Setertunet

Droving played a crucial role in the yield of the farm. A farm could have pastures both near home and far away - in Uvdal some farms had pastures up on Hardangervidda's interior. They moved to the nearer pastures (heimsetra) in early June, in order to relieve the strain on the meadows at home caused by constant grazing. While there, it was important to keep the livestock from straying, so the cowherds had an important task. Moving to the farther pastures (langsetra) was often associated with superstition - it was considered important not to set off on a Friday. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday were considered auspicious moving days. The working day on the farm was long and demanding, often beginning at four or five o'clock in the morning. Many had both goats and cows, and with all the animals needing to be milked, and cream, cheese and whey to be produced thereafter, it was important to start the day early. The cowherds' cabin (seterbua) here in the yard is of a type called an årebu, which means that it does not have a fireplace and chimney, only an opening or vent in the roof. In addition to a cabin, there were often cowsheds, stables and barns on the property. The cowshed was used for milking and the barn for hay storage. All the hay was taken home in the winter.