sætrseter

Sætrseter, often anglicized as seter or simply seter farm, refers to a type of seasonal pastureland in Norway, particularly in mountainous or hilly regions. These are distinct from the main farmstead, which is located in the valley or lower altitudes. Sætrseter were traditionally used during the summer months to graze livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The practice allowed the arable land at the home farm to be used for growing crops without being consumed by grazing animals.

The sætrseter system was a crucial element of traditional Norwegian agriculture. It enabled farmers to maximize the productivity of their land and ensure sufficient fodder for their animals throughout the year. The animals were typically moved to the sætrseter in late spring and returned to the home farm in early autumn. Often, a small dwelling or hut was located at the sætrseter, where one or more family members, usually women and young people, would reside to tend to the animals, milk them, and process the milk into products like cheese and butter.

This practice has a long history, dating back to the Viking Age or even earlier. The communal use of sætrseter was also common in some areas, where multiple farms shared access to the same pasture. While the traditional sætrseter system has declined significantly with modernization and changes in agricultural practices, many sætrseter sites remain, and some are still used or have been restored as historical attractions or for continued, albeit often smaller-scale, seasonal grazing. The cultural significance of the sætrseter is deeply embedded in Norwegian heritage, appearing in folklore, literature, and art.