The story of Björnänge Lodge

The story of Björnänge Lodge is one that spans generations — filled with both dreams and challenges — with roots reaching back to the early 20th century.

The farm, originally named Brattsve Gård, was built in 1836, but our story began in 1905 when Daniel Dahlström returned to Sweden after ten years in America. With the money he had earned through hard work in the forests and on construction sites, he was able to buy the farm in Svedje for 5,000 kronor. Together with his wife, Anna, he ran the farm, which at the time operated as a traditional agricultural holding. The couple had four sons — Petrus, Axel, Manne, and Erik — who grew up to become invaluable help in the daily work.

In 1921, one of the sons, Axel, felt the same pull toward adventure that had once taken his father across the Atlantic. He emigrated to the United States and worked as a carpenter and miner in Nevada, where he later met his wife, Orril. Sadly, Axel’s journey ended in tragedy when he was killed in a mining accident in 1953.

The military moves in

The farm in Svedje remained at the heart of the family’s life. During World War II, in 1939, the entire property was requisitioned by the military. Daniel and his sons shared the farm with the soldiers for six years, but the cooperation turned out to work surprisingly well — the soldiers helped with the farm work and became an unexpected asset. It was during this period, in 1930, that a new barn was built, along with the small service cottage Granbacken by Fröåtjärn, which would later become an important part of the property.

When Daniel passed away in 1945 at the age of 75, he was laid to rest in Åre Old Church, accompanied by both family and a military escort. After his passing, Manne and Erik took over the running of the farm. The years following the war were still marked by a strong military presence, as the Björnänge camp was established as a winter training site for soldiers from across the country. Once again, the farm became a place for military exercises, with shooting drills and training activities taking place between the buildings. The family rented out parts of the property to the military, and Manne found plenty of work through their presence.

The fire that changed everything

Everything changed in the winter of 1966, when a fire destroyed the dining hall at the Björnänge camp, leading to the camp’s closure. Shortly thereafter, in 1971, Manne passed away, and the farm was taken over by Daniel Dahlström Jr. and his brother Folke.

In 1979, discussions began about developing the area above the farms in Hårbörsta, Svedje, and Vik for tourism and lodging. The landowners saw an opportunity and invested part of their land in the company Björnen Fritidsland. During the 1980s, much of what is now the Björnen center area was part of the family’s property. Unfortunately, they faced another setback when the company went bankrupt in 1983, resulting in the loss of the land they had invested. Wealthier corporations took over, and the family lost control of the area. Despite these challenges, they continued to persevere — and although they lost land, their love for the farm and the mountain landscape has never faded.

For three decades, from 1993 to 2022, it was Daniel Dahlström Jr. who owned and managed the farm with great dedication. His work defined the farm during those years, until he eventually sold it in 2022 to Arild Fröseth. Today, the farm is run by Arild and his wife, Solveig, who together continue its traditions with the same warmth and care.

This farm has carried many memories and challenges, yet it still stands as a reminder of the family’s history and legacy. Over time, it has evolved into what is now Björnänge Lodge – a place where history and the present meet, where guests can enjoy the beauty of the mountains while feeling the closeness of the farm’s rich past.

The story of the farm continues, and it is with great pride that we invite you to become a part of it.