Hike with a Visit to a Shieling

You’ll disembark by tender boat and head ashore to the starting point of the hike. From the fjord’s edge, we’ll walk through picturesque meadows to a traditional shieling. Restored during the 20th century, these small mountain farmhouses offer a charming glimpse into Norway’s rural past.

Historically, Norwegian farms were clustered in villages and were relatively small. With limited grazing land nearby, livestock needed to be moved farther into the mountains during summer to find fresh pasture. Shielings provided seasonal accommodation for the farmers and milkmaids responsible for tending and milking the animals morning and evening.

You’ll be welcomed by local hosts who will share stories about life on the farm. Explore the site, try carrying traditional milk pails, and sample local produce. If time permits, we’ll stop at the grocery store on the way back to Urke before rejoining the ship.