Losby Gods

The pearl in the woods

BY LISA MARIA BERG

As one of only 60 ‘Historic Hotels’ in Norway, Losby Gods Manor invites its guests to wander 170 years back in time. Nestled in the idyllic woods of Lørenskog, it is a gem of a place, with more than a decade and a half of glamour and gossip hidden in the walls.

It was the Meyer family that, in 1850, decided that they needed a hunting cabin in the woods for all sorts of fun and recreation. As they were one of the richest families in Norway at the time, having made a fortune running sawmills, their cabin eventually turned into something of a castle. Built in the stunning woods outside the Norwegian capital, it was one of the first Swiss-style villas in the country. A real sight for sore eyes, it brought both glamour and the societal elite into the woods of Lørenskog for the first time, reachable today in just 15 minutes from Oslo.

A stunning wedding venue in the majestic Meyersal. Photo: Anette Haga

A stay to remember

“It is a wonderful feeling when your guests arrive and they can’t help but stop and stare,” says managing director Heidi Fjellheim, who has greeted many a guest on the Losby stairs and loves that her workplace looks like it has been ripped out of a fairy-tale. “We want every person who works here to know that they’re not only working in a historic place, but making history by being here. A passionate team in a house built on passion is what makes for a very special stay here,” Fjellheim explains.

After undergoing a complete renovation in 1999, Losby Gods Manor just celebrated its 20th year as a hotel. “Before we opened, basically every person with a connection to Lørenskog knew about Losby. So many tales and stories had been told and retold about this place, that restoring it into its former glory was like opening the lid of a treasure chest,” Fjellheim says.

With passion

Losby Gods Manor welcomes a wide range of guests. It is the definition of romantic, and many couples have said their ‘I do’ here. The manor’s beautiful surroundings also make it an excellent venue for a conference in a serene setting. For 20 years, businesses have sought out this pearl of a place to find the perfect work/rest balance.

Fjellheim knows precisely what’s become the favourite spot for her guests, however: “Exactly a year ago, we opened a brand-new lounge area à la 1850, Compagniet, with a secret door built into the bookshelves. It has become a real treat for our guests. It is a new chapter in the Losby history,” Fjellheim says proudly.

Web: losbygods.no

The Losby kitchen is influenced by traditions, nature, Norwegian food and local produce. Photo: Nina Børnich