Discover Østby: Farm History and Landscape

In Østby, medieval farm history meets a landscape shaped by farmland, forests and pastures. There are also routes and destinations in the immediate area and further afield in the region. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether to focus your stay more on the history and landscape of the village or on excursions in Tydal.

Farm History and Traces of the Past

The history of the area includes Østby Farm, which dates back to the Middle Ages. A spearhead and an arrowhead, probably from the Viking Age, are associated with the farm. The cautious dating is part of the story: these are finds attributed to the Viking Age.

The history of the farms in Østby also offers evidence of communal work. In more recent times, they jointly built a sawmill on the Nøsterbekken stream near Gammelvollsjøen. The mill was used until around 1960. This chapter adds insight into a later form of shared use and work to the older farm history.

Farmland, Forests and Pastures

The south-facing farmland made grain cultivation possible in Østby. North of the settlement was an outlying area with abundant forest and pastures. Together, these details show different aspects of the local cultural landscape: farming in the south and forest and pastureland in the northern outlying area. Historical accounts also mention opportunities for fishing and hunting in this northern area.

If you are interested in the landscape and local history, this combination offers a concrete picture of Østby without requiring any single attraction to take centre stage. The historical accounts of the outlying area sit alongside the routes and destinations described in the surrounding area today.

Local Food and Businesses

Sjursgård Vestre runs a farm shop at Østbyvegen 105. Østby Gårdsbakeri makes homemade flatbrød, lemser and lapper. So, in addition to the landscape, local food and baking traditions can also be part of your stay. If you plan to visit either business, check opening hours and access in advance.

Cycling Route and Nearby Destinations

The signposted blue cycling route 5 from Ås to Aunemarka is about 23 kilometres long. It follows FV 990 towards Østby and then continues through Østbymarka. Røvassbu, a cosy ski hut, is also located in Østbymarka in Tydal.

Fjellguiden Tydal AS offers other guided activities further afield in the region: mountain hikes in Sylan and the surrounding mountains, as well as ice fishing on Essand and Nesjøen. For Essandsjøen, the provider rents 15-foot boats departing from Nøsteråa. Availability of these activities may change, so check before making plans. The cycling route and hut in Østbymarka on the one hand, and guided activities further afield on the other, offer different options to consider when choosing where to stay.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Tydal

The wider destination of Tydal also has cultural attractions in their own right. The Kistafoss power station is a power station museum. In the machine hall, the exhibition features a guardroom, machinery, objects and tools from the station’s operating days, as well as an authentic kitchen interior from the time when electricity was introduced in Tydal. Visits to the power station can be arranged by calling the mobile number 917 55 677; check the number before your arrival.

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