Go big or go home
Hi there! I’m Tilla, the manager of Skårungen, and I’d like to share the story of how this incredible journey began.
Back in 2018, my husband Christer and I made a life-changing decision. We left behind our lives in Drammen, in southern Norway, and moved to Lofoten in search of nature, adventure, and a simpler way of life. Running a hotel was never part of the plan—at least, not in the beginning.
Christer had always dreamed of owning a place like this, but we never expected that dream to become a reality so quickly. Life has a funny way of presenting opportunities when you least expect them, and that’s exactly what happened to us. We were faced with a choice: to leap into the unknown or wonder "what if" for the rest of our lives. We chose to leap, and that’s how Skårungen was born.
Now, you should know, I wasn’t exactly prepared for this new adventure. I was a physiotherapist, with absolutely no experience in running a hotel. To make things even more challenging, just three months after we took over, the world changed. COVID-19 hit, and like so many others, we watched as our bookings for the entire season vanished almost overnight. One cancellation after another, it felt like our dream was slipping through our fingers.
And then, life threw us another curveball. Within weeks, I discovered I was pregnant, and my father suffered a brain attack. It was one of the most challenging times of our lives, and I’d be lying if I said we didn’t wonder if we’d made a huge mistake.
But here’s the thing—despite everything, the dream never faded. The potential of this place never wavered. So, we picked ourselves up and started again. We put our hearts into it, and just seven days before our big opening, we managed to renovate the reception. It was a whirlwind, but seeing how far we’ve come makes every struggle worth it.
This is Skårungen today—a place born from resilience, passion, and a love for Lofoten’s wild beauty. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
The traditional cabins were the next step and we first renovated one of them and slowly the other nine.
OUR DREAM FOR SKÅRUNGEN
At Skårungen, our vision is to create the ultimate basecamp in Lofoten—a place where every guest can find exactly what they’re looking for. Whether you’re here for adventure or relaxation, we’ve got you covered. From thrilling activities and equipment rentals to our rejuvenating spa and massage services, there’s something for everyone. After a day of exploring the breathtaking nearby hikes, you can unwind at our cozy restaurant, complete with a fireplace perfect for relaxing in the evening.
Our prime location allows you to explore the entire Lofoten archipelago with ease, including reaching Å, at the very end of the islands, within a two-hour drive. Skårungen is more than just a place to stay; it’s your gateway to experiencing the best of Lofoten.
This is how we've explored Lofoten for years—by setting up a basecamp and venturing out from there. Rather than constantly packing, unpacking, and searching for new accommodations every few days, we found that staying in one place allowed us to truly immerse ourselves in the experience. It made Lofoten feel like home, and that’s the feeling we want to share with all our guests.
At Skårungen, you can settle in and explore Lofoten from east to west, knowing you have a cozy retreat waiting for you at the end of each day. We’re open year-round, so whether you’re chasing the northern lights during the polar night or basking in the endless days of the midnight sun, Lofoten has something special in store for you. And once you experience it, we’re sure you’ll want to come back!