Authentic mountain gem on idyllic summer pasture

Mountain tranquility, pastoralism and cultural heritage – a unique cabin experience in Telemark.

Welcome to Samastad in Vinje, Telemark – a peaceful mountain gem 839 meters above sea level, where nature, culture and tranquility meet. Here you will find a detached cabin with active pastoralism in the yard, in the middle of a rare untouched mountain landscape. With only three cabins in the area and the nearest neighbor over 300 meters away, you will get unparalleled peace, sun all day and views of vast mountain areas.

This is not just a cabin – it is a living cultural arena. From mid-June to mid-September, active pastoralism with goats and sheep is carried out around the cabin. So you are living in the middle of a living part of the Norwegian pastoral culture – a tradition that in December 2024 was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

The Norwegian dairy culture is not just about animal husbandry and cheesemaking, but about a whole way of life. It is the work of the owners, the independent life in the mountains, the everyday rhythm and the knowledge of nature, animals and crafts. Today, there are less than 1000 dairy farms in operation throughout Norway and Sweden.

The cabin was built in 1975 and has a usable area of 50 m². It consists of three bedrooms, a cozy living room with a fireplace, a partially open kitchen with a dining area, and access to a covered terrace with a view and evening sun. The standard is simple, but comfortable – and completely in line with the genuine and down-to-earth expression you encounter here.

The area is an eldorado for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Right outside the door, there are trails and mountain ridges, summit hikes and plains, fishing lakes and swimming opportunities. You can pick blueberries, sleep with the window open and listen to the silence – or the sound of bells and wildlife. There is no traffic, no stress – just nature’s own pulse.

The cabin has 12V electricity and bio toilet, but not luxury. What you get instead is proximity to the real thing, to the rhythm of the mountains and the people who still live with and from the landscape. The road goes all the way, and there is parking at the cabin.

The rental period is limited to 15 May–15 October, as this is the season for both saddle farming and the best mountain experiences. This makes the cabin ideal for those who want a seasonal holiday with a focus on nature experiences, sustainability, culture and tranquility.

Whether you are a family looking for something authentic and educational, a couple seeking peace and views, or a nature lover who wants to experience mountains and cultural heritage up close – this cabin will give you an experience out of the ordinary.

Samastad is not just a place to stay – it is an experience of Norway as it once was, and still is, for the few.