Harstad, Norway: Olaasen Farm

Farming can be difficult in Norway. The elements, naturally, can work against the owners, and land is rather scarce and difficult. That can mean some financial ups and downs, so it's not a bad idea to diversify. 

That's certainly the case withe the Olaasen Farm, located between Harstad and Borkenes in the Lofoton Islands. Here Britt Marthinussen and Per Erik Einem have a working farm, complete with animals like sheep, horses and quail. 

But that's not all. The farm offers accommodations for guests, and even has something of a conference center. For shorter visits, groups get a good chance to look around and learn about the business.

Marthinussen and Einem apparently are active in the community, and they brought up a lovely story about that aspect of their lives. It seems that they sometimes head to the Town Hall to do a bit of personal lobbying, and sometimes bring an animal or two along with them. They report that their goat is quite comfortable going for an elevator ride in that building.