Toten is one of Norway's most productive agricultural districts, a wide stretch of fertile land between Randsfjorden and Mjøsa. Where most of inland Norway is forest and mountain, Toten is flat fields and big farms. The district is divided into two municipalities: Vestre Toten (with Raufoss) and Østre Toten (with Lena and Skreia).
Toten has a strong local identity. The Totendialekten is one of Norway's most recognisable dialects, and people from Toten are known for a dry, self-deprecating humour that has spawned countless jokes and stories across Norway. The expression "totning" is used affectionately (and sometimes not) across the country.
The farming culture runs deep. Toten's potato fields feed much of southeastern Norway, and the district has a long tradition of food preservation and local craftsmanship. The Stenberg estate in Østre Toten, now part of Mjøsmuseet, preserves the old farming culture with its collection of historic buildings and agricultural tools.
Toten has a strong local identity. The Totendialekten is one of Norway's most recognisable dialects, and people from Toten are known for a dry, self-deprecating humour that has spawned countless jokes and stories across Norway. The expression "totning" is used affectionately (and sometimes not) across the country.
The farming culture runs deep. Toten's potato fields feed much of southeastern Norway, and the district has a long tradition of food preservation and local craftsmanship. The Stenberg estate in Østre Toten, now part of Mjøsmuseet, preserves the old farming culture with its collection of historic buildings and agricultural tools.