Orchard farm

Vestland
Orchard farm
Orchard farm Orchard farm
16 Updated 6 months ago
I run a farm beautifully situated at a quiet bay by the famous Sognefjord. The farm is about 17 acres with orchard, with fruits, berries and vegetables. In addition the farm has about 360 acres of woodland. The orchard are mainly large, old trees of apples, pears and plum. The fruit production are certified organic through the local juiceproducer (Balholm AS), and it is where I sell the apples and pears. The vegetables are mostly for my own use and for friends, 100%organic (but not certified), but sell some to a local restaurant. The raspberries are commercial and partly konventional (but not with pesticides). Raspberries are sold to local hotels and private families. I also like to pick wild berries in the woods and make desserts or jam. Accomodation is in a seperate room in one of the two farmhouses. Depending on the season I eat organic food, salad, potatoes, vegetables and fruit desserts from our garden. I also prepare fish and sometimes wild meat (locally hunted deer). In addition we buy food in the local shop like egg, pasta, bread, baked beans, other meatproducts etc. If the local shop has it, I try to buy organic, or at least products from Norway. On bread I like to eat cheese or hommemade jam. I need help most of the spring, summer and autumn. Gardening, harvest and maintainance. We used to have sheeps on the farm until some years ago. Balestrand and surroundings are perfect if you seek adventures in the nature, hiking mountains, glacier or fishing in the fjord. Balestrand is a small community but has long  tradition of hosting tourists. In the summer season there are cafes, restaurants and hotels, organized activities and daytrips. The hiking routes are well marked and also easy to find on your own. The light and nature of Balestrand has also a tradition of being a place for creativity and art. If you share my Christian belief you are also welcome to join in prayer fellowship during the day. I have studied organic agriculture part time for 2 years at university level, and try to practice what I have learned in my garden. I have also in addittion a year study of general farming, course at a local high school. Organic methods: Composting food waste, garden waste, seaweed, sheep muck etc. Crop rotation in wegetable garden. planting flowers for bumble bees. Seking to have variety of plants. Without chemicals (fruits, vegetables, potatoes, flowers) Certifications: Balholm AS Current projects: August, september, october: harvest the fruits and vegetables and potatoes, cutting grass, preserving food, composting, planning garden for next year. Picking wild berries. If some with carpenter skills could help me I am considering hen house, putting up fences or other maintainance at the farm. Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Flower farming
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Methods or systems
Holistic management
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
153.8 Hectares | 380 Acres
Accommodation
2 WWOOFers
Bedroom
Children not accepted
Pets not accepted
Meals
Omnivore
Length of stay
1-2 weeks
Ingrid
Ingrid
Member since 2018
Languages spoken: English, German, Norwegian
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 3 days
Vestland
Thue Sør (bus stop)
Feedback
Norah
Norah
United States • August 2026
I really enjoyed my stay at Ingrid’s farm! I met a few other wwoofers while I was there, which was super nice too. We picked raspberries, helped weed around the potatoes, and Ingrid even brought us to the trailhead for a hike up Raudmelen on our day off. This was my first time wwoofing, and it is safe to say it will not be my last!
Francia
Francia
France • July 2026
Dear Ingrid, I was writing these words with a touch of emotion because it was my first woofer expérience , first time in Norway and wonderful experience .This past ten days were so memorable. I have really loved all my tasks, picking rasberries , doing weeding , learning how to take care of the apple trees , I was lucky to learn many news activities from you, and you explained the story of Balestrand . Ingrid , I thank you very much for welcoming me from France , Bretagne , for working together sharing delicious meals together , laughing , and all the little moments that we spend together and the other woofers . Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and advices . I will never forget this fabulous period and wish the best with, your farm , and all your futur projets . I hope to see you again someday maybe in Bretagne . And it would be a pleasure to receive you at home Francia
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Lucille
Lucille
France • July 2026
Thank you so much Ingrid for hosting me, I had a wonderful stay at your pretty farm in Balestrand! It was short but intense ;) Ingrid welcomed us (we were 3 wwoofers) with a nice bbq on the peers in front of the stunning view as part of the norwegian tradition. Every tasks of gardening were very well explained and as we helped for preparing the rhubarb for the cider house in Balestrand, we received a bottle from there as a gift! We also hiked one day on the beautiful mountains in the surrendings and had a breathtaking view on the Sogneford ! It is possible to take a swim directly from the end of the garden! The accomation is really confortable and we had tasty food ! I really recommend this wwoofing place which I always remember ! Ingrid was really kind and devoted to her guests, thanks again !
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Loic
Loic
France • June 2026
I stayed two weeks on Ingrid's farm. The farm is located by the Sognefjord, close to the beautiful village of Balestrand. We lived in a different house but shared the meals together. The house offers a wonderful view point to the fjord and it is a pleasure to live in. The main tasks were to take care of the garden : binding the raspberries, cutting the grass and weeding, planting vegetables and seeds, harvesting rhubarb... There are also pretty black-faced sheep and cute lambs grazing in the fields. On free days, there are many possibilities to go for a hike or to visit the villages. We walked up the top of the mountains where we had a stunning view to the fjord and visited a stave church dating back from the Viking age in Vik. Ingrid is a very kind person who knows a lot about the region and is a good adviser. I heartedly recommend a stay on her farm.
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Ingrid
Reply from Ingrid
Hi Loic, thank you for staying at the farm, for all your help and for writing this detailed description of the farm, the work and the surroundings. Ingrid
Brigita
Brigita
Slovakia • November 2025
Ingrid is a wonderful host. Our meeting was a bit unplanned and considering that I spent almost a month in the mountains in Norway, I was glad that Ingrid took me in for a few days. I appreciate her hospitality and tried to help her at least a little with tying raspberries. Those were truly wonderful days for me. I learned a lot about the history of her grandparents' farm and the desire to preserve this message for future generations. It is a beautiful little farm that enchanted me. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet you Ingrid. You are an amazing person with a big heart. Thank you 🫶
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Adèle
Adèle
France • November 2025
Our first woofing experiences was at Ingrid’s home and it was really nice. We are so glad to have stayed there for 5 days, even if we could have stayed longer. We are very happy to have been able to discover Ingrid and her daily life. We really enjoyed Balestrand, especially the view on the fjord. Ingrid is a wonderful host, she explained us so many things about Norwegian culture and gastronomy and was always happy to answer our questions. She recommended us some beautiful hikes in the surroundings. She’s a beautiful soul that you should meet if you want to experience an enjoyable stay !
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