Introduction
In the quest for a greener future, a Norwegian family(Sustainable living in Norway) is offering a unique solution: a return to mid-19th-century living. Through their innovative cabin rental, they aim to show how embracing the simplicity of the past can offer valuable lessons for modern environmental care.
A Journey to the Heart of Norway’s Wilderness
The journey to Haukali 333, the cabin that exemplifies this lifestyle, takes you through the picturesque valleys of Norway‘s fjords. The narrow roads wind through dense forests and steep mountainsides, leading to the serene Haukalivatnet Lake. The Botnehagen family has farmed this land for over a century, and today, they offer an escape to the past through their cabin, which mirrors life as it was nearly 200 years ago.
Emulating 19th-Century Living in Norway
Haukali 333 is designed to replicate a husmannshus, a smallholder’s cabin. These cabins were once home to tenant farmers who labored on the lands of wealthy landowners in 19th-century Norway. Over time, these humble abodes became symbols of a lost rural way of life, romanticized by Norwegian author Henrik Ibsen in the late 1800s.
While Norway is known for its thriving cabin culture, with nearly 450,000 cabins across the country, Haukali 333 stands apart. Unlike most modern cabins equipped with luxurious amenities, this cabin faithfully recreates the lifestyle of the mid-19th century, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience a sustainable way of living.
A Different Kind of Vacation in Sustainable living in Norway
At first glance, a stay at Haukali 333 might not seem like the most relaxing holiday. The cabin’s rustic design includes a turf roof, wooden seating, and a simple candlelit interior. There is no television, and the seating, while visually charming, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Guests can choose between a cool outdoor shower or the option to warm water in an antique tub using the sun’s heat.
The cabin encourages a self-sustaining lifestyle, allowing guests to pick fresh produce from the garden or catch fish from the lake. There is even the option to wear 19th-century laborers’ clothing—just one set, as that was typically all a farmer owned. Despite the seemingly basic conditions, Reidunn Botnehagen, the owner, believes that visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for simplicity.
The Appeal of Slower Living
Botnehagen explains that many of her guests are drawn to the slow pace of life at Haukali 333. Families enjoy picking berries, chopping firewood, and hiking through untouched landscapes. Some children even become attached to the chickens, naming them and feeling a deep connection to the land and animals.
In a world dominated by screens and constant connectivity, this cabin offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with nature. One family from London marveled at the night sky, free from light pollution, while others find solace in the quiet and simplicity of rural life.
The Right to Roam in Sustainable living in Norway
Norwegians have long had a strong connection to the outdoors, thanks in part to Allemannsretten, or Everyman’s Right. This ancient tradition allows people to roam freely through certain wilderness areas, forage for food, and stay overnight in the countryside. For many, cabins like Haukali 333 provide the gateway to this outdoor lifestyle, offering access to Norway’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
Preserving the Past
The idea for Haukali 333 came to Botnehagen in 2014 when she inherited her family’s farm. While preparing the land for pasture, she discovered stones from an old smallholding, sparking her desire to recreate the lives of her great-grandparents who lived in similar cabins during the 1800s.
With support from Innovation Norway, a government organization dedicated to business development, Botnehagen embarked on a year of research. She visited historic farms and studied 19th-century rural customs, ensuring that Haukali 333 was an authentic representation of life in that era. The cabin opened to guests in 2018.
Lessons for a Sustainable Future
Botnehagen believes that the 1850s hold valuable lessons for modern society, particularly in terms of sustainable living. The cabin’s reliance on natural resources—fish from the lake, vegetables from the garden, and wool from the family’s sheep—highlights the simplicity and efficiency of the past.
“There is everything you need to survive,” Botnehagen explains. “Today, having these things is considered privileged, but back then, it was a basic right.”
This return to basics offers a stark contrast to today’s consumer-driven society. In the 1850s, families often lived in small cabins with minimal possessions, sharing resources and working together to survive. Today, the same number of people might own multiple homes and vehicles, a lifestyle that has significant environmental implications.
A Thought-Provoking Experience
Staying at Haukali 333 encourages guests to reflect on their consumption habits. Former regional business developer Kari Sand, who helped Botnehagen bring the project to life, believes that the experience of living like a 19th-century farmer prompts important questions about modern life.
“By living like this, it makes us think about how much electricity we use, and how many clothes we have,” Sand says. “Is this how we want to live?”
For many guests, the answer is no. The slower pace of life at Haukali 333 allows them to appreciate the beauty of nature and the satisfaction that comes from self-sufficiency. By fishing for dinner or chopping wood for warmth, visitors develop a deeper connection to the environment.
Embracing the Seasons in Sustainable living in Norway
Botnehagen encourages guests to experience Haukali 333 throughout the year. Each season offers its own unique challenges and rewards. In spring and summer, visitors can hike through the valley, forage for berries, and row across the lake. Autumn brings opportunities for stargazing, while winter tests guests’ resilience as they cut firewood with traditional saws and collect water from the one source that doesn’t freeze.
Reducing Waste and Promoting Efficiency
In today’s world, food wastage is a significant issue, with the UN estimating that 14% of global food is lost between harvest and retail. In the 1850s, however, waste was minimal, and efficiency was paramount. Families grew their own food, traded goods, and worked together to meet their needs.
Botnehagen believes that this efficient, community-driven lifestyle holds important lessons for modern society. “Just because we can do things differently now doesn’t mean we should—especially when it comes to the health of our planet,” she says.
A New Kind of Luxury in Sustainable living in Norway
While some visitors may struggle with the basic facilities and the sound of silence, most leave Haukali 333 with a sense of fulfillment. Botnehagen describes it as a “different sort of luxury,” one that comes from appreciating the simplicity of life and the closeness of nature.
“If we don’t take the wisdom from the past with us,” she concludes, “we will be poorer in the future.”
Conclusion: A Sustainable Future Inspired by the Past
Haukali 333 offers more than just a unique holiday experience. It provides a window into a simpler, more sustainable way of life. By embracing the lessons of the past, we can find new ways to care for our environment and create a greener, more sustainable future.
