Architectural simplicity offering pure tranquility and stunning views in Hälsingland, Sweden

Bergaliv Landskapshotell / Orbaden / Hälsingland / Sweden

It seems to me like the definition of what luxury is, is changing. Before to most it was lavishly decorated hotels, full of splendor and grandeur where the brass was polished to perfection, the velvet curtains heavy and the doormen impeccably mannered. I am sure to some, this is still valid. But at least to me this is not longer the case. Luxury in my world is privacy. It is tranquillity. It is to be able to disconnect, to live close to nature where you can enjoy the magic of it from your own private, front row viewing point. Bergaliv Landskapshotell is luxury and I will tell you why.

Bergaliv is the brainchild of Staffan Michelson. He is an attorney (among many things) specialized on environmental law. He was looking for some land in the region where his ancestors came from and he found this old, closed down ski area. In 2015 he bought Åsberget, the mountain that reaches 373 meters above sea level, overlooking the Ljusnan River Valley. Soon after his daughter confronted him with the idea to somehow make this magical place accessible to others by building some kind of hotel here.

This daughter, Hanna Michelson, is a well-renowned architect and she went to work with creating something that would fit gently into the landscape. The first out of two houses, Högloftet was completed in 2017 and the second one, Söderloftet in 2021. And the plan is to build additionally two. Of course they will be placed on proper distance from the first two to be able to continue to offer the feeling of solitude that Bergaliv has become known for.

The houses are made of core pine and fir while the inside is mainly ash- and birchwood. They are standing on stilts (and actually sway a little when windy) in order to minimize the impact and to respect the location. It is fascinating how the architecture doesn’t compete with the surrounding landscape but rather pays tribute to it.

The interior is all about simplicity. Simplicity and directness with materials that will age with grace. It looks like a modern take on old Scandinavian traditions where some Japanese elements have been incorporated into the mix. It always strikes me how closely related these distant countries are when it comes to design and architecture. We stayed in Söderloftet and it was literally drowning in light from the massive windows, bringing the outside into the living space. And it makes me so happy to learn that yet another family member, Staffan’s wife Lena has also contributed to the hotel since she is the one that has designed the pottery.

One final thing, listen to the recommendation, to hide away your clutter. This way you will get to experience the raw simplicity of Bergaliv.

M has just started the 3 k hike from the valley to the top of the mountain.

There are three different routes to choose from. We decided on the blue trail…

…and after pulsing through the snow, carrying our stuff to the top of the mountain we arrived at our “hotel room”, *Söderloftet*.

I just love the pureness of the architecture. No unnecessary frills, just a modest wooden cabin.

I was waist high in snow when taking this photo. Really wanted a photo from the front. Love how it is towering over the ground, gently asking for some attention.

Enough about the outside. Time to go in.

The first thing the meets the eye is the massive window, overlooking the Ljusnan River Valley below.

These futons, come night time, are turned into really comfy beds. The mattresses are hidden behind the pillows and the duvets are hanging on the wall.

This is such a clever and beautiful solution to store the duvets for the bed.

First thing when you enter, put on the comfy slippers and you’ll feel right at home.

The inside, just like the outside, is wood, wood and more wood. Amazing to see how different kinds of wood can create such a sense of diversity depending on what kind it is. How the color, texture and shade is so diverse.

The kitchenette where you’ll find everything you might need during your stay and one of the few features not made of wood.

The sun is setting over the area and it is time to maximize the coziness…

…and putting the kettle on to make some tea.

M has just woken up and is enjoying a cup of coffee while enjoying the sunrise.

After morning coffee comes breakfast. It is already waiting for you when you arrive in the cabin so you’ll just have to chose a spot and set the table.

There is a lot to do in the area. This is me cross country skiing in nearby Harsa in the beautiful Winter weather.

And after skiing, it is necessary to fill up the gas tank. A great place to do so is at Järvsö Gårdsbageri…

…where the ratio between cake and frosting in the carrot cake is perfect. The chocolate ball and “vacuum cleaner” wasn’t bad either.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…are looking for true solitude. If you see tranquility and the possibility to disconnect as your version of luxury and you don’t mind a hike to reach your destination. Then get online and book a stay right this minute.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is how simple but still intricate the design is. More or less everything is made of different kinds of wood. At first it looks so simple but the more you look around the more you realize how well thought through and elaborate the design is. It is an art form to create simplicity.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…to bring everything you need during your stay. It is a long way down to the valley. If you are looking for something to do before or after your stay, Järvsö Gårdsbageri in nearby Järvsö is well worth a visit for something to eat. If you want to get rid of the calories afterwards, there is a wonderful cross-country skiing are in nearby Harsa.

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