About

Welcome to the Iron Age Farm at Århus, a unique cultural site in Skien that takes you on a journey back in time. The farm, which opened in September 2005, is the result of an incredible volunteer effort by 14 pensioners who collectively dedicated over 4500 hours to bring the project to life.

Built with Ancient Principles

The main building, a three-aisled longhouse, was constructed using the ancient stave building principle with slightly curved exterior walls. The entire structure is held together with wooden pegs, without a single nail. Inside, you'll find two fireplaces and a raised seating area, or "high seat," where the great farmer once sat.

The builders even created a faithful replica of the iron cauldron found on the Oseberg Viking Ship. Next to the main house, a blacksmith's forge and a barn have been built. The barn now serves as an exhibition space featuring replicas of Iron Age artifacts.

A Historical Hub in Telemark

Århus was not chosen by chance as the location for the Iron Age Farm. The area is rich in history, with discoveries such as Bronze Age rock carvings and Iron Age burial mounds. The historic Cultural Path also passes through here, taking you past the Fossum Ironworks and the Henrik Ibsen Museum.

The Iron Age Farm also houses a replica of Norway's oldest wattle-and-daub house, built with hazel twigs, which was discovered during an excavation in Skien in 1979.

Attractions and Activities

The area around the Iron Age Farm offers several exciting attractions:

  • The Dugout Canoe: A replica of the 1,800-year-old Siljan boat, now housed in its own boathouse.
  • The Iron Age Wagon: A replica of a four-wheeled wagon with 12 spokes, completed in 2012.
  • Clay Oven and Tar Pit: An outdoor clay oven and a facility for tar production provide an authentic glimpse into daily life during the Iron Age.
  • Århus Manor Farm: A visitor farm that also features a large herb garden, a rock collection, and is the starting point for the 4 km Cultural Path.

To preserve the Iron Age Farm and its unique artifacts, it's important to be careful and respectful of the area.

Would you like a guided tour?

Contact Gry Hovland at phone 91 55 55 56 or email: [email protected] to arrange a visit.