HERSJØBUA – MOUNTAIN CALM BY HERSJØEN
A good way up from Skåbu, on the edge of Langsua National Park, Hersjøbua sits right by the shore of Øvre Hersjøen.
There are no crowded cabin developments here, no neighbours on every side and no mobile phone reminding you that the rest of the world exists. Just the lake, the mountains, the weather and the little boathouse on the shore – your shoulders drop before the heat from the stove even takes hold.
There were two of us heading for the mountains this time. No bikes, no dog, just a couple of lazy days with good food, nice walks and pleasantly modest ambitions.
A SMALL HUT IN A GREAT LOCATION
Hersjøbua is a small boathouse with a tiny living space attached – just spartan enough, but with everything two people need to feel completely at home. This is not about square metres or long lists of facilities, but about the location.
The boathouse door faces Hersjøen, and the view sets the mood, whether you sit in the doorway by the fire pit or string up the hammock inside. The lake lies in front of you, the mountains spread around, and the landscape continues to the horizon.
After long hours in the mountain air, it feels luxurious to head inside, light the fire and get warm again. Feet in warm lobber, a blanket over your lap and a mug of something good – that is when your mind goes quiet.
A PLACE FOR DOING VERY LITTLE
The best thing about Hersjøbua is everything you do not do. There is no mobile coverage, so the digital detox happens by itself. No notifications. No quick checks. No “I'll just…”.
Instead there is coffee, food, conversation and long looks out of the boathouse door. A walk along the water, a slightly longer hike up into the hills, back to the hut. A fire in the stove, a simple dinner.
MOUNTAIN HIKES IN EVERY DIRECTION
From the hut it is a short way to the mountains around Skaget and on towards the open plateaus and landscapes around Vinstervatna and Espedalen. There are fine walks along old mountain farm roads, and chances to climb higher for wider views.
We did not bring bikes, but the area around Skåbu and Hersjøen is well suited to cycling. Jotunheimvegen and the many gravel roads further into the mountains offer both shorter rides and long day stages.
FISHING LUCK AT THE WATER'S EDGE
Both Øvre and Nedre Hersjøen are good fishing lakes, with trout in fine condition. Further into the common land there are more lakes and small streams for mountain fishing.
Hersjøbua is right by the water, and a boat is included in the rental. It is easy to picture a summer day where the fishing rod is the most important piece of kit – or an autumn evening where the day's catch ends up in the frying pan.
ON THE EDGE OF LANGSUA
Hersjøbua lies by Øvre Hersjøen, close to Langsua National Park to the southeast, Skaget to the south and Vinstervatna to the west. From here you can plan longer trips into Langsua and on into the mountains around Espedalen.
It is a varied mountain area, with options for short walks nearby and longer hikes for anyone who wants to spend the whole day outdoors.
INATUR – A WHOLE WORLD OF SMALL DESTINATIONS
We found Hersjøbua through Inatur, which has become a favourite when we look for places to stay out in nature.
Inatur is Norway's largest marketplace for hunting, fishing and cabins in Norwegian nature, with listings all over the country. Most of the cabins are simple, and many lie off the beaten track, often with good hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities right outside the door.
These are exactly the kinds of places we have come to love. Small huts and cabins in locations that make the stay itself part of the experience of nature.
It feels almost risky to write about it. Places like this tend to feel like small secrets you would rather keep to yourself.
But the secret is probably out already.
