The Vertical Village: How Geiranger’s Cliffside Farms Defied Gravity

The Geirangerfjord in Norway is renowned for its stunning cliffs, waterfalls, and breathtaking beauty. However, it also tells the story of farming in one of the most challenging environments in the world. Farms on the steep cliffs above the fjord, like the famous Skageflå, provide a glimpse into the ingenuity and perseverance of farmers who once cultivated crops and raised animals high above the fjord.

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Geography and Exposure: Adapting to the Landscape

The steep cliffs and limited flat land made farming in Geirangerfjord difficult. Farms were built on terraces carved into the mountainside, with southern-facing slopes receiving the most sunlight. These sunnier slopes allowed for the cultivation of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. In contrast, the cooler, northern-facing slopes were better suited for grazing animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle.

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Farming Practices: Crops and Livestock

Farmers adapted to the geography by growing vegetables on the sunniest slopes and raising animals in the higher, cooler areas. Vegetables like potatoes and cabbage thrived in the short growing season, while livestock provided essential dairy products. Preservation methods such as pickling vegetables and making cheese helped them survive the harsh winters.

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Challenges of Cliffside Farming

Farming on the cliffs was physically demanding. Terraces had to be built by hand, and access to supplies was limited. Isolated farms faced difficulties in transporting goods, relying on pack animals to carry supplies up steep paths or small boats to ferry goods across the fjord. The harsh weather conditions—heavy rainfall, strong winds, and unpredictable temperatures—made farming even more challenging.

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Skageflå: A Historical Example

Skageflå, perched high above Geirangerfjord, is one of the most well-known farms from this era. Established in the 18th century, it remained active until the mid-20th century. The farmers at Skageflå grew vegetables on the sunny slopes and raised livestock on the cooler, higher terraces. The farm was isolated, accessible only by foot, and relied on a self-sustaining system, including dairy production and crop cultivation.

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Decline of Cliffside Farming

By the 20th century, farming in Geirangerfjord became increasingly difficult. Modern transportation systems, like roads and trucks, made it easier to bring goods from the valley, leading to the abandonment of cliffside farms. Today, farms like Skageflå are no longer operational, but their remains stand as a testament to the resilience of the farmers who once thrived in this rugged environment.

In conclusion, farming in Geirangerfjord was an incredible feat of adaptation to a harsh landscape. The farmers of Skageflå and other cliffside farms faced immense challenges but found ways to survive, shaping the history of this beautiful region. Their legacy lives on in the remains of these farms, offering a glimpse into the past.

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Visit Today:
At Skageflå Farm (now a museum), you can still see the notches in the cliff where ropes wore grooves into stone—testament to a community that quite literally hung together.

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