Norwegian Lodge

History & Philosophy

The vision behind Lyngen Lodge

Lyngen Lodge Logo
Cross Country

The History

The Founding of the Lodge – Graham’s Story

“I felt the lodge’s location chose me rather than me choosing it. I spent several years travelling by charter sailboat through the region guiding skiers; on one particular trip I visited the Kåfjord region on the eastern side of the Lyngen Fjord to ski a mountain called Store Haugen above the small village of Djupvik. Climbing through the forest I noticed a wonderful clearing above the fjord. An instant vision flashed through my mind: “Graham you’re going to build a lodge and provide a permanent base for skiers to come and ski!” From that exact moment onwards, my life took a deviation down a road I never imagined.”

The History

The Location chose me

“I took out my camera and snapped a photo of the location – on that day I was carrying two cameras, one large SLR and one small happy snappy point and shoot camera. After taking a photo of the location with the large camera I packed it away only to accidentally lose the small one that was attached to my belt, oblivious to this incident I continued climbing upwards. I was consumed by excitement for the new and powerful vision I had experienced and immediately began constructing a visual plan in my mind as I headed up the track after my group.”

Ski Touring Norway
Ski Touring Norway

The History

Returning Home

“Three days later I returned home to Austria with plenty of photographs but still one missing camera that I put to the back of my mind. A week later I was reminded of the event when an email arrived in my inbox from the boat skipper in Norway. He informed me that someone had found the camera and was wanting to return it to the rightful owner. I was given their email address and immediately made contact. I soon had a reply with the message subject “Skiers Care”. I was astounded by this correspondence and sure enough it was my camera which had been found in the forest right where I had taken the photo of the land.

Upon returning home, the vision of the lodge concept only grew stronger with each passing day and the plans took virtual shape in my mind. I booked a plane ticket to return in four weeks along with Elisabeth and my mother Pat, we wanted to search for the land I had seen and make enquiries about who owned it and the possibilities for purchasing it.”

The History

Connecting with John

“The camera was found by John Johanssen, a local living in the village who had found it while out on a family ski tour. The camera was taken back to his home, disassembled, dried, reassembled and the photos looked at. There was a photo of the boat on the camera that created a chain of events that would change my life forever. That very same day the boat reappeared in the harbour and John hurried down to inquire if anyone had lost a camera from his boat. The reply from the skipper was yes and the connection between John and myself was made.

John was in fact employed by the local Kommune (council) as a property development officer and was the man who knew who owned what and what could be built where. Sheer excitement took over and I was only just able to contain my excitement, I felt like hugging this complete stranger but uncharacteristically I calmly expressed gratitude that he was providing some essential information that could really assist me further on my quest.

I had a photograph of the plot of land I wanted to find and knew was located south of my position at John’s house. He urged me to go off on a reconnaissance tour and find areas I was potentially interested in. I would then return to him so he could help and provide the information needed on ownership.

The rest is history!”

Winter in Norway

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We are waiting for you

We strive to make every visit unique and unforgettable. In order to truly personalise our service and to tailor our offer to your particular demands, we ask that you give us as much information as possible. To get in touch with us or to pass on any specific queries and questions you may have about visiting the Lodge (or Norway in general), make an enquiry below. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Lyngen Lodge Background