Sirdal Huskyfarm is a tourism business with a history spanning nearly 40 years, but first and foremost it is a family business with a passion for the nature of Sirdal. A story of roots, a joy in sharing, and the courage to make things happen. It was Odd Kvinen who started his business in 1989 with what was then called Aktiv Villmark Opplevelse (Active Wilderness Experience), offering guided tours with dog sleds, packhorses, and hunting and fishing trips. Odd's better half, Tone Kvinen, started Runtleneset Aktivitetsgård (Runtleneset Activity Farm), which offered team-building and catering at home on the farm. In 2010, these two businesses merged into what is today Sirdal Huskyfarm, but the brand ethos remains the same and is perhaps more important than ever before – offering their guests genuine experiences through history, people, and nature. The 34 Alaskan Husky polar dogs are, of course, the most important brand asset.
In the enclosure, you are greeted by very trusting and confident dogs in a natural and healthy environment. All the dogs are social and really enjoy being around people and getting cuddles. They live outdoors in the kennel, two by two, where a large fenced exercise area stimulates play and fun for both four-legged friends and visitors. They are highly motivated to run and pull, and get regular exercise in teams throughout the year, using a sled in winter or a cart and scooter on bare ground. In addition, they are trained to carry pack bags and walk on a leash. The dogs have a strong pack instinct and hold daily “howling concerts” to build and strengthen the pack's unity.
At the husky farm, they are keen to communicate to their guests the value of untouched nature and to tell the story – of both the family farm and Sirdal. The family name Kvinen originates from an abandoned, roadless mountain farm where the family has its roots. Here, «grandmother» Gunhild Kvinen lived for more than 50 years, in an existence that today would be completely unthinkable and called back-breaking toil. She, on the other hand, never complained, but was content and happy with life in the mountains. She had accepted her place in the world and met her fate with generosity. This stands in stark contrast to today's society with its endless choices and comforts. They wish to pass on this cultural heritage at Sirdal Husky Farm. When you get to know the history, you can better understand yourself.
The story of Sirdal Huskyfarm is a story about daring to follow your dream, and it is a true story. Today, it is the turn of the second-generation operators, in a symbiosis between farm management and husky farm operations. Florian Sandfort (28) from Germany came to the farm in 2013 to work as a handler and guide for a winter season. Today he lives with his partner Frøydis Kvinen (29), the youngest daughter who grew up on the farm, and is living his dream with guiding, daily operations and the further development of Sirdal Huskyfarm. The eldest daughter Gunhild Kvinen (41) is established with her own family and will eventually take over the farm management. Pierre Werner (42), also from Germany, has found his place as leader of the pack of dogs and with the daily care of the four-legged animals.
Sirdal Huskyfarm focuses on sustainable adventure tourism and works closely with the German outdoor school project, Outdoor College. This unique project gives 32 German ninth-graders the opportunity to experience eleven months of schooling in Sirdal and close to nature. Every day, a group of pupils comes to the farm to help out and learn about dog care and training. In addition to their regular German school curriculum, the pupils learn Norwegian and go on a week-long expedition every month. The highlight is when the dogs tear across the white expanses and the peace found in the complete silence of the mountains. With Sirdal's roughly 1,800 inhabitants, 4,500 cabins and 1,500 square kilometres, there is plenty of room for everyone.