📍 Farm Stays Norway 2025: Telemark Cheese & Cozy Cabins🐐🏡
Telemark is an absolutely stunning region in south-eastern Norway where beautiful pastoral valleys meet the steep slopes of the magnificent Hardangerfjord. Here, farmhouses offer not only cosy accommodation but also an incredible gastronomic experience: from the early morning goat milking to a thrilling master class in making the delicious brown cheese, and dinner made from the freshest, locally-grown vegetables picked in the greenhouse just an hour earlier. Farm stays are really taking off! Tourist traffic has surged by 23% in just two years, and the demand for rooms is through the roof (typically just 4–8 cabins).
In this guide, we have compiled 10 frequently asked questions about farm stays in Telemark: where to find cosy chalets, how much does a night for two with breakfast made from freshly whipped cream cost, what activities await children and how not to break the biosafety rules (disinfecting shoes at the entrance to the stables). We are delighted to announce that the information was verified in May–June 2025 with the owners of Hollane Gård, Høres Farm Lodge, Fjågesund Gjestegard and the Inn på Tunet network registry. Save the article — we update prices and activities once per season, so you can be sure you're getting the best deals!
🐐🌿 Top 5 Telemark Farms to Book in 2025
| Farm / Area | Signature produce | Stay highlights | Breakfast | Booking rating | Price (shoulder) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollane GårdØyfjell | Goat cheese | 25 m² cabins; barrel sauna | 🥚 Farm-to-table | ≥ 9.1 | €140–180 / night |
| Hørte Farm LodgeBø | Cow’s milk; Gouda Tele cheese factory | Cheese tastings; lodge charm | 🥛 Farm-to-table | ≥ 9.1 | €140–180 / night |
| Fjågesund GjestegardFyresdal | Sheep products | SUP boards on the lake | 🍯 Farm-to-table | ≥ 9.1 | €140–180 / night |
| Lien Organic FarmSeljord | Organic produce | Digital-detox resort; Wi-Fi only in the dining room | 🥗 Farm-to-table | ≥ 9.1 | €140–180 / night |
| Nutheim GjestgiveriFlatdal | Apple cider | Art workshops + creative studio | 🍎 Farm-to-table | ≥ 9.1 | €140–180 / night |
💰 How much does it cost and what is included?
Winter (January-March) €120-140; summer peak (June-August) €180-220; shoulder season (May, September) -15%. The price includes: a 20-30 m² cabin with underfloor heating, breakfast with farm products, bedding/cleaning, a tour of the barn (30 minutes). Additional charges: sauna 250 NOK/hour, cheese tasting set 195 NOK/person.
🧀 What is the Telemark Cheese Experience and where can you try it?
Hollane and Hørte host a "Brunost & Chevre" master class: milk a goat, boil the whey and shape a 300 g wheel, which you vacuum pack and take home with you. Duration: 2.5 hours, €45 per person, 50% discount for children. Book a slot when reserving your room: groups of up to 8 people.
🚗 How to get there: do you need a car?
Train Oslo S → Bø (1 hour 50 minutes) + 12 km transfer (Hørte, 300 NOK). To Fjågesund, take bus VY 180 to Fyresdal. However, 75% of guests arrive by car: parking is free and the FV 38 / FV 355 roads are cleared all year round. Without a car, it is easier to choose Hørte Farm or Nutheim (bus stop "Flatdal – Nutheim" 400 m).
👨👩👧 Is this format suitable for families with children?
Yes. Fjågesund has a mini zoo (rabbits, ponies), and Hørte has a children's cooking class called "Pizza fra Gård". Children under 6 years old sleep for free in existing beds; extra beds are €20. Please request protective boots in sizes 28-34 for the barn: they are provided free of charge, but sizes are limited.
🧼 What hygiene and biosafety rules apply?
There is a disinfection barrier at the entrance to the stables: rubber shoe covers or disinfection mats. Wash your hands with antibacterial gel before and after handling animals. Personal pets are not allowed (risk of infection). If you have travelled to farms abroad within the last 48 hours, please inform the owner — you may be asked to stay in the outdoor courtyard. The penalty for ignoring the rules is NOK 1,000 (Nortura standard).
🌿 What else is there to do besides the cheese factory?
● Hiking trails Telemarkskanalen (marked trails 5-12 km)
● Kayaking/SUP boarding on Lake Bandak (rental 250 NOK/day)
● Haflinger horses in Hollane — 1-hour rides, 450 NOK
● Nutheim cider tour — 3 varieties, NOK 295
🛍️ What products can you buy and take home?
Goat cheese, yoghurt, honey, cider. There are no restrictions on imports into the EU, but keep cheese at ≤ 8 °C. Vacuum pack it at the farm (20 NOK/pack) — this will keep it fresh for 48 hours. Alcoholic cider > 4.7% is considered alcohol: the limit is 6 litres per adult.
📅 How to book and save up to 15%?
Book directly: promo code FARM10 (Hollane) or CHEESE15 (Hørte) until 30 April. Mid-week (Tues-Thurs) — prices are 10% lower. The "Stay & Cheese" package (2 nights + master class) saves you 12%. Purchase a gift voucher in December and get a 20% discount on dates from January to May.
🎒 What to bring and what are the quiet hours?
Hiking boots, a waterproof jacket, a 20,000 mAh power bank (Wi-Fi is weaker in the fields), and a bag for cheese in your hand luggage. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Goat bells may ring all night — bring earplugs. Sort your rubbish: Rest/Plast/Papir; there is a 200 NOK fine for mixed bags.
A farm holiday in Telemark is an incredible opportunity to wake up to the most delicious smell of freshly baked bread, chat with the most friendly goats and take home a head of cheese you made yourself. Book Hollane or H løt streets 2–3 months in advance to get the best prices! Choose the shoulder season and add the amazing "Stay & Cheese" packages. And don't forget to respect the farmers' bio-safety rules. This is such a great way to support local agriculture and get an amazing, authentic experience that you won't find in city hotels.
We can't wait to hear all about your farm holiday experiences in Norway and which Telemark cheese became your favourite!
