Otternes’ history
The farms at Otternes were early inhabited, and one has found traces after settlement from year 300 a.c. The graves at Fronnes which is situated across the fjord, indicates that people have lived here also in pre Christian times. Fronnes has a peaceful graveyard where the graves have an overview to Otternes. In early days, Guttorm, Thomas, Odd and Anders ran their separate farms at Otternes. The work was hard, and until the 1970s the scythe and the plough was the farmer’s most useful tool. Otternes was not affected by the industrial development, and the cluster of houses is unchanged today as it was in 18th century. The oldest houses are in the Guttorm and Eilert farm from 1700. Just for the reason that “time has stood still”, Otternes has been used as location for moviemaking. We can mention the movie “A handful of time”.
The Name Otternes
The name Otternes has been written in many different ways and there are several theories of the meaning of the name. Some believes it originates from bait for animals, others interpret it as shelter for the weather, since some of the houses are located by the fjord.
The farmyard and the houses
Surrounded by mighty mountains, midway between Aurland and Flåm you will find Otternes. The farm consists of 27 houses in a cluster with an impressive view of the fjord. All houses have its own function and origin at the farmyard. The buildings are mostly log houses and preserved as they where in the 18th century. In addition, the old cultural landscape with hills, wells, stairs and stone structure is still intact.