Norske Fjellhytter adds a new chapter to Norwegian cabin culture

For over four decades, Norske Fjellhytter has quietly helped shape the look and life of the Norwegian mountains. Based in Valdres, this family company has been building bespoke and traditional cabins since the early 1980s. Today, its projects look to the future, offering modern solutions built on timeless craft and tradition.

In Norway, cabin life is more than weekend escapes and holidays; it is a concept deeply rooted in culture. For generations, Norwegians have sought out the peace and quiet of the mountains, returning year after year to the same familiar landscapes. Whether nestled in a pine forest or perched above a glassy lake, the cabin offers something uniquely Norwegian: a retreat from the everyday, as well as a place to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature.

Norske Fjellhytter is a name known to many in Valdres. For over four decades, the family-run company has delivered tailor-made cabins. Today, it is one of the oldest developers in the region.

“As one of the most experienced developers in Valdres, we offer a high level of expertise and quality. It’s important to us that our clients get the cabins they dream of, so we work with a local craftsmen and materials to create these bespoke spaces,” says Åshild Reien, manager at Norske Fjellhytter.

While Norske Fjellhytter has long been making traditional mountain cabins, it is now looking to the future of mountain living.

The traditional cabin retreat, reimagined

It starts with stillness – the kind you only really notice when you have left the noise behind. It is when the lake lies mirror-still, and the only sound is the wooshing of shoes through grassy landscapes. This is Vaset in the heart of Valdres, where Norske Fjellhytter is giving life to its new project, Frigarden.

“Frigarden is located right at the edge of Vasetvatnet, a scenic drive from Oslo that follows a river through the valley to the mountains of Valdres. The project will consist of 91 apartments, ranging from 67 to 149 square metres,” says Reien.

The Frigaarden development by Norske Fjellhytter is inspired by traditional Norwegian architectural forms, with pitched roofs and natural materials, but the interiors is built for modern living.

The buildings are inspired by traditional Norwegian architectural forms, with pitched roofs, natural materials, and warm, earthy tones, but the interiors will be bright, open-plan, and built for modern living.

Frigarden is a chance to set a new standard for mountain living, one that reflects the values of the people who want to live there. The project is being built with emphasis on sustainability and local value creation. Every detail, from the materials used to the subcontractors chosen, actively involves local tradespeople, helping support jobs and maintain traditional craftsmanship in a rural area where various industries such as tourism and construction contribute to the development.

“Furthermore, the space should not only reflect the values, but also the wants of our customers. It should feel like your space, which is why we involve clients by letting them leave their own mark,” stresses Reien.

Between the still water and open sky

“What makes Frigarden different is that it’s not just for weekends and holidays,” Reien says. “Often, many cabins stand empty throughout the year, but people can live here full-time, if they want. That creates a completely different kind of rhythm.”

Frigarden will provide homes where residents can wake up to panoramic mountain views and walk straight out the cross-country trails. They are low-maintenance, high-comfort spaces designed for both everyday use and relaxed holidays.

“All the hassle of owning a cabin is taken out of the equation. Emptying that old outdoor toilet? Painting the fence? Shovelling snow? All taken care of. You only have so many hours to spend at the cabin over a weekend, so why not spend them doing what you want rather than what you have to?” asks Reien.

Vaset is the perfect setting for that balance. Tucked away in the heart of Valdres, between the rolling foothills and the sharper teeth of Jotunheimen, it is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just beyond your front door, trails disappear into forests across open plateaus, and alongside mirrored mountain lakes.

Åshild Reien, manager at Norske Fjellhytter.

This is Norwegian stølslandskap at its most authentic: a patchwork of traditional summer farms, ancient grazing routes, and winding gravel roads made for slow cycling and thoughtful walks. The water in Vasetvatnet is so clear that you can drink from it. Perhaps you will even catch trout rising in the evening light or families paddling out in canoes from the shore.

Only a stone’s throw away from Mjølkevegen, one of Norway’s most beloved bike routes, and plenty of hiking trails, it is an active person’s paradise in summer. Similarly, in winter, fresh snow transforms the landscape into a vast network of cross-country trails: over 120 kilometres of tracks that crisscross meadows and forest, connecting cabins, cafés, and quiet viewpoints. There is also a small family ski resort nearby and untouched peaks for those drawn to backcountry adventures.

“And while it’s a quiet and tucked-away space, you still have everything you need. There are grocery stores and even a renowned yoga retreat not far away,” explains Reien.

The space will also include shared boathouses, saunas on the lakeshore, a swimming dock, a playground, and even a public fishing trail. While developed as part of the project, it will also be open for the local community.

“When you come here, you’re already exactly where you need to be,” Reien says.

Frigarden is located right at the edge of Vasetvatnet, a scenic drive from Oslo.

www.norskefjellhytter.no
www.frigarden.no
Instagram: @norske_fjellhytter