Norrbys i Väte

At the Norrbys cultural reserve in Väte, we want to preserve, inspire and bring to life life on a farm as it might have looked a few generations ago. Maybe you recognize yourself?

The cultural-historical value of the Norrbys farm lies in the fact that it is a typical medium-sized Gotland farm from the first half of the 20th century. It has a well-preserved farm environment with an intact ownership structure. The cultural reserve consists of about 30 hectares of land.

History

The farm Norrbys in Väte is known since the 1570s. In the 1653 audit book describing all farms on Gotland, Norrbys is mentioned. The farm, which is then deserted, is described as half a crown estate that belonged to the state. In 1790 the farm was bought free and has since been owned by the same family until 1995. The farm was then bequeathed to the Association of Friends of Gotland.

The people and the houses

The last residents of Norrbys are the Johansson siblings. The stories of Edvin (1900-1985), Martha (1903-1995) and Erik (1911-1975) and their life's deeds contribute to interesting personal stories being linked to the place.

The siblings built the house in 1936, replacing an older couple's cottage. The materials from the cottage were reused in the new house. The barn was built 10 years earlier. The other outbuildings were built between 1926 and 1936. The mill is one of the few preserved water mills on Gotland. Grinding has taken place here right up to the present day. Keep an eye out, in early May it may be time for grinding day!

Feel free to join a guided tour or read more about the siblings and the buildings yourself on Gotland Museum's website.

The biological and intangible cultural heritage

Biological cultural heritage links history and biology, i.e. how humans have used nature over time. So how can we see the traces of biological heritage? Here, the very place in front of us becomes a rich source of stories. As you walk along the cultural trail, you may see some exotic tree species. His brother Edvin was interested in forestry and planted both coniferous and deciduous trees. Signs along the trail tell you about the trees.

Intangible cultural heritage includes all the traces of craft and knowledge traditions, as well as ancient tool use. At Norrbys, the stories of the siblings' lives and their knowledge are one such example.