Scan Magazine, Issue 92, September 2016

Page 74

Scan Magazine  |  Special Theme  |  Autumn and Winter Experiences in Norway

The fjord hotel of your dreams

Photo: Arne Nicholai Schram Simonsen

Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel & Restaurant, located right on the banks of the Sognefjord, offers local food and fine dining with a view across one of the world’s most iconic destinations. By Eirik Elvevold

“I’ve always dreamt of running a small, white Norwegian fjord hotel. I had to paint it white myself, but my dream really came true,” says Bård Huseby. When he found the hotel he was searching for in Fjærland, a small Norwegian farming town located on an upper branch of the UNESCOprotected Sognefjord, he sold everything and established Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel & Restaurant. The picturesque hotel offers visitors a peaceful and intimate sanctuary in the midst of extreme nature. “You can literally taste the surrounding nature in our locally produced food. I shoot the deer and brew the beer myself,” Huseby says. By booking one of the hotel’s 14 rooms, you will be living in close proximity to the

Jostedal Glacier – the largest glacier in continental Europe – and the Norwegian Glacier Museum, the Norwegian Book Town and a cluster of activity providers offering everything from peaceful kayaking on the fjord to exhilarating glacier walks. According to Huseby, the nature simply cannot dissapoint you. “Fjærland is constantly changing. The amazing mountains and gorgeous fjord stay where they are, but the place feels different depending on the time of day, weather and season,” Huseby says.

Photo: Freya Berwick

For more information, please visit: www.fjaerlandhotel.com

Experience the Arctic like a VIP The father and daughter running activity provider Tromsø Friluftsenter grew up in the Arctic and treat every new guest as part of the family. With north Norwegian hospitality and vast local knowledge, they welcome you to experience the region’s natural wonders. By Eirik Elvevold | Photos: Fredrik Broms, www.hvalid.no

“Visitors will get a warm and personal experience of north Norwegian culture as well as the wild animals and impressive landscapes surrounding us,” says Trine Risvik. Together with her father, Risvik runs the activity provider Tromsø Friluftsenter based in Risvika on the island of Kvaløya outside Tromsø, where their family has survived on fishing and farming for generations. “When the traditional way of life was no longer viable, my dad had to think things through. He looked up at the northern lights and decided to help tourists experience the same beauty that he was blessed with. The goal was never to become the biggest centre in Tromsø, but to create a welcoming and friendly place to which 74  |  Issue 92  |  September 2016

people want to return time and time again,” Risvik says. Tromsø Friluftsenter intentionally focuses on smaller groups to keep things authentic and sustainable. This will seem obvious when you sit around the fireplace

listening to local tales and stories or go to visit a century-old fishing farm. The family business also works closely with marine biologists, who teach guests about the area’s spectacular marine wildlife while they are heading out on whale safaris in rigid-inflatable boats (RIB) or on the charming vessel Colin Archer. “The open RIB boats are constructed to cross the Atlantic and are perfect for whale safaris. They take you closer to both animals and the elements and handle the waves even better than a big boat,” Risvik says.

For more information, please visit: www.tromso-friluftsenter.no


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