© @fotografidahvattum

Invites you to magical experiences in their forest kingdom

With deep respect for the forest and both past and future generations, Ingeborg Anker-Rasch has created an enchanting tourist destination where the history of her ancestors resonates through the trees surrounding the forest cabins.

Anker-Rasch, the first female forest owner at Hafsrød Farm in Halden, carefully tends the over 30,000-decare property, continuing the legacy of generations before her. The forest cabins, once abandoned by workers as machines took over their jobs, have been revived to offer unique, simple, yet comfortable short-term stays.

A breath of fresh air

According to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), demand for nature-based experiences is rapidly increasing, merging leisure, sustainability, and tourism. Anker-Rasch explains that most guests feel they’ve found a “breath of fresh air,” escaping noise, artificial light, mobile phones, and work. The secluded cabins, far removed from shops and crowds, force visitors to slow down and take a much-needed timeout.

“People are often surprised by how quiet it is here,” she says with a smile. Guests rediscover the joys of nature after just a night or two in the cabins, with activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, and even learning about the forest’s history included in their stay.

To bring the forest experience to life, Hafsrød is restoring more cabins, ensuring they remain cosy yet authentic. The cabins showcase the area’s natural treasures, including starry skies, serene woodlands, peaceful lakes, and vibrant wildlife. Currently, four cabins are available, which have been fully booked throughout April and May.

A taste of the forest

To make guests’ stays even more relaxing, Hafsrød is preparing to launch a “forest box” filled with local and sustainable food. Guests can enjoy game meat, mushrooms, and berries from Hafsrød’s lands, ensuring meals are as locally sourced as possible.

“We want to offer what’s right outside our door,” says Anker-Rasch, explaining that their own game meat is processed in-house for the ultimate zero-kilometre food experience. The forest box is being developed in collaboration with Matfatet Ørje and Sebastian Engh from Curtisen Restaurant in Halden, showcasing the best of what Hafsrød, the Halden Canal, and Østfold have to offer.

The goal is to provide easy-to-prepare luxury meals, allowing guests to enjoy fine dining without extra hassle. Future plans include a small farm shop where visitors can buy local products to supplement their meals.

A growing trend

Forest cabins are also becoming increasingly popular among buyers, not just renters. According to real estate agent Bent Cato Kirkeng from Privatmegleren, interest in forest properties has grown significantly in recent years.

“There’s a clear trend of growing appreciation for the forest, not just from city dwellers but also from locals in Østfold,” he says. Kirkeng credits social media for making forests and local hiking areas more accessible and popular by spreading stories and tips.

With their unique offerings and growing demand, forest cabins like those at Hafsrød are helping more people reconnect with nature, one magical stay at a time.