Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norway’s Best Farm Experiences
Adrenaline kick outside, accompanied by great food Maarud Gaard Opplevelser AS is a unique conference and activity centre located just a few miles from Oslo in Finnholt, which focuses on offering groups a break from the everyday routine with unmatched nature experiences, challenging outdoor activities and great food and wine. By Marte Eide | Photos: Tina Meldahl/Maarud Gård
The activities range from horseback riding and fishing to those even less ordinary. “The most popular activities are those that challenge the guests mentally and physically, either individually with activities high up in the air or competing against each other in teams in what we call ‘femkamp’ (pentathlon), which involves using five different types of armour. During some of the activities, such as the activity obstacle course, the group has to collaborate in order to complete it successfully, and that builds up the team spirit,” says co-founder Einar Martinsen, the host alongside Lykke Martinsen.
Custom-made programme With their personal and individual approach to looking after customers, the 44 | Issue 89 | June 2016
centre will happily put together a custommade programme for the guests, catering to their particular needs and wishes. “We are like an events agency – we organise everything,” Martinsen explains. “We can arrange and accommodate everything from groups of colleagues to weddings, confirmations and parties for groups from ten up to 80 people.” The guests have the option of spending the night indoors in the main building or in one of the four lavvos outside, each with space for up to ten people. The three-course meal can be served inside the restaurant or outside in the lavvo, which boosts an experience close to nature. Martinsen insists that the food is an exquisite experience full of taste. “The food we serve is locally sourced. We are
specialists in moose and deer meat and have excellent local access to it.” With more than ten years of experience and specialisation the centre has become a pioneer in its field. “Of course we are proud,” says Martinsen, explaining that they have no plans on stopping yet. “We have plans to expand, but we want to do it carefully in order not to ruin the special atmosphere of the place. We want to offer our guests an experience out of the ordinary and give them an adrenaline kick in natural surroundings that they can thrive on and remember for a long time.”
For more information, please visit: www.maarudgaard.no