GoldHANEN 2026

A story about nature, sustainability and experiences in the north

The Gold AwardHANEN 2026 is awarded to an actor who has truly excelled in Norwegian rural tourism, local food and nature-based cultural dissemination. GoldHANEN is awarded annually by HANEN, and honors businesses that combine quality, sustainability and authentic experiences in an exemplary way.

This year, the honor goes to Lisbeth Seppola and Marmelkroken – a destination where nature, architecture and human encounters merge into a holistic experience.

A life's work built on vision and belonging

Lisbeth Seppola, originally from Trondheim, bought Marmelkroken in 2011 with a clear vision: to create a place where guests can experience closeness to both nature and people. Since then, she has developed the business to offer accommodation, food and nature-based cultural experiences with a clear anchoring in the place and its surroundings.

Through focused work, Marmelkroken has emerged as a holistic concept, where every element is carefully thought out to give guests a genuine and meaningful experience.

Architecture that enhances the landscape

A central part of Marmelkroken's identity is how the buildings are designed. Small, architectural units are placed in the landscape in a way that highlights nature's own qualities. At the same time, they create intimate settings that allow guests to get closer to both their surroundings and each other.

This interplay between the built and the natural creates an experience that is both aesthetic and sensory – and that makes your stay more than just a place to be. Here you have the opportunity to take a breath and feel that you are calms down

A tribute to the lushness of northern Norway

Marmelkroken draws on the farm's own resources and its unique location in Northern Norway. The goal is to convey a story about the landscape, raw materials and culture found in the area.

This is particularly evident in the dining experiences, where local and seasonal ingredients are at the heart of the experience. The result is not just great meals, but a holistic narrative about Northern Norway – a tribute to the richness and variety of nature.

Sustainability in practice

At Marmelkroken, sustainability is not an add-on, but a fundamental way of thinking. The operation is rooted in the understanding that long-term solutions are created through frugality and respect – both for nature and for the people who use and manage it.

This affects everything from the choice of materials and use of resources to how experiences are designed. It's about taking care of what you have, using it wisely, and creating value without compromising the future.

Looking towards the future

Even with the recognition as the Golden Rooster of the Year 2026, the focus is on the future. Further development is about creating offerings that can be used and reused throughout the year, and about facilitating good encounters between people.

In a time when the pace is often fast, Marmelkroken wants to highlight the simple and close - and remind us of the value of seeing the big in the small.

A worthy winner

With its clear identity, strong value base and holistic approach to experience development, Marmelkroken appears as a very worthy recipient of the 2026 Golden Rooster of the Year.

Through her work, Lisbeth Seppola shows how small places can create big experiences – and how genuine commitment, respect for nature and love of hosting can form the foundation for world-class sustainable tourism.

Were you tempted to experience Marmelkroken? Here you can book accommodation and experiences at Marmelkroken