This picture is taken by me from the waters of Norddalsfjorden from a kayak. When in Norddal one of the musts is sea kayaking. You can hire a kayak (or few) from Jon or Inge. Just pop in to the local convenience shop (there is just one in Norddal) and ask for Jon – he’s the shop keeper. He and Inge have a boathouse and rent out kayaks. They both are very experienced kayakers, will provide you with life jackets and will make a quick induction, if this will be the first time kayaking for you. Most of time Jon and Inge are available to accompany you on a sail around the fjord, just ask them.

Jon is a good photographer and takes any opportunity to shoot the wildlife. He will show you the best spots and will recommend the best time of the day when the fjord is calm so you can enjoy the kayaking and take good pictures.

The village of Norddal is host to many farmers. These are mostly people who were born in the village, went to the “big city”, studied and lived there and got back to start their own business and families where they came from.

Traditional animals here are the goats. People keep them in barns during the winter but in wormer months they take them to the summer farm called Herdalssetra, situated in a plateau, 4 kilometres above the village.

The Herdalssetra anidyllic herdal mountain summer farm in that has been operated continuously for more than 300 years. And you can see that from the first minute you are there. The mountain area has a unique setting, there are over 30 old houses (local call them cabins) gathered in a cluster. They are exactly as you van see them on the picture – small, cozy, made of wood only and with roofs covered with grass.

Old traditions are kept alive here: there no electricity, brown and white goat cheese, and authentic goat's-milk caramels are made by hand. Most important of all you have the opportunity to participate in preparation of cheese and later taste special, traditional food, made by hosts.

There are several hundred goats, but also cows, sheep and fjord horses on the farm, making it one of the Norway's largest joint mountain summer farms.

You can come here with your children, they will just love it! It’s a genuine playground here and best way to learn “where the milk comes from”.

For those who like so much and are seeking additional excitement, host provide an overnight accommodation in some of the old cabins (some over 200 years old) or in or in tents outside the farm area. For understandable reasons there is no bathing facilities and no electricity.

Overall, it’s a journey in time, smell, taste and traditions… or just another “must” when in Norddal.