Narvestad building from 1724 at Folkenborg Museum, a historic red wooden structure with white-framed windows surrounded by greenery and visitors enjoying outdoor activities

Barn og Dyr at Folkenborg Museum: A fun-filled family day

2. September 2018
Kjartan Abel
Østfoldmuseene, Video production
5 minute read

On September 2, 2018, Folkenborg Museum transformed into a hub of laughter, learning, and hands-on fun during the annual Barn og Dyr event. With adorable animals, exciting activities, and delicious treats, this family-friendly celebration brought rural traditions to life in the most delightful way.

Missed it? No worries—I captured all the highlights in a video so you can experience the magic of Barn og Dyr for yourself.

Girl learning metal forging in a blacksmith workshop at Folkenborg Museum during Barn og Dyr. — A young visitor learns the art of blacksmithing at Folkenborg Museum’s Barn og Dyr event.

What Is Barn og Dyr?

This yearly event at Folkenborg Museum offers families a chance to step into the charm of Norway’s rural past. Designed to blend education with fun, Barn og Dyr features activities and experiences that give kids and parents alike a closer connection to traditional farm life.

Imagine a day filled with baby animals, turkey auctions, tractor rides, and even a historic general store where kids use old currency to buy candy. It’s an event that celebrates history while creating unforgettable memories.

Highlights from the 2018 event

The 2018 edition of Barn og Dyr was a perfect mix of learning and fun. Here’s what made it special:

Adorable Animals: Kids loved meeting baby rabbits, goats, calves, and ponies. Watching their smiles as they petted these animals was a highlight of the day.
Turkey Auction Excitement: The auction brought plenty of laughter and surprises. Little Gustav even walked away with two turkeys for just 20 kroner!
Tractor Test Drives: The historic Gråtass tractor was a hit, giving kids the chance to “drive” a piece of Norway’s farming history.
Candy with a Twist: At the museum’s old-fashioned general store, children traded Riksdalers for sweets, turning a simple purchase into an exciting step back in time.
Delicious Treats: Visitors enjoyed waffles, farm-fresh ice cream, and refreshing rhubarb drinks. Thanks to Eidsberg historielag, over 300 waffles were served to happy families.

In addition to these activities, the museum grounds provided the perfect setting for families to relax, explore, and enjoy the sunny weather.

Child feeding goats at Folkenborg Museum during the Barn og Dyr event, an interactive family-friendly activity. — A young girl interacts with friendly goats at Folkenborg Museum’s Barn og Dyr event, a day full of farm animal fun.

Why Families Love Barn og Dyr

There’s a reason Barn og Dyr has become a beloved tradition. The event offers something for everyone:

For Kids: Hands-on experiences like petting animals, riding tractors, and exploring the farm make this event unforgettable.
For Parents: It’s a chance to step back in time and connect with Norway’s rich rural traditions.
For Everyone: The sense of community and the relaxed atmosphere make it a perfect day out for all ages.

In addition, the interactive nature of the activities ensures that families leave not just with memories, but with a deeper appreciation for Norway’s agricultural history.

About Folkenborg Museum

Located in Eidsberg, Folkenborg Museum is a cultural gem that celebrates Norway’s rural heritage. The museum features historic buildings, interactive exhibits, and seasonal events that bring the past to life.

Visitors can explore rustic barns, learn about traditional farming techniques, and participate in events like Barn og Dyr. The museum’s beautiful grounds provide a serene backdrop for families looking to spend quality time together while learning about history.

For more details about the museum and its events, visit the official Folkenborg Museum website.

A pig grazing near a red barn with visitors watching at Folkenborg Museum during Barn og Dyr — Visitors observe a grazing pig near the iconic red barn at Folkenborg Museum’s Barn og Dyr event.

Watch the Barn og Dyr 2018 Video

Want to experience Barn og Dyr for yourself? I filmed the highlights of the 2018 event, capturing the joy of kids petting animals, the excitement of the turkey auction, and the charm of the tractor rides.

🎥 Watch the Barn og Dyr Video Here!

Whether you attended or not, this video lets you relive the magic or get inspired to visit next year’s event.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Next Barn og Dyr

Still wondering if Barn og Dyr is worth a visit? Here’s why you should mark your calendar for the next one:

Family-Friendly Fun: From tractor rides to candy at the general store, there’s something for everyone.
Interactive Learning: Hands-on activities let kids and adults connect with Norway’s rural traditions in a unique way.
Memories That Last: Whether it’s a waffle with farm-fresh jam or a picture of your child with a baby goat, you’ll leave with moments to treasure.

Children and adults learning traditional skin processing techniques at Folkenborg Museum's Barn og Dyr event. — Participants learn the art of traditional skin processing during the Barn og Dyr event at Folkenborg Museum.

Final Thoughts

Barn og Dyr at Folkenborg Museum is more than just an event. It’s a celebration of community, history, and the simple joys of life. Whether you’re reliving the experience through my video or planning your visit for next year, one thing is certain: Barn og Dyr is an experience you’ll never forget.

Kjartan Abel

Kjartan Abel is a sound designer, music composer, and immersive installation artist, known for his explorations at the intersection of technology and creativity. A seasoned museum nerd, AI enthusiast and tech enthusiast, Kjartan adeptly melds digital innovation with traditional media. His artistry extends to tinkering with Raspberry Pi, crafting unique experiences that resonate in today's tech-driven culture, often exploring the dimensions of space and time. With an MFA in Fine Art Media from The Slade School of Fine Art and a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from Kingston University, Kjartan’s blog offers a window into his multidisciplinary approach and his journey through the evolving landscape of New Media.