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The lean soil and large bogs often result in
huge quantities around mid-August.
Today Johnsgård is
a warm and welcoming
tourist centre close to nature. Its location, far
off the beaten track, adds to the experience.
– The sky is vast here, says Grete. Those
who live in a city never get the chance to
look up at a genuine starry sky because of
all the light pollution. Many of our guests
find it exotic and exciting. Constellations
that they’ve only heard the name of before,
suddenly appear in the sky above.
The animals on the farm are popular
among the guests. There are ten dairy cows
and a varying number of calves and goats.
The farming gives the families a stable
income all year round. This is how most
people live in these areas; you need more
than one leg to stand on.
– Jan Ole and the dog attract a lot of
attention when they herd the cows in the
evening, she continues. Not everyone has
seen how traditional farming is done. Here
they get to come really close.
At the end of June, around Midsummer,
the snow has left the ground on these
latitudes. It is the time of year when the days
are at their longest and the nights are only
a few hours long.
The family week for blind people held in
July is one of the highlights at Johnsgård.
– Our youngest son Tormod is deaf-blind,
Grete tells us. His disability made us realise
how important it is to get access to a simple
outdoor life where as much as possible has
been developed so that, for example, you can
get around on wheels in the terrain. These
adjustments are also appreciated by other
guests who have difficulties walking and
families with young children who wish to
bring prams.
– Many of our European guests are not
used to the outdoors from a young age the
way we are. They want to feel safe, she
continues. For the future we’re planning
to adapt the entire business to increase
accessibility.
During the family week there is room
for 80 visitors. The program for the week is
packed with activities relating to the area,
the lakes, the farm and the animals. Among
other things you can fish, cook over an
open fire, churn butter, go paintballing, on
adventure tours, rafting, on beaver safaris
and have a picnic on the mountain.
Johnsgård
Tourist Centre,
Sømådalen
The sky is vast
here. Those who
live in a city never
get the chance
to look up at a
genuine starry sky
because of all the
light pollution.
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