Small island in Vesteraalen, northern Norway

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a couple living on a small island in Vesteraalen in Nothern Norway. There are only seven houses on the island and only two are permanently inhabited. There are no paved roads on no cars. The only way to get here is by boat.
    In winter we see northern lights (aurora borealis) and in summer the midnight sun. The views around us change constantly as the light is changing.
    We also have some Old Norse sheep to keep the arctic landscape open. They are pretty tough, staying outdoor all year, eating heather, the bark of trees and seaweed.

    When we go for walks on the shore we always pick up beach garbage and we appreciate if workawayers visiting us do the same. Over the years it has become less, but there is always something washing ashore.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Travellers can learn about the Northern Norwegian lifestyle, culture and life in the arctic. We often prepare local, traditional food for dinner.

  • Help

    Help

    Now in spring we need help gardening and tidying up outdoors after the winter. In may we are having lambs.
    During summer (mid July to early August) we need help hay-making the old way, by hanging grass on racks to dry. Before hanging the grass, we have to sort it, to get rid of an unfavorable weed that is not good for the sheep. While haymaking we mostly have 4 workawayers staying. During that time, when the weather is nice we might need to work longer days. To make up for this, you get more than two days a week off when it's raining or in between.

    There will always be some maintenance in- and outdoor, painting, in- and outdoor but also restoring furniture as we mostly use second hand furniture. Landscaping like repairing dirt roads and drain the soil around our house. We also need help chopping wood.

    Carpentry skills or other craft skills like bricklaying, landscaping or experience with animals are a plus.
    You should plan to stay at least for a month or more.

    Some of the outdoor help is only possible to be done between May and October.

    Workawayers will not be involved in preparing products we sell or working on the apartment we plan to rent out in the future.

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Norwegian: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Separate or shared bedrooms (1-2 workawayers per room), you share bath, kitchen and living room with us.
    We will have most meals together and expect you to give us a hand with the daily house work, like sometimes preparing a meal and help clearing the table, tidying after meals and cleaning the common areas in the house in addition to keeping your own room clean.
    Absolutely no smoking in and around the house.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    This is a small island with only seven houses, people living permanently in two of them. No paved roads or pavements. So please do not bring large suitcases or other things on wheels that you can not carry easily. There is no possibility to bring a car. Parking is possible at the harbour where the public boat leaves.

    Nearest shop is a boat trip away.
    You can go for shorter walks on the island and make day trips to islands nearby. Explore coastal history, hike in mountains on neighbouring islands, go fishing when weather conditions allow, if you are lucky you might get to see whales.
    In clear weather we often see the nothern lights "aurora borealis" during the dark time of the year (September to March). May to August we have the bright nights when the sun never seems to set. Midnight-sun from 23rd of May to 23rd of July.
    Make sure to bring a camera with you and have plenty of space on your memory-card.
    The Lofoten islands are a couple of hours (by bus) away and are worth seeing all year round.
    Public transport: boat to and from the island five days a week (7 days a week from June 20 to August 15,) twice daily only Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and connects on the same days with a bus to the nearest town with shops etc. The public boat also stops at several neighboring islands which enables daytrips.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 352478353983

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Photos

The image depicts a man and woman in winter attire, surrounded by sheep, in front of a red barn with snow-covered ground.
The image depicts a small, one-story white house with a dark roof, situated in a grassy field with a red barn and a mountain in the background.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a snow-capped mountain, a lake, and a cloudy sky, with trees and grass in the foreground.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a mountain range with a body of water in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear sky, evoking a sense of tranquility.
The image depicts a serene grassy field with a flock of sheep, including lambs, grazing peacefully, showcasing a harmonious natural scene.
The image depicts a lush green field with a fence covered in long grass, set against a backdrop of trees and mountains under an overcast sky.
The image depicts a serene landscape featuring a herd of sheep grazing near a body of water, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
The image depicts a serene sunset scene, with the sun's rays piercing through the silhouette of trees and mountains, set against a gradient sky.
The image depicts a breathtaking sunset scene, featuring a mountain range and trees silhouetted against a vibrant orange and yellow sky with dark clouds.
The image depicts the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, in a dark sky above a mountain range. The lights are green and red.
The image depicts a bird in flight over a grassy hill, with a rocky outcropping in the foreground and a blue sky in the background.

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