Otternes Bygdetun in Aurland

Perched high above Aurlandsfjord, with stunning views over the water and mountains, is Otternes Farm. This historical collection of wooden buildings, which date from the 1700s and was last occupied in 1996, preserves some of the rural and agricultural architecture and traditions in this remote area. When the farm was founded and active, most travel and trade was by water and the farmstead was largely self-sufficient.

Otternes originally housed four distinct farms, where over 60 people lived and worked. There are a variety of buildings with different functions, which are being restored. Some are open to enter and filled with artefacts.

Sometimes there are tours or demonstrations of local crafts available (there is an Instagram site that advertises availability of these), and there is a small shop selling natural products produced by local artisans. The staff that work here have lots of knowledge about the history and renovations of the site. There is an honesty box if you visit when volunteers are not on site. Otternes has recently been afforded a protected status by the Norwegian National Heritage Board.