether they’re here for a quiet hiking weekend on their own or with a group of friends hunting,” Bakke says. Briksdal fills in the gap: “We’re passionate about what we do, and that’s why people keep returning.”
Hovden Fjellstoge offers a central location with strong ties to both western fjords and the eastern capital of Oslo.
Getting more from the great outdoors Adventurous, generous and real. That is how Hovden Fjellstoge’s managers Roy Bakke and Ann-Torill Briksdal describe their lodge’s leisurely philosophy – a philosophy that attracted the once city-loving couple to the serene landscapes just north of Hovden and a mission of making unique nature experiences available for everyone.
All food is made with local and seasonal produce, foods that also make up the basis of the lodge’s seasonal culinary nights. Managers Ann-Torill Briksdal and Roy Brekke.
By Julie Lindén | Photos: Hovden Fjellstoge
“We both come from hectic lives,” Briksdal says, “but we found a profound peace up here, a peace that’s highly connected to taking control of your own life.” Husband and colleague Bakke agrees: “That’s what gives us energy in doing our jobs – meeting our guests and showing them that it’s possible to tune out from the hectic everyday life in order to relax and become one with nature.” With intricate and scenic hiking trail networks nearby, as well as 160 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, family-friendly walks and a central location ideal for travel to the west coast fjords and the eastern capital of Oslo alike, Hovden Fjellstoge boasts more than a few reasons as to why you should visit. Although
the list of nearby nature experiences capable of taking your breath away is long, the lodge’s real and earned value lies in its commitment to creating unforgettable and tailored experiences for all. “That’s why our primary focus is not on ready-made trip packages, because they can never fully respect the guest’s wishes,” Bakke says, continuing: “We want the people who come here to experience more of what they can already see on our doorstep, like bringing dinner from the kitchen to a fire outside and enjoying local game under the stars.” Hovden Fjellstoge makes all its food completely from scratch – including foraging for seasonal treats in nearby areas, and
For more information, please visit: www.hovdenfjellstoge.no
Issue 68 | September 2014 | 63