Transformation of an historical farm into a peaceful gathering space - stay, connect, experience
Innlandet
Hi! We are Michiel and Yvonne, and in July 2024, we embarked on a new journey by taking over a former farm nestled in a scenic landscape. On our first visit, with everything covered in snow, we were immediately drawn to the relaxing calm and the beautiful views. From that moment we knew we had found our place.
Our goal is to transform this farm into a unique gathering space where people can stay, connect, and experience nature in a peaceful setting. The farm’s property consists of 12 buildings, each with its own renovation challenges. The first major project we completed is the renovation of the top floor of the guesthouse. With the help of volunteers, we stripped the entire floor down to the foundations and rebuilt it with care and dedication, creating a cosy space for groups and families to stay. The renovation was a community effort, combining the experience, creativity, and contributions of everyone involved.
Life on the farm is hands-on. Tasks include woodworking, renovating, gardening, cooking, and foraging. Everyone also helps with household chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Work changes with the seasons. In autumn and winter we focus on indoor projects such as carpentry/ woodworking, painting and preparing new spaces. In spring and summer we move outdoors to landscaping, growing veggies, gardening and mowing. No worries, no prior experience is needed; independence, initiative, and a willingness to learn is what matters most.
We provide fresh ingredients for all meals. Lunch and dinner are shared, breakfast is flexible. Most meals are vegetarian, focusing on seasonal produce, with dairy and eggs included, and occasionally local fish or meat. We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions if we know in advance.
We do our best to provide private rooms for everyone, but sometimes shared spaces are necessary. Accommodation includes a bright, comfortable basement apartment with windows and its own entrance, which can host up to four people. There is also space for vans or tents if you prefer staying outdoors. You will have access to the main house bathroom or the guesthouse bathroom if available.
Before your stay, we invite you to join us for a video call. This gives you the chance to get to know us, ask questions, and learn more about the ongoing projects and daily life on the farm. We want you to feel comfortable and prepared before you arrive.
In your free time you can cook, bake, read, or explore the outdoors. There is a beautiful lake nearby for a refreshing dip, and we have our own yoga shala.
We look forward to welcoming you, sharing skills, and creating meaningful experiences together on our farm.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Green Building
Renewable energy production
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Permaculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
Former WWOOFer
1
Hectares
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2.5
Acres
Michiel
Member since 2015
Languages spoken:
Dutch, English, Norwegian
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 7 days
Innlandet
Otta
Reviews
Isadora
France
•
June 2025
My stay at Rognstad was amazing! Michiel and Yvonne are the best hosts you can expect for a wwoofing. They were super welcoming and kind, I felt at home since the first day. We were also eating vey well with fresh bread all the time! The farm is so peaceful and calm so you can deeply feel in nature and in a cosy place. I learnt a lot in renovation skills by doing insulation, carpentry, building a bench and a bridge... mostly for the future guest house! The gardening tasks were also super interesting! We had a lot of materials and the wwofeurs are really welcomed to use their imagination to do the tasks, I really liked it! Dear wwoofeur, do not hesitate one second to come here! You will be fullfilled by the work and the amazing hosts! The surroundings are also wonderful to visit, just by several hikes or ski possibilities close to the farm!
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Birla
Germany
•
April 2025
I've worked for two months at rognstad and I can highly recommend this place. Ivonne and Michiel are the best host you can wish for. It was fun to work in a team of volunteers on renovation and carpentry projects. We always got good instructions and help If needed but at same time we could just try out and explore on our own, so I've learn a lot! After work living at rognstad was a mix of cooking and baking together, having nice conservations,Yoga, Hiking, Skiing,... in the middle of Norways breathtaking nature!
Thank you for everything!
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Lenja
Germany
•
March 2025
I spent the most amazing four weeks with Yvonne, Michiel and Birla (my volunteering-partner :)) at this wonderful place, which I would recommend everybody to visit! Not only will you wake up to a stunning view everyday, but you will also have lovely company, chats and delicious dinners together as well as work that is very enjoyable and appreciated!
Firmin
France
•
January 2025
Hello, Firmin and I spent 3 weeks with Yvonne and Michiel, an unforgettable experience with great people, always available to answer questions and share time together.
We have taken part in the transformation of a historic farm to a peaceful space, painting, sanding and renovating buildings. It was always safe and supervised by Yvonne and Michiel.
we highly recommend this woofing experience
FIrmin & Nathan
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