Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

By Celina Tran | Photos: Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

In an era where luxury increasingly means space rather than spectacle, the most sought-after escapes are often the quietest ones. A new definition of indulgence has emerged, one that centres on privacy instead of excess, as well as authenticity and a meaningful connection to nature.

Hidden high above Norway’s Gudbrandsdalen valley, Eagle Nest Eco Lodge welcomes those seeking a place to slow down, disconnect and experience nature in a more personal way. Perched dramatically on a mountaintop near Otta, the lodge offers a kind of luxury that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in its surroundings. There are no grand entrances or crowded hotel spaces here. Instead, there is silence, open sky and a feeling of complete seclusion.

901 metres above sea level on Sershaugen, Eagle Nest Eco Lodge overlooks some of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes. From its elevated position, guests can take in sweeping views towards Rondane, Dovrefjell and Jotunheimen, while valleys, rivers and traditional mountain landscapes stretch out below. Depending on the season, the panorama changes continuously, from snow-covered peaks and dramatic winter skies to the soft greens and golden hues of summer and autumn.

Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

A lodge that hovers between mountain and sky

What makes Eagle Nest Eco Lodge particularly distinctive is that the landscape never feels like a backdrop, but rather becomes part of the experience itself. “Eagle Nest Eco Lodge is our dream that became reality,” says founder Ingrid Tho. “We wanted to create a place where guests could experience nature, tranquillity, luxury and local history in a completely unique way.”

The idea first emerged during the spring of 2020, during Norway’s pandemic lockdown. Covid meant that Ingrid and her co-founder, Geir Lyftingsmo, suddenly found the time and space to think differently. For years they had considered creating something unique connected to the mountain landscape surrounding the Øvre Tho family farm, but now the vision began to take shape in earnest. “For us, the story is really about the impossible becoming possible,” Tho explains.

While the mountaintop location offered spectacular views, it also created significant practical challenges. There was no traditional construction road leading to the site, meaning that building materials and equipment had to be transported across snow-covered terrain. The construction itself was equally demanding, requiring parts of the structure to extend dramatically out over the mountainside. After eight intense months of work, the vision became reality, and the first guests arrived in September 2021.

Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

A fairy tale of your own

Designed by Tho and Lyftingsmo themselves, Eagle Nest Eco Lodge blends contemporary comfort with local history and craftsmanship. Inspiration was drawn from traditional building methods and cultural heritage from Gudbrandsdalen, creating interiors that feel sophisticated while remaining connected to place.

Throughout the lodge, details tell stories about the region – timber from the owners’ own forest has been incorporated into the construction, while local slate and reclaimed historical elements contribute texture and character. “We wanted guests to feel both the luxury and the history,” says Tho. “To create something beautiful, personal and connected to the place itself.”

Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

Nothing feels decorative for the sake of appearance alone; every material and detail appears to have purpose. As a result, the space feels less like checking into a hotel and more like arriving at a private retreat.

The panoramic windows create an almost uninterrupted connection between indoors and outdoors, allowing the mountain landscape to dominate the experience. Guests can watch weather systems move across distant peaks, follow changing light throughout the day and observe the shifting colours of the valley below. On the terrace, a hot tub offers perhaps the most memorable seat in the house. As daylight fades and stars emerge above the mountains, the sense of remoteness sinks in.

“We want guests to feel as though they have arrived at their own little Soria Moria from the fairytale, a place that feels both magical and real.”

Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge

Rest, relaxation, and…rafting?

Modern travel increasingly revolves around experiences that create genuine restoration rather than simply offering distraction. While there are activities and adventures available nearby, there is no pressure to constantly do more. “Some guests choose to spend most of their stay simply enjoying the view, but the area also has plenty of walks to offer.”

For those seeking local thrills, the Gudbrandsdalen region offers opportunities ranging from hiking and mountain trails to larger adventures including rafting in Sjoa and excursions into Rondane and Jotunheimen. Seasonal activities such as cycling, winter sledding and mountain walks provide additional ways to explore the area.

Tailored mountain spa experiences can also be arranged, combining yoga, massage and the restorative qualities of the surrounding landscape.

In the lodge itself, guests have access to a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge and oven, allowing them to prepare meals at their own pace. Breakfast and Gudbrandsdal tapas can also be arranged in advance and ready on arrival. “We make these ourselves using our own products and locally sourced ingredients from the Gudbrandsdal region,” says Tho.

For guests who want to explore the area’s food culture further, the lodge also recommends local stops such as Dølakjøtt Delikatesse in Otta, Brimi Sæter, Andre Etasje in Vågå, Bakeriet i Lom, Avdemsbue in Lesja, Heidal Ysteri and Skåbu Fjellhotell.

So, if you are looking for a break where peace and nature, but also luxury go hand in hand, why not look to the clouds? Eagle Nest Eco Lodge may be just the respite you need.

Take to the skies with Eagle Nest Eco Lodge