Former Premier League-star goes Viking during pandemic

What does an unemployed football manager do in a pandemic? Lars Bohinen has gone Viking and explored the mountains and fjords in the Møre and Romsdal County in Norway.

– I often use Godøya as a starting point for my hikes. The island is not that big, but it is big enough that you can spend a whole day out there. You are close to nature and there are fantastic views, and it is always a highlight when you see eagles, says Lars Bohinen enthusiastically.

The 51-year-old has experienced success as manager for the Norwegian Premier League clubs Sandefjord and Aalesund, but nothing lasts forever in football. In the middle of the pandemic, in the summer of 2020, Bohinen left his coaching job in Aalesund. Since then, he has been without a job.

– The job market in football is almost non-existent due to the pandemic and without a job I´ve had plenty of time available. Instead of sitting at home I´ve chosen to be out in nature. I´ve had many trips both on foot and skis in the Sunnmøre Alps and the Romsdal-region of Norway. There are so many great places to visit in this area.

Captivated the Premier League

Lars Bohinen is not just anyone in a football context. He was heavily involved in qualifying Norway for the World Cup in ´94 and ´98. In Norway he is best remembered for his iconic goals in the qualifiers against the giants Italy and England. He appeared 49 times for the Norwegian national team.

Over the course of eight seasons in the 90's, the elegant midfielder captivated the Premier League fans with his touch, passes and gorgeous goals. In total, the Norwegian played 179 matches for Nottingham Forest, Blackburn and Derby.

– I hold the 94-95 season with Nottingham Forest as one of my big career highlights. We surprised everybody and ended up securing a third place in the Premier League. We had just been promoted and we delivered a season that exceeded all expectations. It was a great time and Forest will forever have a big place in my heart, recalls Bohinen who during that season scored a goal against Tottenham that is still talked about in England.

 Alpine skiing in unique scenery

Bohinen loves both hunting and fishing but will not characterize himself as a hard-core outdoorsman.

– I'm probably more in theory than in practice. I love nature but I`m not that good at exploring it. My father often took me on hikes and fishing when I was a little boy, so the outdoor has been a part of me since childhood. I wish I was better at going for longer hikes and camping, but I tend to end up going on day trips.

His day trips often go to Godøya, but Bohinen has also climbed the mountain tops Nesaksla and Vardane. This winter, Stranda and the alpine resort Strandafjellet has been the big favourite.

– Strandafjellet is special because you have the elements of snow, fjord and mountains. You ski from the top of a mountain down to the fjord. It is a unique feeling in a spectacular scenery. The slopes are good, and the view is formidable. The resorts in the Alps may be bigger, but they cannot offer the magnificent combination of mountains and fjords.

What is important to you when you decide where to travel?

– I often choose to travel to places that I think are attractive to the eye. I like places where there is a certain scent and where you can listen to the nature. I am very fond of the scent of spring; it brings back good memories from my childhood. I do not always have to go for a hike, but I like the feeling that I have access to nature. That is why we often travel to Storfjord Hotel where you are close to nature and at the same time get the cabin experience. The hotel is just a short drive from our hometown Ålesund.

Next summer, Bohinen and his fiancée Jeanette Solheim will move from Ålesund. A life in football is volatile and it's always the next job that determines where you live. The mountains and fjords of the Møre and Romsdal-region has left lasting memories in Bohinen.

– We will definitely travel back to Northwest region on weekends and on holiday. We will discover new and exciting places to visit in the area and revisit some of our old favourites. We have created so many good memories here and we look forward to reliving these.


Lars Bohinen's tips for adventures in the Sunnmøre Alps and Romsdal region of Norway

Hotel Union Øye / Norangsdalen

We had an incredibly nice experience in the Norangsfjord last summer. We stayed at Hotel Union Øye which is a wonderful historic hotel. The hotel is located at the foot of the mountain Slogen which is a popular hiking destination. There are also a couple of other mountaintops in the area that are perfect for hiking. We stayed in the area for a couple of days, and it is an incredibly nice place. We drove through the Norangsdalen to a small place called Hellesylt. It was absolutely beautiful. A magical trip with nice weather and magnificent nature. We'll try to get back there again soon.

Trollstigen

I recommend driving up the steep hairpin bends of the Trollstigen road, and towards the Geirangerfjorden. It is a very nice trip with beautiful nature and hiking opportunities with great views.

Romsdalen valley

This is such a beautiful area. This is where you will find the mountainside Trollveggen (The Troll Wall), famous among base jumpers worldwide. In my opinion the area is at its peak in late spring. It is beautiful when the snow melts, the waterfalls are full, and the trees starts to turn green.

Bro restaurant in Ålesund

Bro has a great coastal gastronomy concept. The restaurant’s menu is based on local produce. Chef Ronny Kolvik is a top qualified chef and has been part of the Norwegian national team of chefs (Kokkelandslaget).

Vino Bar in Ålesund

The bar has become a real "In" place for wine lovers in Ålesund. Vino Bar is a small and cosy wine bar with a good selection of quality wine. The locals appreciate good wine, and the bar has exceeded all expectations during the pandemic. Jeanette Solheim, Bohinen's fiancée, is the restaurant manager and has been a big part of designing the concept. No wonder the bar is recommended by Bohinen.