Hear the jingle of bells when the goats come running, meet a dairymaid barista, and experience authentic traditions at summer farms in the Norwegian mountains. Their cafés offer tasty treats like freshly churned butter, cheese, and sweet goat milk caramels.
Happiness is to pet cute baby goats, breathe in fresh mountain air, and eat traditional food, all in surroundings straight out of a fairy tale.
For centuries, summer pastures in the mountains were a vital part of Norwegian agriculture. At its peak, you could find more than 100,000 mountain farms around the country.
“The mountain summer pastures made it possible for farmers to take advantage of all of the natural grazing land. It was common to have more than one mountain farm,” says Bernt Bucher-Johannessen. He is the manager at HANEN, an organisation that promotes rural tourism in Norway.
Throughout the summer, dairymaids managed the mountain pastures. They milked the cows and goats, made cheese, churned butter, and looked after the animals. The milk was distributed in the local area so that others could also make products like cheese, butter, sour cream, and prim, a sweet soft cheese spread.
Today, around 700 mountain farms in Norway offer authentic and fun farm experiences for children and adults alike.
“When you visit a summer mountain farm, you can get close to animals, see where butter and cheese come from, and enjoy traditional farm food, like rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge), flatbread, and cured meats,” Bucher-Johannessen explains.
In some places you can also help feed and milk the animals and make cheese or try fun activities like horseback riding and melkespannkasting, a competition where you see who can throw a milk can the furthest. Many mountain farms also offer accommodation and have a café and a small shop.
“A farm visit is perfect for hikers who want some tasty food after a long day in the mountains, as well as for grandparents who want to spend quality time with their grandchildren,” says Bucher-Johannessen.
Here are his recommendations for some of the most scenic mountain farms in Norway.
Herdalssetra
Norddal in Sunnmøre, Fjord Norway
The beautiful Herdalssetra mountain farm has been in use for more than 300 years. It consists of 35 farmhouses, both big and small, and is home to 400 animals. The farm produces white and brown cheese, as well as caramels made with goat’s milk. In summer, the café serves traditional food like sour cream porridge and cured meat.
Experiences nearby: Herdalssetra lies by the Hereggja mountain (1,557 m.a.s.l). You can also embark on a two-hour hike to the Kallskaret Nature Reserve, known for its unique geology. Spend a night at Petrines Gjestgiveri, a hotel in the picturesque fjord village of Norddal, and sample their famous goat burger. Find more things to do in Sunnmøre and the Geirangerfjord region.
Brimi Sæter
Lom in Jotunheimen, Eastern Norway
Exciting farm experiences await the whole family at Brimi Sæter in the Jotunheimen mountains. See award-winning cheese being made, pet the cute animals, and try some divine food in its cosy café. You can stock up on goodies too, as they sell a variety of products. The farm offers accommodation in farmhouses and lavvos (traditional Sami tents) and rooms in the attic (way cosier than it sounds).
Experiences nearby: Brimi Sæter is an excellent base if you want to hike the Besseggen ridge, Galdhøpiggen, or Glittertind. The mountain farm is located just a short drive from the village of Lom, where you can visit the Norwegian Mountain Center, the Lom stave church and last, but not least, the famous bakery Bakeriet i Lom! Find more things to do in Jotunheimen.
Renndølsetra
Sunndal in the Northwest, Fjord Norway
Every summer since 1740, the Opdøl family has brought its animals to Renndølsetra in the Innerdalen valley. Like previous generations, they still make sour cream, yoghurt, and butter from cows’ milk. The idyllic, traditional mountain farm has six guest rooms, which can accommodate up to 26 people. In the café, you can indulge in fresh waffles and sample traditional food made from the farm’s own products, as well as fish and meat from the local area.
Experiences nearby: Renndølsetra is located in Innerdalen, known as one of Norway’s most beautiful valleys. Admire the famous mountain Blåfjell from afar or hike to the top. Find more things to do in the Northwest.
Håvardsrud Seterliv
Tinn in Telemark, Eastern Norway
Håvardsrud Seterliv is a traditional mountain pasture in the Skirvedalen valley. It offers farm stays, activities, and food. Help guide the animals to their new grazing area, try horseback riding, feed the animals, and milk the cows. Or perhaps you want to learn the secret to churning butter? The farm shop sells eco-friendly products from the farm and the local area.
Experiences nearby: Håvardsrud Seterliv is located a 45-minute drive from Rjukan, where you can hike marked trails, take the Krossobanen cable car, and learn about the daring sabotage mission that took place here during the Second World War. Find more things to do in Telemark.
Fagerdalen Støl
Hol in Hallingdal, Eastern Norway
Fagerdalen Støl is located in Hallingdal and has been in the same family for more than 300 years. It is fully operational every summer, and local and homemade products are served in the farm café, which also doubles as a shop. Try traditional foods like sour cream porridge and cheese before heading out to say hello to the cute animals.
Experiences nearby: Fagerdalen Støl lies between Bergsjø and Hoved, and is well suited as a base for bike trips in the area. It's also the perfect place to start if you want to hike two of Hallingdal’s most scenic peaks, Hallingskarvet and Reinsskarvet. Find more things to do in Hallingdal.
Olestølen
Valdres, Eastern Norway
In scenic surroundings by Olevatn lake in Valdres, just 15 minutes northeast of Beitostølen and 40 minutes north of Fagernes, you’ll find Olestølen mountain farm. Here, goats milk is refined in its 'micro cheese factory' and turned into the most delicious cheeses – white and brown, and everything from feta to chevre. The sweet brown cheese is boiled in an iron-cast pot and stirred by hand. The farm is also home to animals including horses, pigs, ducks, and even cats, and its shop sells local handicrafts.
Experiences nearby: The popular hiking and skiing destination Beitostølen is just a short drive away. In summer, you can try dog sleeing (on wheels), paddling, and packrafting. Find more things to do in Valdres.
Kalven Seter
Vågå in Gudbrandsdalen, Eastern Norway
Kalven Seter is located by Lemonsjøen lake, not too far from the Jotunheimen mountains. The farm consists of eight buildings from the 1800s and 1900s – and what’s probably Norway’s most unique coffee bar. In the old sitting room, the farm's dairymaid serves everything from espresso with milk from the farm to smoothies and fresh waffles.
Out in the farmyard, you can throw horseshoes or milk churns and try archery or horseback riding. The farm also hosts concerts and exhibitions.
Experiences nearby: Kalven is excellent as a base for adventures in the Jotunheimen mountains, both on foot and by bike. In Vågå town centre, you can walk in Munch’s footsteps and visit the old church with a history dating all the way back to the 1100s. Find more things to do in Gudbrandsdalen valley.
Selstali Seter
Tinn in Telemark, Eastern Norway
The mountain farm Selstali Seter lies by the foot of Mount Gaustatoppen. Here, cows, calves, and lambs walk about and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The cow’s milk is used to produce everything from butter and sour cream to farm cheeses.
Selstali serves food throughout the day during summer and has two lumber cabins for rent. And even the youngest in the family can help with the milking and feeding of the cows.
Nearby experiences: Selstali Seter is a perfect place to visit if you’re embarking on a trip to the top of Mount Gaustatoppen, considered by many, including Lonely Planet, to be Norway’s most beautiful peak. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of the mainland from the top. You can also paddle in one of the lakes in the area. Find more things to do in Telemark.
Norway is packed with memorable accommodation. Spend the night in a luxurious manor house or at one of the country’s unique accommodation options, or let Up Norway tailor your entire journey.
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