Lordehytta

We are now travelling along the 35 kilometre long mountain range Hallingskarvet. “Skarv” means the naked mountain which refers to its lack of vegetation. The highest peak is called Folarskardnuten and stands 1933 metres above sea level; from there you can get a panoramic view over the Hardanger glacier, Jotunheimen and the whole of the extensive Hardanger mountain plateau. At the foot of the Folarskardet Mountain you can find Lordehytte – the Lords’ cabin. At the end of the 19th century aristocratic English Lords discovered Norway and viewed it as an exotic and exciting holiday destination. They flocked to the beautiful Norwegian fjords, valleys and the salmon rivers of western Norway in their grand yachts. After a while, the Lords also got a taste for the Norwegian mountains. The harsh nature, the ascent of high mountains, and the hunt for wild reindeer tempted the Lords to return year after year. Lord Garvagh from Ireland got to know a local man Lars Lein, who was a skilled hunter. They gradually developed not only a friendship but also a business arrangement, whereby Lars helped the Irish Lord to build a hunting cabin. The small cabin was 27 square metres, with 3 rooms including incredibly a fully stocked library. The cabin which was built in 1880 cost 650 kroner to build. The kitchen relied of course on mainly canned goods, but there was also room for a few crates of wine and champagne as well. The cabin stands there to this day and many more such cabins were built in the Norwegian mountains.