About Hesla Farm
The earliest mention of Hesla Farm (Gaard) in written history is from 1528, however, the farmland has been exploited and inhabited since the early viking days. Consisting of 6 different buildings, including the barn, the «Stabbur» is the elder among them. It was built in 1632, and is still accommodating guests today.
The name comes from Hesli; a town where hazel grows, and la; water colored red by bog ore. Meaning, the farm by the marsh or the pool of water, where hazel grows. At the farm there is a quantity of hazel trees, also called the nut forest, which is otherwise very rare in Gol.
Since 1738 the farm has been run by the family Hesla, who gave it its name «Hesla Gaard» (Gaard is Norwegian and translates to farm). The family have since offered wayfarers a place to rest and recover. In 1923 Hesla Gaard officially opened up as a guest house, offering its guests to stay in «Gunhildbu» and «Kårhuset». Eventually, «Drengestua», «Hallingstugu», «Stabburet» and a part of the main house «Våningshuset» was made available to accommodate more guests. Two more houses have been renovated in the later years.
The 9 houses have been renovated since 2016 and 2019, with materials that conserve the architectural and historical heritage of the houses in Hallingdal. By doing tourisme we have the opportunity to share part of the Norwegian culture and at the same time maintain the constructions, traditions and it`s authenticness.
Today, Ligia and Knut are the hosts at Hesla Farm. And according to tradition and history they take great pride in creating good experiences for the visitors. We guarantee you a pleasant stay at Hesla Farm, and you are warmly welcome to us both summer and winter.
Snapshots of daily life on the farm and Gol
