Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Best Farm Experiences in Norway
Stay on a reinvented fairy tale farm Hovde Gård is famed for its fairy tale-like appearance, and you will not be disappointed as you walk through its doors. Opened to visitors in 2009, the place is worthy of a prince thanks to its stately interior, local specialties on the menu and a brilliant spa. By Helene Toftner | Photos: Hovde Gård
Hovde Gård welcomes businesses and tourists who want to spend time in a present day fairy tale. The old farm has kept its manorial glory through years of modernisation, although the comforts are indeed up to modern standards. “It has been important for us to maintain the history that comes with the farm, which we hope people feel through their stay,” says manager Benedikte Grøntvedt. Judging by the reviews online, they have very much succeeded, as most mention ‘beautiful’ and ‘traditional’ as part of 98 | Issue 88 | May 2016
glowing reviews. The traditionally decorated rooms are all different, and divided between three buildings which create a sense of romance and nostalgia. “We have 54 rooms, so it has become a popular venue for companies who fancy a different atmosphere for their meetings,” Grøntvedt notes. “It is also very popular for special events like weddings and birthday parties, as well as amongst tourists who simply like the look and feel.” History is in the walls at Hovde Gård, one clear trace being the excellent kitchen
serving seasonal specialties from the region, in line with the manor’s past as a home economics school. Nearly 3,000 girls learned how to cook and sew inside these walls, and thus foodie experiences have always been at its heart. “It was the first of its kind in the region, and while the school itself is slightly out of date, the emphasis on good homemade food has very much remained,” Grøntvedt says. Hovde Gård is located just an hour by plane from the international airport Oslo Airport Gardermoen, with several Air Norway departures daily to Ørlandet.
For more inspiration and to book, please visit: www.hovdegaard.no