The History of Krossbu
Krossbu was established in 1901 and opened in 1902, and today it is one of Norway’s oldest mountain lodges. Originally named Krossboden, later Krosshø Hotel, the lodge was built and operated by Nils T. Bakkeberg, who was a local mountain guide in the area at the time.
Krossbu replaced an old stone shelter and was built to provide travelers with better protection while waiting for weather conditions that would allow a safe crossing of the often harsh Sognefjellet mountain pass.
The name Krossbu—and the hill behind it, Krosshø—most likely originates from a cross that once stood in a cairn near where the lodge is located today, at the inner end of Breidsæterdalen. According to tradition, making the sign of the cross at this spot would ensure a blessed and safe journey across the mountain.
From Mountain Shelter to Tourist Lodge
After only a few years, the lodge became too small. It attracted not only travelers crossing the mountain, but also mountain tourists eager to experience the dramatic alpine landscape up close and enjoy peaceful hikes in the area. In 1914, Bakkeberg therefore built an annex with additional beds, known as Nilsestugu. When the Sognefjellsvegen road opened in 1938, tourist traffic increased even further, and another building was added. As early as 1936, Krossbu became a postal station for the municipality of Lom—the smallest type of post office at the time. The first postmaster was Rolf Bakkeberg, followed by Kristine Vole Øien, who, together with her husband Bjarne Øien, ran the lodge for many decades.
Krossbu Today
Over the years, the main building has been expanded, and several rooms have been upgraded with private bathrooms, while the lodge has retained its historic character.
Today, Krossbu remains a safe and welcoming haven in the high mountains—for hikers, skiers, and all those who wish to experience Jotunheimen up close, just as travelers have done for more than 120 years.
Lene and Bjarne Eiolf.
