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Up Norway Celebrates UNESCO Recognition
Up Norway, Scandinavia’s premier curator of sustainable luxury travel, invites travelers to experience Norway’s newly UNESCO-recognized ‘seterkultur’ (summer farm culture), a living heritage that honors the sustainable mountain farming practices, deep-rooted traditions, and artisanal craftsmanship that have shaped Norwegian identity for centuries.
At the heart of summer farm culture are the high-altitude pastures, once the domain of dairymaids (‘budeier’) who spent their summers tending livestock in serene mountain meadows. These meadows were the birthplace of Norway’s celebrated cheeses, now recognized as among the best in the world. In honor of this historic milestone, Up Norway offers the opportunity to incorporate exclusive, authentic cultural experiences into personalized journeys through Norway’s breathtaking landscapes.
From immersive farm stays to engaging culinary experiences and journeys through rolling farmlands and Arctic meadows, travelers can delve into the rich heritage of summer farm culture. Up Norway recommends the following for upcoming trips to the destination:
- Travelers can experience traditions firsthand at Grøndalen Gård, located just outside Oslo, where guests can milk cows, sample fresh Nyr cheese, and learn about sustainable farming practices, including the compassionate “Happy Cow” philosophy, which ensures calves stay with their mothers to foster natural bonding.
- In the village of Skåbu, travelers can enjoy a stay at a culturally rich, family-run ‘seter’ farm, surrounded by tranquil mountain meadows, lush valleys, and sparkling rivers, recognized by the 360° Eat Guide and Regenerative Travel for its sustainability efforts. Here, they will get a glimpse into everyday life on a traditional Norwegian farm, experiencing its authentic charm and heritage firsthand, while offering the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or canoeing.
- A journey along Norway’s longest ‘seter’ road in Grimsdalen offers breathtaking views of grazing animals and traditional farms, culminating in a musk ox safari in Dovrefjell National Park to observe these majestic creatures in their Arctic habitat and learn about their role in the ecosystem.
- In rural Trondheim, Skjølberg Søndre offers a fresh perspective on luxury rooted in biodynamic practice.
- For travelers drawn to Norway’s dramatic fjords, the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord are must-sees. These stunning glacial valleys are home to steep mountainside farms where traditional cheese-making thrives. On a private guided hike or e-bike tour, travelers can journey along scenic trails or gravel roads to reach historic pasture farms like Herdalsætra. In the Lofoten Islands, known for their rugged peaks and picturesque fishing villages, travelers can partake in a hands-on cheese- or sausage-making workshop with local experts and taste the famous brown cheese (‘Nordic caramel’) and other award-winning cheeses produced from goats’ milk.
- A visit to Kvitnes Gård in the Vesterålen archipelago offers yet another lens into Norway’s farming traditions. This historic farmstead combines unspoiled natural beauty with sustainable practices, including organic harvesting and eco-friendly food production. Here, every meal stems from years of preparation—from composting to harvesting. Travelers will learn about cultivation methods in northern Norway and take part in the farm’s daily operations for a hands-on appreciation of sustainable farming.
- The secluded village of Veitastrond showcases a powerful union of culture and nature’s elements. Travelers can visit a local goat farm to learn about cheese and caramel production, and savour the renowned Norwegian brown cheese alongside tales of traditional cheese-making.
- Finally, near Lake Mjøsa, travelers can enjoy elegant farm-to-table dining at historic manors, where local ingredients and Norwegian hospitality shine.
Whether it’s savoring artisanal cheeses, exploring Arctic ecosystems, or connecting with Norway’s cultural and agricultural legacy, Up Norway provides a meaningful and sustainable way to experience this newly celebrated heritage.
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For more information on Up Norway’s recommendations for summer farm culture experiences or to book a customized journey, please visit upnorway.com.
About Up Norway:
Established in 2016, Up Norway’s vision is to introduce quality conscious international travelers to truly unique Norwegian experiences. Its local expertise, sustainable approach, digital itineraries and passion for Norway open up new perspectives. Committed to creating high quality guest experiences, Up Norway has been recognized as an A-List Travel Advisor by Travel + Leisure, named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, recognized as a Wendy Perrin Trusted Travel Expert, and is the first and only Norwegian travel company to be Travelife and B Corporation™ certified. Native Norwegians take pride in serving local cuisine, showing off their vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature. Up Norway’s trips focus not on standard city tours but on getting people out into the country’s stunning landscapes and in contact with the local people. Curated accommodations include not only boutique hotels but also stilted log cabins, lakeside yurts, tent igloos, and a renovated lighthouse: cozy places where you’re hosted by the owners and introduced to the local culture and traditions. The company takes pride in offering experiences off the tourist trail and offers access to sites and stories that would be a challenge to discover otherwise. With a Digital Travel Guide provided to their guests, Up Norway uses technology to enhance its personalized service, not to replace it. For more information on Up Norway, please visit https://upnorway.com.