“Furuholmen: A Hidden Gem in Vestmarka Forest with 52 Years of Generous Hostship”

The parking spaces at the end of Vestmarkveien, Vestmarksetra and Franskleiv have space for everyone who comes by car. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sandvika to Kattås, which is approximately one kilometer before Vestmarksetra.

From Vestmarksetra we follow signs in the direction of Nedre Gupu. At the top of the first hill, after approximately 700 metres, there is a picnic bench where we get a great view of Kolsåstoppen and the Oslofjord. We continue straight ahead on the lower side of Gupu on the blue-marked path through the forest to the Furuholmen ski lodge.

This living room was originally built as a residence. But after Bærum municipality bought the site in 1914, this became one of the municipality’s three forest lodges. Serving started after 1920 when Bærum’s Ski Club rented the cabin as its club cabin. After 1963, different people have been responsible for the catering. But since 1971, Anne-Bjørg Olsen has been the host. And now, as an 85-year-old, she has chosen to retire.

We’re guessing there are few who can match her 52 consecutive years as host of a field cabin!

– I have loved the job at Furuholmen and all the guests who have come in over the years, she says.

Anne-Bjørg, originally from Sarpsborg, moved here with her husband who worked in Parks and Sports in Bærum municipality. Together they had three sons who had a good upbringing on Furuholmen.

After her husband died 23 years ago, she has been in charge of the place alone. But there are many who have received work training from her through Bærum municipality when she has been open on weekends and on Wednesdays throughout all these years. As well as arranged Christmas parties, confirmations and weddings. Her specialty for the walkers has been hot cocoa made from Freia company chocolate with properly whipped cream, yeast pretzels, apple cake, waffles and chocolate cake. Rolls are also on the menu if the hikers want it.

She makes both baking and party food from scratch. She needs the four “days off” to bake for the three opening days, and the recipes – they are secret.

The guests come from all directions, from Oslo, Asker, Lier and Sollihøgda. Anne-Bjørg is always cheerful, pleasant and helpful. That is why all hikers have become extra happy with her. We observe that everyone who comes in is greeted by first name. Three whole generations have come to know her and followed her up through all these years until she closes at Pentecost. On Friday 2 June, however, she is open from 19 when the Wox1 choir will have a concert and sing-along at Furuholmen. It will be her last meal before she moves to Høvik in June.

Then you might want to meet her walking along the Coast Path – when she is not visiting or being visited by her eventually large family of daughters-in-law, grandchildren and last but not least: eleven great-grandchildren.

And we think that she is proof that it is healthy to live in the middle of nature as she has, a life that has contributed to her being able to enjoy the forest, wildlife, lots of fresh air, sunrises and sunsets – also with an increased awareness as the years have passed.

We say goodbye to generous Anne-Bjørg and follow the road north in the direction of Greenland and take the path to the left by the high-voltage power line. From here we follow the blue-marked path and climb up through the forest for a couple of kilometers.

There is some snow left in the shady places and it is partly damp on the paths, so good footwear is nice to wear. A number of trees have also fallen over the path, so now and then there will be a small obstacle course. But all the way we are followed by a carpet of white roads which is absolutely fantastic – and by the streambeds beautiful ball flowers strut.

After the climb, well into Greenland, we need a break in the sun wall in the living room, which is owned by the Norwegian Scout Association. From here we follow Grønlandsveien on the upper side of the living room until the path turns right into the forest again in the direction of Ståvivollen. After approximately 700 meters in a slight downhill through the forest, we are back on the Grønlandsveien. From here we look up at Ståvivollen, which is among the oldest preserved settlements in Norway.

Just before the car park, we see the Vestmarka biathlon facility on our right. Back at the car, we have covered just under 10 beautiful and rich kilometres.

Have a good trip and happy Pentecost!