Our Story ᛫ Holmen Husky Lodge

About us

Rooted in tradition. Carried by passion.

Holmen Husky Lodge is a family-built Arctic retreat shaped by decades of life with sled dogs and the rhythms of the north. What began with a single team and a dream in 1986 has grown into a year-round lodge offering meaningful Arctic experiences—built on trust, craft, and connection.

For nearly 40 years, we’ve designed and led dog sledding tours, multi-day journeys, and guided wilderness adventures for guests from around the world. Some come for the stillness. Some come for the Northern Lights. Others come for the trail, and the bond between human and dog. Whatever brings you here, our mission is the same: to share the life that captured our hearts—on and off the sled.

Welcome to Holmen.

How it all began

Two mushers. One trail. A life shaped by dogs.

Our story begins in 1986, when Kari Jæger and Eirik Nilsen—both deeply drawn to the world of sled dogs—found their way to Alta, and eventually, to each other. At the time, Finnmarksløpet, now Europe’s longest and toughest sled dog race, was just beginning to capture the imagination of the north.

That same year, Kari became the first woman to ever complete the race—a milestone that shaped the rest of her life. She later went on to manage and develop Finnmarksløpet, helping it grow into the internationally respected race it is today.

Eirik competed in the race 14 times over 18 years, earning three victories and a deep reputation in the mushing world. Together, they built their life by the Alta River—raising dogs, guiding guests, and building the early foundations of what would become Holmen Husky Lodge.

The old post-war barn became the heart of the lodge. The trails became the classroom. Holmen grew from a quiet farm into a working kennel and expedition base, welcoming guests from around the world to experience life with huskies in the far north.

A New Generation

In 2022, their son Brage Nilsen Jæger stepped into the race. With his sister Oda as handler, he finished 5th in his first Finnmarksløpet 600 km and was named Rookie of the Year. Two years later, he completed the Finnmarksløpet 1200 km —Europe’s toughest race—finishing 6th and again earning the Rookie of the Year title.

Today, Holmen Husky Lodge is home to one of Europe’s most competitive sled dog kennels—and a new generation stepping up to the trail. In 2024, the family replaced their canvas glamping tents with seven architect-designed Forest Suites, marking a new chapter in Arctic hospitality rooted in craft, comfort, and connection to nature.

Where We Are Now

A living tradition—shared one guest at a time.

Holmen remains a living, breathing expression of everything the family stands for: dogs, nature, hard work, and the joy of sharing it all with others. Whether you're chasing northern lights or standing on the sled runners for the first time, you're part of a story still being written—one guest, one trail, one winter at a time.