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This August we were lucky enough to travel to Førde, Norway, a short flight northwest of Oslo. We stayed at a stunning property called Åmot, an extremely unique destination tucked away in the heart of Norway’s western fjords. The property is more than just a destination: it’s an experience designed exclusively for your family. Owners Steinar Sørli & Yngve Brakstad welcome you into their private estate, a beautifully restored 200-year-old property where nature, history, and comfort come together.
Appreciating the Landscape
Norway is of course known for its stunning landscapes, but we were thrilled with how immersive the experience truly was. From foraging for edible mushrooms in Åmot’s backyard to experiencing breathtaking hikes and petting wild sheep, every encounter with the natural landscape was a dream. The Åmot team has mastered the art of surprise and delight in hospitality, and our day on the Fjords was just one magical example of this. Åmot (meaning ‘where two rivers meet’) is located in Sunnfjord. Here, we boarded a private boat to cruise a Fjord and were delighted to see a massive waterfall on the shore, and surprised when the boat pulled up and we were invited to get out, explore, and even swim under the freezing falls.
Casting Lines on the Gaula River
Our first four days were spent along a private section of the Gaula River, one of Norway’s most celebrated salmon rivers. With our expert guides leading the way, we experienced the best of fly fishing whether wading into the cool, clear waters or casting from the riverbank. Buckley, our seasoned fisherman, had incredible luck with the salmon, while the rest of us enjoyed picking up new techniques and making the most of our time on the river. One morning, our guides prepared an al fresco breakfast on the riverbank at sunrise, complete with fresh pancakes: an amazing way to start the day in Norway!
Leaning into the Norwegian Active Lifestyle
One of our favorite aspects of the trip was how active our days were. Hiking, biking, and yoga quickly became part of the routine. We took daily hikes with incredible views, biked through the fjord mountains, and joined the resident yoga instructor at Åmot. Being outdoors in such beautiful scenery made each activity even more rewarding. For travelers who love combining wellness with adventure, Norway offers a seamless way to experience both.
True Farm-to-Table
Every bite we took at Åmot was spectacular. Most of the ingredients came directly from the garden on property and we could taste the difference. One of my favorite memories was arriving at the summit of our most challenging hike and taking in the views with Chef Tomas’s carrot ginger soup and fresh baguettes. A dream meal! After being consistently wowed at every meal, we asked if we could learn some tips from the chef. The Åmot team quickly set up an afternoon “cooking class” that let us forage through the garden and help prepare some amazing hors d’oeuvres, including potato waffles with fresh mushrooms, venison, and sour cream. A true highlight!
Cultural Immersion: Stepping into Norwegian Traditions
We embraced the Norwegian way of life through a series of unforgettable cultural experiences. One morning, we visited Hestad Chapel, perched on a wooded headland along Viksdalsvatnet Lake. Built in 1805 to replace a medieval stave church, the chapel’s interiors remain largely unchanged. Our host, Ingvild Øvstedal, shared stories of the chapel’s history and performed local folk songs and hymns. With the chapel lit entirely by candlelight, it was a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in rural Norway.
One evening, a talented pianist joined us at our villa for a private concert, creating a perfect start to the evening over cocktails.
The highlight for everyone was hands down our Viking day. After an e-bike tour in the morning, we were greeted with personalized Viking outfits and spent the afternoon in full Viking gear. Our hosts prepared a traditional Viking lunch at Åmot, and we even had the chance to row a hand-built replica of the Gokstad ship on the stunning Dalsfjorden. This immersive experience brought the spirit of the Viking Age vividly to life: an unforgettable way to connect with Norway’s rich history.
Leaving Rejuvenated
And after revisiting the extensive activities, of course we need to mention the wellness and tranquility we felt. From morning yoga, to afternoon massages and a daily sauna, cold plunge, and hot tub session, we left extremely rejuvenated. As a family of sauna enthusiasts, we all agreed that the Amot sauna set up was the best we’d ever seen. The sauna had a glass wall facing the river so we never felt too far from nature and could end with a dip in the Guala River for a natural cold plunge. The facilities included two fire pits, indoor and outdoor, next to the sauna for added time to unwind and chat. The Åmot team made sure everyone had robes and slippers (a must), and an array of beverages and snacks for our afternoon chill-out time.
Norway was truly a “vacation” in the truest sense of the word. We were able to fully immerse ourselves in the country and culture, leaving with unforgettable memories and a sense of calm. We’d love to design your own Norwegian journey, tailored just for you, so please reach out when you’re ready to start planning.
