Thon Hotel Lofoten and Thon Hotel Svolvær are surrounded by fjords and mountains and only a stone’s throw from fishermen's cabins and fish drying racks. For more than a decade, the staff of both hotels have welcomed company groups of all sizes for unforgettable adventures.
“You can leave Oslo in the morning and be enjoying lunch on the quayside in Svolvær before noon,” says Ken-Rudi Johansen, hotel manager for both hotels, who wants to debunk the myth that it is difficult to get to Lofoten.
Johansen says that the most common travel route is to fly to Evenes. More than ten direct flights from Oslo land at Evenes every day. From here, you can take the airport bus to Svolvær.
"A trip many refer to as the world’s most beautiful bus trip,” he says.
An expanded kick-off offer
Since Thon Hotel Lofoten opened its doors in 2009, companies from near and far have held their kick-off at the hotel. Two years ago, the kick-off offer was expanded when Thon Hotel Svolvær opened a few metres away.
“Our hotels in Lofoten are located close to each other and are designed to complement each other,” explains Johansen. "In addition to our own bakery, pastry shop, kitchen garden and greenhouse on the roof, we've also built a fish plant on the quayside, where guests can prepare their own catch for their evening meal after the fishing trip."
Another advantage is that you can walk between the hotels without getting wet, as there is no guarantee that the sun will shine over the open sea. Johansen thinks the ever-changing weather is part of what makes Lofoten so charming.
"You're in the heart of wild nature." If there's a storm, you’ll see the waves splashing against the restaurant windows as you eat breakfast.
Nature experiences in all kinds of weather
A kick-off in Svolvær usually takes place from Thursday to Sunday. Fridays are often spent on professional content, while Saturdays are devoted to outdoor activities.
“We work with the activity provider XXLofoten, which organises very high-quality activities,” says Johansen and mentions boat trips, fishing trips, kayaking and trips to fishing villages among the activities, all close to the hotel.
Johansen adds that XXLofoten is flexible and offers a guarantee, so even if there's a storm outside, the activities will not be cancelled.
The tour may have a different destination than originally planned or be postponed to a later time, but it will still take place. And include lots of nature, ensures Johansen, which is an important part of any trip to Lofoten.
"It’s fantastic to experience wild nature up close as a group."
“I’ve seen the joy on the faces of people on a fishing trip when they pull a cod over the railing and I’ve seen how people bond here,” he says.
Pure joy
On Saturday evening during a kick-off, an 'experience banquet' is often arranged. The hotels provide the content, but since part of the fun is the surprise, Johansen does not reveal too much about it.
"What I can say is that lots of people have truly enjoyed the surprise." Some have even said it was the most amazing thing they've ever seen.
The sense of solidarity and community experienced in such surroundings far away from the workplace is very special. Experiencing Lofoten’s nature as a group offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the sense of unity within a company.
“Our guests seem to really enjoy coming here,” says Johansen. "The organisers are proud of the 'all-time high' registration numbers when they invite employees or partners on a trip to the archipelago."
"We only see smiling faces." I occasionally walk over to reception when people are checking out just to see all the smiling faces," says the hotel manager.
3 reasons to hold a kick-off at Thon Hotels in Lofoten:
- The staff has extensive experience with kick-offs and will make sure everything runs smoothly.
- With a kitchen garden on the roof and partnership with over 20 local suppliers, the hotel restaurants are among the best and most sustainable in Lofoten.
- The hotels collaborate with the activity provider XXLofoten, which ensures that guests can experience the magnificent nature no matter the weather.