The Prince's cabin in Sikkilsdalen – a royal gift to friends

In the heart of Sikkilsdalen, at the foot of the Jotunheimen mountains, lies the historic Prinsehytta – a quiet sanctuary with deep roots in both Norwegian and Swedish royal history.

Designed by palace administrator Hjalmar Welhaven, the cabin was completed in 1902, following a fundraising campaign. It was given as a gift to the three Swedish princes Gustaf Adolf, Wilhelm and Erik a few years before the dissolution of the union in 1905.

Situated in the middle of the Norwegian mountains, the cabin was intended to strengthen the ties between Norway and Sweden.

Following the dissolution of the union in 1905, the place was left unused, until Crown Prince Olav received the Prince's Cabin as a gift when he came of age on 2 July 1924. Since then, it has been owned by the Norwegian royal family.

For generations, the royal family has returned to Sikkilsdalen, not as aloof symbols, but as part of the valley community. They have shopped locally, used acquaintances as local guides and shared the same trails, mountains and fishing lakes as everyone else.

It's always a little extra fun when the cortège drives past Skåbu Mountain Hotel on the way to the royal retreat in Sikkilsdalen. I'm genuinely happy that the royal family will also get a little breather, feel the tranquillity the mountains and nature provide. Maybe the king is going hunting, maybe the queen is going for a hike, or just relaxing in front of the fireplace and reading a good book – just like the rest of us.

There is something lovely about the fact that a place that was once about big politics, is today all about simplicity. About family. Nature. Silence. Peace!

Maybe that's exactly why the Prince's Cabin still means so much.

Photo: Worm-Petersen, Severin / Norsk Teknisk Museum