The Skåpet Mountain Lodges elevate the wilderness experience to an exceptional level, blending sustainable architecture with the untamed beauty of the Norwegian mountains. Located along the popular hiking trails around Lysefjord, the lodges offer a unique sanctuary for hikers venturing into Norway's rugged terrain. The project, commissioned by the Den Norske Turistforening was the result of an architectural competition aimed at creating self-sufficient, contemporary mountain lodges that could be easily maintained despite their isolated location. The lodges needed to be resilient to harsh weather, quick to assemble due to the challenging accessibility of the site, and equipped for a sustainable, off-grid existence.
The Skåpet complex consists of a main lodge, a series of sleeping cabins, a toilet with a storage room, and a sauna—each element thoughtfully designed to enhance the wilderness experience while ensuring visitor comfort. The remote location of Skåpet, around a two-hour hike from the nearest point of civilization, means that all essential services are self-contained. There is no mains electricity; instead, a solar panel provides lighting, adding an eco-friendly element to the design. Water is collected directly from the lake, and heat is generated through wood-burning stoves placed in each cabin and the sauna. This off-grid setup not only minimizes environmental impact but also invites guests to connect deeply with the surrounding nature, experiencing the raw landscape without the usual conveniences of modern living.
The main lodge serves as the heart of the complex, where up to 11 guests can stay, and accommodates up to 30 to 35 trekkers, making it ideal for larger hiking groups or social gatherings. The main building’s rectangular layout includes communal spaces like a kitchen, dining area, and a cozy living room, designed to encourage interaction between different trekking parties. The kitchen is equipped with two gas stoves, which visitors can use at the same time to prepare meals, making it easier for multiple groups to cook concurrently—a thoughtful detail that enhances the communal experience. The living area provides a space for hikers to relax and share stories, contributing to the lodge’s role as a social hub in the wilderness.
The smaller sleeping cabins, each capable of accommodating up to five guests, are strategically positioned around the main lodge to offer a more private experience for those seeking solitude. The compact design of these cabins, along with their minimalist interior, ensures that the focus remains on the natural surroundings, with expansive windows providing views of the mountains and lake. The sauna, a traditional Norwegian feature, adds an element of comfort and rejuvenation after long hikes. Located above a mountain stream, it also serves as a washroom, allowing guests to bathe in an authentic wilderness setting.
The architectural design of Skåpet is marked by the use of rolled zinc on the exterior, a durable material chosen for its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions with minimal maintenance. Zinc’s resilience to wind, snow, and freezing temperatures means the lodges can endure the mountainous climate for decades without requiring significant repairs, making it a sustainable choice for long-term use. Inside, the extensive use of wood finishes creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the minimalist, rugged exterior. This combination of wood and zinc represents a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting Norway's architectural heritage while addressing the practical demands of remote mountain living.
Each building in the Skåpet complex has a wall of glass that frames the spectacular natural landscape, offering guests uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and lake. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the lodges but also serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of the wilderness, bringing the outdoors in and connecting visitors to the environment even from within the shelter of the lodges. The panoramic views also create a sense of openness and light, making the compact interior spaces feel more expansive.
When it was inaugurated in August 2016, Skåpet Mountain Lodges quickly garnered attention as a model of modern, sustainable Norwegian architecture. The lodges' design is deeply aligned with the DNT’s mission of promoting sustainable tourism, encouraging a deeper connection between hikers and the land they explore. The off-grid nature of the lodges, combined with their communal spaces, encourages visitors to disconnect from daily life and fully engage with the landscape, experiencing the raw beauty of Norway’s mountains while also respecting the environment.
Photos: Tõnu Tunnel, Marius Dalseg