New partner in Verdsarvparken

The Høgdegarden Øvste Stegen is beautifully situated above Nærøyfjorden , about 300 meters up from the fjord. It is a steep and winding path up there, but the place and the spectacular nature experiences that both the path and the farm provide are worth the challenge of getting up.

I meet Ottar and Irene one early August morning. They have signed a partnership agreement with the World Heritage Park, and I have asked for a chat. Who are these two who have such a burning commitment to an old high court?

Ottar and Irene Stegen took over Øvste Stegen in 2013. Then Ottar became the 7th generation owner of this beautiful manor house. It is rich in resources, and has given skilled owners a good life. Each generation has passed on the farm in ever better condition, and today's owners will try to do the same.

"We try to live in the spirit that has always been there, that things should be done properly". says Irene and smiles. She is vividly engrossed in being able to tell about life and work, about how they survived, managed in such a place. Ottar's parents were the last to live there. It was in full operation until 1972, and closed until 1978. They still keep the cultural landscape around the farm in good condition.

Now Irene and Ottar wish to share the Upper Stair with more people. They smile and say that they are so lucky to have a large family who all like being at Øvste Stegen, and who are good at helping out.

"There are a lot of people going up and down the path, you know", says Ottar. Fortunately, I get good help with that.

Perhaps they can be made to welcome guests outside the family as well. They are engaged and smiling when they tell me about ideas, thoughts and dreams. I see they have the role of host in full swing, so anyone who enters their yard will probably be well looked after!

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New chairman and deputy chairman of the foundation's board Nærøyfjorden World Heritage Park

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Opening of exhibition in the school building on Bakka