Matvika is an abandoned farm on the northern shore of the Geirangerfjord. The name probably comes from the Old Norse word matr, meaning food. Travellers on the fjord used to stop here to rest and eat, so it became known as the food bay.
The farm sits in a south-facing slope, which gives it an unusually mild microclimate for this part of Norway. It is considered the most species-rich spot along the entire fjord. The warm summers made it possible to grow tomatoes and even apricots outdoors, which is almost unheard of at this latitude. There are also over 100 mirabelle plum trees on the property.
In the early 1900s the farm kept 50 to 100 goats, and goat cheese production was an important source of income. They also harvested hay from the abandoned neighbouring farms Horvadrag, Lundanes and Furnes to feed the animals. The milk was shipped by boat to Hellesylt. When that milk boat service stopped, it was the beginning of the end. Matvika was abandoned in 1961. Another reason was that in winter, when everything froze, the farm had no drinking water. Today the buildings are used as a holiday home.
The farm sits in a south-facing slope, which gives it an unusually mild microclimate for this part of Norway. It is considered the most species-rich spot along the entire fjord. The warm summers made it possible to grow tomatoes and even apricots outdoors, which is almost unheard of at this latitude. There are also over 100 mirabelle plum trees on the property.
In the early 1900s the farm kept 50 to 100 goats, and goat cheese production was an important source of income. They also harvested hay from the abandoned neighbouring farms Horvadrag, Lundanes and Furnes to feed the animals. The milk was shipped by boat to Hellesylt. When that milk boat service stopped, it was the beginning of the end. Matvika was abandoned in 1961. Another reason was that in winter, when everything froze, the farm had no drinking water. Today the buildings are used as a holiday home.