About us
Mission and vision
The Wittgenstein Foundation in Skjolden (SWiS) is an independent, private foundation established in 2014 with five parties. Each party is represented on the board with one board member.
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Securing cultural and historical values following Ludwig Wittgenstein's work in Skjolden .
Developed and managed property and buildings related to the property in "Austria" at Eidsvatnet in Skjolden and through this contribute to local value creation.
Gain knowledge and history about Ludwig Wittgenstein in Skjolden available. This will include relevant national and international professional communities.
Preserve antiquarian values associated with Wittgenstein's stays in Skjolden .
The first goal is to move the well-preserved Wittgenstein House back to the foundations where it was originally built. In addition, there will be work on improving the access, re-establishing the hand-cranked ropeway for water supply, and getting information in place.
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In a more visionary view, we imagine that Skjolden , with Wittgenstein's house as inspiration, can be developed into an international destination for diverse experiences, based on the theme of philosophy.
This aims to introduce the humanities, create reflections on our attitude to life for young and old through studies, philosophy walks, sabbaticals and seminars, all linked to the unique environment Wittgenstein found in Skjolden ; quiet by the lake, fjord and mountains.
The visionary phase has great potential. Its realization will depend on "finding" sponsors.
Board
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Chairman: Eli Hansen Moen
Represents: Skjolden Village association
Deputy representative: Morten Stensvold Løwe -
Deputy Manager: Vegard Bolstad
Represents: Party "Trygve Martinussen"
Deputy representative: Trygve Martinussen
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Secretary: Steinar Bøyum
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Board member: Hilde Skogstad Øvreås
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Board member: Geir Arve Sandvik
geir.arve.sandvik@luster.kommune.no
Represents: Luster Municipality
Deputy representative: Stine Rebni Bjørk
History of the board
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Harald Vatne: Deputy Leader 2014-2022
Silvija Apeinane: deputy representative 2021-2025
Eli Hansen Moen: board member 2022-2024
Chairman 2024-Morten Stensvold Løwe: deputy representative 2025-
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Jon Bolstad : board member 2014-2022
Deputy Leader 2022-2025
Vegard Bolstad : deputy representative 2021-2024
Hilde Skogstad Øvreås: board member 2025-
Mara Nyhus: deputy representative 2025-
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Trygve Martinussen:
board member 2014-2020
Chairman of the Board 2020-2024
deputy representative 2024-Oddvin Sørheim: deputy representative 2021-2022
Magnar Bjørk: deputy representative 2022-2024
Vegard Bolstad : board member 2024-2025, deputy chairman 2025-
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Rune J. Falch: secretary 2014-2025
Simo Säatelä: deputy representative 2021-
Steinar Bøyum: secretary 2025-
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Ivar Kvalen (chairman): board chairman 2014-2019
Marianne Bugge: board member 2019-2023
Ole Martin Bakken: deputy representative 2019-2023
Geir Arve Sandvik (vice chairman): board member 2023-
Stine Rebni Bjørk: deputy representative 2023-
In the period 2014-2019, the head of culture in Luster municipality, Erling Bjørnetun, participated as an advisor to the board.
Cooperation
Would you like to contribute? Read more here: Support us
Luster municipality owns the land but has given SWiS the right to dispose of the area for 20 years from 2016. The municipality maintains insurance for the house while SWiS is responsible for all operations.
Locally, SWiS collaborates with the various players in tourism, etc. Skjolden , for example by SWiS having prepared and produced marketing material, see brochure .
The walk to and from the Wittgenstein House is an important part of the experience for our guests. In order to prevent the decay of the historically agricultural buildings along the walking route, we have entered into agreements with two of the landowners . The foundation has been given the houses at its disposal in exchange for taking on the work of preventing decay.
One of these houses, belonging to Monica and Simon Page , will be furnished with historical information about both the restoration of the Wittgenstein House and the historical agricultural activities in the area in 2022. SWiS has invited Luster Sogelag to collaborate on this.
An annual Wittgenstein seminar is held at Walaker Hotel in Solvorn . SWiS participates here with a report on the restoration of the house and by guiding at the exit to the house.
The University of Bergen has various excursions and will be organizing another seminar in 2022 at Skjolden Hotel in close contact with SWiS.
Internationally, we follow the Wittgenstein Initiative in Vienna with Radmila Schweitser as leader and Knut Olav Åmås on the board, see wittgenstein-initiative.com.
The foundation has its own cooperation agreement with Luster Sparebank . The bank provides subsidies for our ordinary operations and for some events. The foundation, for its part, promotes the principle of "use your local bank", a very valuable player in the local community and with good, professional services for its customers.