THE FARM
Opaker Gård
Welcome to Opaker, an organic regenerative farm stewarded by the same family for seven generations. Our legacy is built on nurturing the land, preserving heritage, and sharing the timeless beauty of Norway with every guest.
MISSION & PURPOSE
Interconnectedness
At Opaker Gård, we recognize the interconnectedness of all life, as the very essence of life force energy. We foster relationships between our land, animals and the community—promoting a shared understanding of our role in the larger ecosystem.
Regenerative Farming
We are dedicated to regenerative farming practices that restore and enhance the land. By prioritising biodiversity and sustainable agriculture, we not only produce nourishing food but also contribute to the health of our landscape.
Eco-Hospitality
Our commitment to eco-hospitality provides an experience that respects and celebrates nature. We aim to create comfortable and memorable stays that have minimal impact on the environment while maximising your connection to the beauty of our surroundings.
The Farm's Story
Agriculture has been practiced in the area around Opaker since the Stone Age, and the name "Opaker" comes from the Old Norse word Uppakr, meaning “high-lying field.” In the early 18th century, Opaker became the magistrate’s court for Solør and Østerdalen. Both Opaker and the neighbouring farm, Bjerke, have been owned by the Omsted family since 1829, covering an impressive 18,800 daa of forest where much of our activities take place.
Although the farm saw a period of dormancy in the mid-20th century, a restoration began in the 1990s, revitalizing the barn and transforming old living quarters into residential spaces. The former drinking water pond was excavated and restored, with additional features like a gapahuk and a large lavvo built to enhance the farm's offerings. The seventh generation, Arne Wilhelm Mohn Omsted, took over in 2005, bringing significant development and adding new dimensions to the property.
In the 1860s, Arne A. Omsted took over the farm, bringing innovations gained from his education in France and Scotland. He introduced Ayshire cattle, Cheviot sheep, and Yorkshire pigs to the area. Arne married Mary Antoinette Manthey, who once served as a court lady at the palace in Stockholm. Over time, Opaker grew to include 346 acres of cultivated land, 80 acres of meadows, and a sawmill by the Agnåa river.
Møt Omsted-familien
Arne Wilhelm Omsted, den syvende generasjonen i familien, er dedikert til den bærekraftige forvaltningen av jorden. Med bakgrunn innen agronomi, landbruk og skogbruk leder han gårdens ulike driftsområder, fra å stelle markene til å ha tilsyn med den økologiske kornproduksjonen. Arne Wilhelms drøm er å skape en arv for kommende generasjoner, samtidig som han deler norsk kulturarv og bærekraftige praksiser med alle som besøker gården. Hans engasjement for bærekraft strekker seg også til å produsere hjemmelagde julesnacks og sikre at hver gjests opplevelse på Opaker blir minneverdig.
Kjersti Rinde Omsted, opprinnelig fra Telemark, er kjent for sin dype kreativitet og lidenskap for utvikling. Med omfattende erfaring og en mangfoldig utdanningsbakgrunn, bringer hun energi og innovasjon til gården. Dedikert til både dyrenes og gjestenes velvære, sørger Kjersti for at besøkende får autentiske, lokale matopplevelser og et komfortabelt opphold. Hennes sterke interesse for matkultur og konseptet mat som medisin har preget gårdens tilnærming til måltider, der gamle kornsorter som emmer og spelt har en sentral rolle i bakverk og med retter inspirert av jordas naturlige ressurser. Bærekraftige praksiser forblir en integrert del av den daglige opplevelsen på gården
The Farm's Story
Agriculture has been practiced in the area around Opaker since the Stone Age, and the name "Opaker" comes from the Old Norse word Uppakr, meaning “high-lying field.” In the early 18th century, Opaker became the magistrate’s court for Solør and Østerdalen. Both Opaker and the neighbouring farm, Bjerke, have been owned by the Omsted family since 1829, covering an impressive 18,800 daa of forest where much of our activities take place.
In the 1860s, Arne A. Omsted took over the farm, bringing innovations gained from his education in France and Scotland. He introduced Ayshire cattle, Cheviot sheep, and Yorkshire pigs to the area. Arne married Mary Antoinette Manthey, who once served as a court lady at the palace in Stockholm. Over time, Opaker grew to include 346 acres of cultivated land, 80 acres of meadows, and a sawmill by the Agnåa river.
Although the farm saw a period of dormancy in the mid-19th century, a restoration began in the 1990s, revitalizing the barn and transforming old living quarters into residential spaces. The former drinking water pond was excavated and restored, with additional features like a gapahuk and a large lavvo built to enhance the farm's offerings. The seventh generation, Arne Wilhelm Mohn Omsted, took over in 2005, bringing significant development and adding new dimensions to the property.