Up Norway has created a wholesome programme of experiential rural tours following UNESCO's recognition of Norway's summer farming traditions. Olivia Palamountain reports

Norway's historic summer farming culture, known as 'seterkultur', has been newly-recognised by UNESCO, prompting tour operator Up Norway to introduce experiential programmes that highlight this living heritage.

Honouring the sustainable mountain farming practices, deep-rooted traditions and artisanal craftsmanship that have shaped Norwegian identity for centuries, the initiative aims to showcase the nation's agricultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism practices across its dramatic landscapes.

The cultural tradition centres on high-altitude pastures where dairymaids ('budeier') historically spent summers tending livestock and producing Norway's now-celebrated cheeses. Up Norway's new itineraries include stays at working farms, hands-on cheese-making workshops and guided exploration of mountain meadows.

Experiences range from milking cows and sampling fresh Nyr cheese at Grøndalen Gård outside Oslo, to staying at a family-run 'seter' farm in Skåbu village. Visitors can also journey along Norway's longest mountain farm road in Grimsdalen, combining traditional farm visits with musk ox safaris in Dovrefjell National Park.

In the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord regions, travellers can hike or e-bike to historic mountainside farms like Herdalsætra. The programme extends to the Arctic region, where Kvitnes Gård in the Vesterålen archipelago demonstrates sustainable farming practices and organic food production, while at Lake Mjøsa, travellers can enjoy elegant farm-to-table dining at historic manors.