Five years ago, not long after we’d launched as a site, Fantha Trackers Brian Cameron, Matt Booker, Richard Hutchinson, myself and our pal James Floyd travelled to Norway to visit the iconic Finse 1222 hotel and tour a number of iconic filming locations. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip….until it wasn’t. Fantha Tracks will return to Finse for Hoth Strikes Back over the weekend of 23rd – 25th February 2024, celebrating the 45th anniversary of the filming of The Empire Strikes Back in Norway back in 1978.
Here’s what we filmed back in 2018 during our first visit.
Welcome to a unique celebration of the 45th anniversary of the filming of the iconic movie Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back! We honor this unforgettable event that took place right here in Finse, where the most memorable scenes were created, both outside our hotel and on the majestic Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
The story begins in March 1979 when Irvin Kirshner, the talented director behind The Empire Strikes Back, along with an impressive film crew, chose Finse as their filming location. It was at this remote and snow-covered location that they found the perfect resemblance to the ice planet “Hoth.” During filming, they were confronted with a historic snowstorm that truly tested both the crew and actors. Nevertheless, this resulted in some of the most iconic moments in film history.
Finse 1222 was carefully selected as the filming location, and our location has since been known as “Hoth” among Star Wars fans. Here, the epic battle between the Rebels and the Empire from the opening scene of The Empire Strikes Back was filmed.
When you visit, you’ll have the rare opportunity to meet and hear from the key individuals who were involved in the filming and gain insight into their experiences around Finse. Among our special guests are:
– Christian Berrum, production assistant
– Knut Vadset, still photographer
– Martin Gant, responsible for special effects
– Harald Lystad, CEO of 20th Century Fox NorwayIn addition to our exciting event, we’d like to invite you to experience Finse 1222 itself. Our hotel offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure in the heart of the wilderness. From our cozy accommodations to stunning vistas and outdoor activity opportunities, you’ll discover why Finse is a destination worth exploring.
Contact our hotel reservations for details on prices and booking for this special event. If you’re planning a day visit (without overnight stay), we also offer admission tickets. Stay tuned for upcoming activities and exciting presentations during the celebration of this historic anniversary. We look forward to welcoming you to Finse!
#Join our Facebook group to see the latest information and updates!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/278672538260582/
Spaces are limited, so if you intend to go don’t wait too long as those remaining rooms will go fast.
