Welcome to Bolkesjø Gaard
Bolkesjø Gaard is a family-run farm by Blefjell mountain in Telemark. We are proud owners of Norway's oldest wooden residential building, from the 13th century. If you are interested in cultural heritage, building conservation and beautiful nature - then you have come to the right place!
The farm has a beautiful location and an impressive view of the Telemark mountains. It is surrounded by forests and lakes, with great hiking trails and good opportunities for fishing, swimming and everything that forests and mountains can offer. People have lived here for centuries and the cultural heritage is strong. We want to give our guests great experiences close to nature and the opportunity to appreciate simple pleasures. Who doesn't need a break from the hustle and bustle of modern, everyday life? Accommodation is offered on the farm itself, on the Jonrud homestead by lake Follsjø and secluded into the woods. Get in touch for companies and events.
A good night’s sleep
Our buildings are located in the surrounding areas of Bolkesjø and Follsjø, Telemark.
Norway's oldest wooden home
Norways oldes wooden home from the 13th century was restored in 2024. The building is unique in every way and will give guests a distinctive experience. Here, history and traditional craftsmanship are combined with modern design and architecture.
The Jonrud Homestead
The Jonrud homestead at Follsjø consists of the cottage Stua, Stallen, a sauna, a barn, as well as Stabburet. Here, there is accommodation for a total of 12 people. It can also be combined with the Glamping tent in the summer.
Open for booking from Easter to October.
The Stabbur
The Stabburet is a part of the farm Nigard Bolkesjø. Here you will wake up to the historic view from Bolkesjø; towards Gaustatoppen and Lifjell, the lakes and the forest. The farm is surrounded by quiet fields and beautiful hiking trails.
The Stable
The Stable is part of the homestead Jonrud, by Follsjø. Follsjø is a popular place for swimming and fishing, due to the beautiful nature. The cabin includes a living room with a kitchen, a sofa, and a dining table. There is also new bathroom faciliteis from 2022!
Open for booking in the summer.
The Glamping
Glamping by the lake, nearby the popular beach at Follsjø. An experience you will remember! New bathroom 100 meters from the tent. Comfortable queensize bed and two extra beds.
The cottage Stua
The cottage “Stua” in the Jonrud homestead at Follsjø was renovated in the summer of 2023. It features two bedrooms with a total of 8 beds, an open living room and kitchen, and a spacious yard where the family can play and enjoy themselves.
Contact us to check availability in the winter.
The Stule
The Stule is idyllically located in the middle of the forest, with great views! The area has beautiful scenery, charming lakes and nice hiking trails. Chances are good that you will be alone in the area.
Events, parties and unforgettable gatherings
Årestua is the perfect venue for meetings and courses, accommodating up to 25 people. Here, you’ll find modern facilities such as fiber internet, a projector, and a screen, all within a unique and cozy atmosphere. For outdoor events, we offer even greater capacity, and our previous summer parties at the cottage by Follsjø have been a tremendous success.
We tailor the catering to meet the guests’ preferences, allowing you to enjoy a customized meal that enhances the overall experience.
Contact us today, and we will help you create a memorable gathering that your guests will cherish for years to come!
Sauna
At the homestead Jonrud by Follsjø, you can rent a wood-fired sauna! What is better than combining a bath in the beautiful lake Follsjø with a hot sauna?
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Green travel and sustainable tourism
At Bolkesjø Gaard, we are dedicated to minimizing our own environmental footprint. We prioritize maintaining and repairing old structures instead of purchasing new ones. The newest building on the farm is the barn from 1936, while the rest of the buildings are over 100 years old. These structures and objects have been adapted to meet modern-day needs.
The forest plays a crucial role in our commitment to sustainability. It serves both as a renewable resource for responsible forestry and as a habitat for diverse biological species. Bjønnestille in Telemark is the farm's very own nature reserve, spanning 1417 hectares. We employ open-field grazing for our animals and manage old hay meadows to preserve species diversity.
In the spring of 2023, we installed a solar cell system on the barn's roof and became co-owners of Follsjå power. We consistently strive for low consumption and prioritize local ingredients such as fish, venison, berries, and mushrooms. Don't hesitate to ask us for tips on gathering these natural treasures.
To support sustainable tourism and reduce our environmental impact, we kindly request that guests book a minimum of two nights with us.
