Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Top Places to Visit in Norway in 2016
A haven for nature, fishing and hunting With long stretches of river and vast areas of forests and mountains, few places can offer prime fishing, hunting, hiking and other nature experiences quite like the 17th century farm, Horstad Gård. By Maria Lanza Knudsen | Photos: Horstad Gård
Established in 1611 as a crown-owned farm, Horstad Gård has a long history. There is even evidence of farming in the area dating back to the Iron Age. Since 1959, Fred. Olsen & Co holding company has owned the estate. With the barn being the oldest building, dating back to the 1800s, recent renovations have carefully maintained the historical feel while upgrading the buildings to modern needs. “Horstad Gård opened to the public as a lodging and tourist destination about ten years ago,” explains Øyvind Stensveen, the chief administrative officer at Fred. Olsen & Co. “Since 74 | Issue 88 | May 2016
then we’ve hosted all types of visitors, including hunting parties, corporate retreats and families.” Easily accessible, Horstad Gård is a popular destination. The hotel is just an hour and a half’s drive from Rørvik, where there is an airport and dock for the Hurtigruta cruise ship, which travels up the entire Norwegian coast. Combining the Hurtigruta cruise with a visit to Horstad Gård is one of many great options.
An abundance of fishing and hunting It is perhaps the fishing and hunting opportunities that are the most exclusive
at Horstad Gård. “We own over 20 kilometres of land along the Åbjøra riverbed, so there are numerous and varied fishing locations on offer all year, especially from July to September,” Stensveen says. Exclusive salmon fishing locations exist on both sides of the river, as well as great locations for trout and char fishing. The nearby fjord is also on offer for rich and varied fishing. In winter, ice fishing is available at Aunevatn lake. “With all these options, we are a popular destination for groups of friends that come to visit and bond over a fishing adventure,” Stensveen explains. When the season changes and autumn arrives, the hunting season begins. “In addition to our great fishing tracts, Horstad Gård is a part of the designated hunting area of Indre Bindal, which covers over