08/31/2026
Returning to Norway always feels like home to a certain extent (I attended university there) thanks to our many dear friends who lovingly swing their doors wide open for us. Anna Ffrench and I laughed and ate and slept like queens. Endless thanks to aabyholmv Alexander Åbyholm Julie Elisabeth Åbyholm William Heyerdahl Berg for making us feel like royalty, loved and welcomed, and to the many others we met along the way.
1. NORGE // Part 1: Hovelsrud Farm & Garden Hovelsrud gård på Helgøya
2. Caroline, founder of
Csoaps (check it out!) and her daughter Hennie packed us up and CH asked Anna if she knew where we were heading, "somewhere up North!" Anna laughed. (CH planned every detail, it was such a gift being in the hands of someone we trust) destination: the island of Helgøya, near the center of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, and home to Hovelsrud Farm
3. The area is called the Tuscany of Norway for its rolling hills and fertile farms. The swaths of gold were breathtaking.
4. Hovelsrud is a picturesque family-run organic chicken farm with historic gardens and regenerative crops. Helmed by the gracious Marianne Olssøn, the farm and property have been in her family since the 1840s. Check out those artichokes!
5. Marianne gave us the grand tour of the gardens, encouraging us to pluck berries and cherries along the way.
6. Uncommon (and historic) varieties of currants
7. Marianne, 5th generation farmer making what is old new, and even better
8. Garden of our dreams
9. Golden fields of grain through regenerative farming
10. Tusen takk Marianne og Toleff for den beste middagen og gjestfrihet
11. Happy chickens taste better (especially with tarragon)
12. Truly the best panna cotta with cherry compote
13. Coziest cottage vibes (you can visit and stay on property!)
14. Flippin’ pancakes
15. Frokost - with Laurel & Ash Farm maple syrup
16. Delivery of 2000 just-born baby chicks
17. Now we want chickens more than ever
18. Animal welfare is priority here; lots of room to roam
19. How about that packaging? I’d buy more chicken just to see that in my fridge.
20. Last moments on Lake Mjøsa…stay tuned for more 🇳🇴❤️
