Rindalshytter: 60 years of Norwegian craftsmanship and cabin dreams

By Celina Tran Photo: Rindalshytter

In Norway, a cabin is a second home to many, a familiar escape from everyday life to serene surroundings and a safe space. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Rindalshytter stands as a testament not only to the timeless appeal of cabin life, but also the longstanding and traditional symbol of quality Norwegian cabin manufacturing.

While perhaps not familiar to those outside of Norway, the concept of the cabin dream is a real goal for many Norwegians. A home away from home, the cabin is supposed to be a safe space to which people can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and a lot of care and thought goes into this space.

For six decades now, Rindalshytter has been creating people’s dream cabins. With unique, functional and beautiful structures, it’s no wonder that its cabins can be found scattered across Norway’s most famous cabin destinations, including Hafjell, Trysil, Hemsedal, Geilo and more.

Rindalshytter: 60 years of Norwegian craftsmanship and cabin dreams

Photo: Kim Ramberghaug

Six decades of care and craftsmanship

As one of the first and leading producers of leisure homes in Norway, Rindalshytter owes its success to a few basic principles; solidity, predictability, and security. These ideas have been the same since Emil Gåsvand founded the company in 1964, determined that all its cabins would stand the test of time.

“My father had always been interested in cabins, but there was also unemployment in the family. Motivated by the need to create a workplace for more people, he decided to pursue his passion and establish Rindalshytter,” says Hege Gåsvand, general manager at Rindalshytter. “As we move into the future, it’s important that we continue to create cabins and leisure homes that won’t go out of fashion. We don’t follow fleeting trends, but rather work on modern structures that will be as appealing in the future as they are today.”

Initially, the company focused on traditional timber cabins, and over time also started adopting timber framing into cabins. As the team at Rindalshytter continues developing its style and architecture for a more modern customer, it makes sure to retain the very best of craftsmanship and tradition that has created numerous dream cabins for 60 years.

Designed by Ole Petter Wullum, the Lysthus cabin has large window panels that bring the great outdoors inside. Photo: Lediard Foto AS

Bespoke cabins and leisure homes

While the company has standard models for customers to pick from, these serve more as a guide. Sales manager Tore Heggem explains that Rindalshytter does not produce generic prefabricated cabins, but bespoke cabins tailored to customers’ specific needs, as well as the unique characteristics of the site. You can choose from traditional hand-crafted log cabins to modern wood-framed holiday homes, with various roof options, including wood, turf, or slate.

“It’s important to us that our customers are happy with and proud of the work we deliver, which is why we work closely with them to ensure a good customer experience throughout the whole process,” says Heggem. “Furthermore, our cabins have their own, special touch,” adds Gåsvand. “We work closely with architects throughout the whole process to ensure that each cabin is the perfect fit for our clients, and that we deliver a product we can be proud of.”

Timber cabin from Rindalshytter – Norwegian tradition at its best. Photo: Ferst Media

A hallmark of Rindalshytter’s cabins is the use of high-quality materials. For example, the timber used in its log and stave cabins is hand-crafted at the Rindal factory. For non-log cabins, the company primarily uses royal-impregnated wood for roofs and exterior walls, treated with linseed oil to provide exceptional rot resistance and reduce maintenance needs. “Modern cabins differ slightly from traditional ones in the way that there are larger windowpanes, inviting the great outdoors inside,” explains Heggem. “When we build cabins, it’s crucial to make the cabin look nice on its own, but also against the space it inhabits.”

Building a cabin is a dream for many, and Rindalshytter is dedicated to making that dream a reality. With extensive experience and knowledge of planning and construction process, this team is well-equipped to deliver your dream cabin, whether as a building kit or as a fully finished product. Rindalshytter doesn’t just build cabins, it builds dreams.