10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:21 Page 91
Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Norway
Dog sledging Finnmark is famous for their annual world dog sledging competition. One of the activities visitors are offered is sitting on a sledge while up to four dogs navigate in the snow. “This is very popular and we are actually thinking about expanding to reindeer sledge driving. During the winter we also want to offer our guests hiking trips using snowshoes,” Thomassen reveals. Intimate and unique
During the summer it is possible to get here by flying with Norwegian airlines. The rest of the year, Widerøe Airlines fly via Tromsø.” Explore the North Most of the must-see areas of northern Norway are within short driving distances from the lodge. Visitors can expect spectacular natural wonders with arctic winters with endless white plains, polar twilight and raging seas. Shimmering Northern Lights and breath-taking sceneries are what this real life frozen fairytale is all about. “People want to see the places in Finnmark like Nordkapp and to explore the Sami culture in Karasjok,” says Thomassen passionately.
noeing in the National Park, rafting on the beautiful Stabburs River and mountain-biking in the trails. “We have one of Norway’s best salmon lakes that are located 30 meters from the lodge,” Thomassen says. “Every year, fishermen fish about five tons of salmon in the river. We offer weekly packages that are aimed for salmon tourism. The offer includes full service and up to four fishermen can stay in each cabin. Our staff takes care of the fishing permits. That way our guests don’t have to worry about that beforehand.”
Stabbursdalen Lodge offers their guests an intimate and truly Northern encounter with nature.“Our focus is eco-tourism and we never have more than 12 people staying with us at the same time. We build personal relationships with each of our guests and strive to make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The three lodges are perfect for small families and groups of friends,” says Thomassen.
For more information, please visit: www.stabbursdalenlodge.no
Photo: Lester Barnes
The Lapps, better known as the Sami’s, are Norway’s indigenous people. At the Sami centre close to Stabbursdalen, visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the traditions of the native Northern people. “Tourists find them very fascinating,” Thomassen explains. “We try to show their culture, costumes and the sea Sami population. The guides tell tales about how the Sami people lived hundreds of years ago and also how they tend to the reindeer herds nowadays.” Summer fishing Fishing enthusiasts come from all corners of the world to try their luck in Stabburs River, which is filled with salmon. There are many physical activities offered at the lodge. Among them are fly-fishing silver Atlantic salmon, ca-
Issue 76 | May 2015 | 91