In 1912 Marcello Haugen put up a small two-room log cabin, on the mountain top called Thokampen in Sel municipality. Two builders from Oslo assisted him in this, and the materials were carried up to the mountain top by local people in Otta. Situated on the very top some 1000 metres above sea level, the cabin has a spectacular, almost bird’s-eye view over Otta, the commercial and travel centre, the famous mountain region of Rondane, and the Otta and Lågen rivers penetrating the valley Gudbrandsdalen below.

Marcello, who at that time was earning his living as a locomotive stoker on the Hamar-Dombås railway line, was granted permission by the Bredevangen family to put up Sameti, since he, or so the saying goes, had managed to stop a horse in full, uncontrolled flight, with Mr.Tho sitting trapped in the cart.

The area surrounding Sameti covers some 100 square metres, covered with bushes and trees. The cabin itself is situated in a crack in the ground, thus sheltering it from the strong forces of nature. As a result of this, Sameti has kept remarkably well over the years. Anyone interested in visiting this peaceful and beautiful place is welcome. People have come in great numbers both from all over Norway and from abroad, and few, if any, have failed to grasp the stillness and sanctity of the place.

Today, a road leading up from Otta facilitates access to the top, but in the old days walking up a steep, winding path was the only option. The "steatite road" was basically built as part of a local soapstone industry. Walking from the end of this road to Thokampen takes approx. 20 mins. You can see the mountain top hovering over the plateau some 100 meters. It’s easily spotted from the parking space near the entrance to the soapstone quarry (see map for details). The little path leading up to Sameti itself should be approached with caution. This ascent must have caused considerable problems when the necessary wood construction materials were carried up to the site.

Incidentally, there have been speculations about the Thokampen mountain, whether in fact it was originally used as a local fortress during the Iron Age. It is, of course, very hard to give proof of this, but it is a fact that there are natural caves under the site where Sameti is situated, with subterranean passageways leading in many directions.

It is only a short walk from Sameti to the "Pillarguritoppen", another famous historical site in Norwegian history. Pillarguri was the woman who stood on the mountain brink overlooking the valley below and blew her "lur", or lure in English, in order to advert the local defenders of the valley of the arrival of Captain Sinclair and his Scots mercenaries on their way south to Sweden and the Kalmar War. Her signal to the local peasants resulted in the release of the ripcords holding vast piles of logs and stones, resulting in the death of Sinclair and many of his soldiers..

The meaning of Sameti

During the time Sameti was constructed (1912 to 1915), Marcello spent a lot of time exploring his inner self, developing his powers and skills, travelling a lot and meeting people who could assist him in his life’s quest. Among the many people he met, Rudolf Steiner in particular meant a lot to him. Marcello had felt ”strange” and different ever since he was little, but gradually came to understand that this curious ”inner tension” was nothing out of the ordinary, but rather a unique feature of his personality. He also used considerable time studying and reading about the mysteries and deepest meaning of life.

As far as we know the word ”Sameti” has at least two different interpretations. First, it means ”I’m thirsty” in Hebrew and is the same word Jesus uttered when hanging on the cross.  In Hindu mythology the word means ”meeting ground”, and this is exactly what Sameti has been to Marcello’s family and friends over the years.  Situated in such peaceful natural surroundings, this place of wonder and calm lets us all crave for a spiritual closeness with Marcello and the deeper understanding of the mysteries of eternity – Mystica Eterna.

Take the road to Sameti

The Sameti Foundation has taken an active role in preserving and keeping this precious little cabin, which is open to all. Outside the cabin, to the left of the entrance door, a key is placed on a peg. If you wish to pay the place a visit, you need to know and follow a few instructions, for the benefit and pleasure of you and your fellow travellers. We recommend whole-heartedly such a visit. The cabin was built ”where the sun always shines”, and this basically says it all. The exterior of the cabin and the surrounding scenery simply have to be experienced! Inside the cabin you find personal letters, lyrics and books by all-knowing philosopher Marcello Haugen.

We would like to welcome as many as possible to Sameti and hope you will discover the beauty and drama of this remarkable place. Be prepared for an awe-inspiring experience in the stillness of nature!

All the best.
The Sameti Foundation

Instructions for visiting Sameti

It goes without saying that  the use of open fire in and around such a fragile wooden building is strictly forbidden. Moreover, Marcello did not allow anyone to break off twigs or branches from trees or in any way alter the natural surroundings.

About the cabin itself he wrote:

My gracious visitors are kindly asked to observe the following here at ”Castle Sameti”

• Take extreme care with open fire. Wood should only be burnt in the open fireplace, as the little stove is damaged. 
• Please do not use the cut wood, but collect wood yourself near the base of the little mountain.
• This place is dear to me, so keep it tidy.

Sincerely, Marcello.

This was written by Marcello's mother:

"I particularly ask you to remember cleaning up after your visit and put everything in the order it was first observed. If by misfortune you break any objects or furniture belonging to the cabin, we kindly ask you to replace goods with new ones, so that the place can be preserved in good condition for everyone, as a source of happiness and joy in the years to come."

Sincerely, Mother Haugen.

The visitor's book at Sameti

Please remember to write your name in the visitors’ book! The Sameti Foundation takes great care in providing a new book whenever the old one is full.