Steim Farm Experience in Vik, Norway

Animals and fjord views make this a winner. At Steim Farm, you walk through a real working farm above Vik, meet alpacas, ducks, goats, and other farm animals, and hear how life on the property has changed over time. I like the honest setting and the chance to see everyday farm work rather than a staged animal show. I also like the small group limit of eight people, which should make the visit feel personal.

The main drawback is the short format. The visit lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and outdoor conditions matter, so poor weather can lead to a change of date or a refund. Still, at about $32.26 per person, it offers good value if you want a gentle, local activity between fjord sightseeing and town visits.

Key points at a glance

• Alpacas you may feed by hand: The animals are a major part of the visit, with young alpacas sometimes present.
• A working farm, not a show farm: You see fields, stables, a vegetable garden, and the process of turning grass into animal feed.
• Wide views over Vik and Sognefjorden: The farm sits above the village, giving you a fine outlook toward Vikøyri and the fjord.
• Fresh garden produce: Depending on the season, you may taste strawberries and see the organic vegetable garden.
• Small groups of up to eight: This keeps the visit calm and gives children room to engage with the animals.
• Optional picnic basket: For 149 NOK per adult or 89 NOK per child, you can eat in the orchard with views over Vik.

Why Steim Farm adds something different to Vik

Vik is best known for its setting beside Sognefjorden, Norway’s longest fjord, and for its old village center and historic churches. A farm visit gives you a different way to understand the area. Instead of only looking at the fjord from a road or viewpoint, you see how people use the land around it.

Steim is still an operating farm. That matters. The fields are not simply decoration, and the animal areas are part of daily life on the property. Your guide explains the work involved in growing grass, cutting it, and turning it into feed. You also hear about farming in the past compared with farming today.

I like this kind of experience because it connects the scenery with real work. The green fields around Vik are not just pretty. They support animals, crops, and families. A walk around Steim helps you see that connection.

The visit is led in English and is limited to eight people. That is a useful size for a farm tour. You should have a chance to hear the guide, ask questions, and spend time near the animals without being part of a large crowd.

Walking the fields and garden

The tour begins with a walk around the farm. The guide talks about farm life before and now while pointing out the fields and buildings. The pace is likely to be easy, since the purpose is to look, listen, and meet the animals rather than cover a large distance.

One of the most interesting parts is the explanation of grass production. You learn how green grass becomes animal feed, an everyday process that is easy to overlook when driving through rural Norway. This is a useful stop for children because it turns a familiar idea, feeding animals, into something they can see from beginning to end.

The organic vegetable garden adds another layer. Depending on the season, you may taste strawberries grown on the farm. The garden gives the visit a hands-on quality, especially for children, and it makes the farm feel like a whole working system rather than a place that keeps animals for display.

Seasonal timing will affect what you see. Strawberries and other garden produce will not be available in the same way throughout the year. If tasting fresh produce is important to you, ask about current conditions before booking.

Meeting the alpacas, ducks, goats, and birds

The animal visit is the heart of Steim Farm. Alpacas and ducks are kept near the farm, and you may be able to feed them by hand. The farm also has chickens, geese, and sometimes nesting ducks in the stable. Goats graze in the pastures above the farm, while a Norwegian Fjord horse and traditional long-wooled sheep can often be seen from the property.

The alpacas seem to be especially memorable. Young animals have been present at times, and one small alpaca was reported to nibble at a visitor’s shirt and buttons. That is charming, but it is also a reminder to keep loose clothing and fingers away from curious animals unless the guide says otherwise.

You should expect animal contact to depend on the animals themselves. Some may come forward quickly. Others may keep their distance. That unpredictability is part of visiting a working farm, and it is more authentic than a tightly controlled animal encounter.

The ducks and geese can be more spirited than the alpacas. Children may enjoy feeding them, but you will want to follow the guide’s instructions and give the birds space. The same goes for the goats and larger animals in the pastures.

For families, this is a strong choice. A toddler and an infant have been accommodated on a family visit, and children may receive a small surprise during the tour. The visit offers enough movement and variety to hold a child’s attention without requiring a long hike.

The views toward Vikøyri and Sognefjorden

Steim Farm sits above Vik, giving you a broad view of the village and fjord. From the property, you can look toward Vikøyri, the village at the mouth of the Vikja River on the south shore of Sognefjorden.

The view is one of the best reasons to come here even if you are not especially interested in farming. On a clear day, the combination of fields, rooftops, water, and mountains makes the short trip worthwhile. The height above the village also helps you understand Vik’s position along the fjord.

Weather makes a real difference. Bright sun can open up the view, while rain or low cloud may hide much of the scenery. This experience requires good weather, so a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with either a new date or a full refund.

The weather rule is practical, not a nuisance. Much of the visit happens outdoors, and the views are a key part of the experience. If the forecast looks poor, avoid building a tight schedule around the farm.

A glimpse of Vik’s old village and Hove Stone Church

The farm visit itself remains the main activity, but the location gives you a useful view toward two important places nearby.

Vikøyri is Vik’s administrative center and has a picturesque old town area. From Steim, you get a sense of how the village sits between the river and the fjord. This is not a guided walking tour of the old town, so you should plan separate time if you want to explore its streets closely.

You may also see Hove Stone Church from the farm. Built around 1170, it is one of Norway’s oldest stone churches. The church is visible from the property, and transport may be arranged if you would like to be dropped there instead of at the tourist information point. Confirm that arrangement in advance, since the included service is the guided farm visit, not a general transportation package.

This combination can work well in a day in Vik. You can visit the farm, get your bearings from above, then continue to the village or church. Just do not assume that the church visit is part of the one-hour farm tour.

The optional orchard picnic

You can add a picnic basket for 149 NOK per adult or 89 NOK per child. The basket is not included in the basic price, but it can make the visit feel more complete, especially if you have time to sit in the orchard after the walk.

The orchard setting gives you a quiet place to look over Vik and the fjord. I would consider the basket if you want to slow down rather than rush straight back to town. It may also be useful for families who prefer a simple meal break during a day of sightseeing.

If you only want the animals and views, you can skip the basket and keep the cost down. Snacks are not included in the standard ticket, so bring your own food only if the provider allows it and you confirm the arrangements. The supplied details specifically describe the optional picnic basket, not outside food rules.

Guide style and the personal feel

The quality of this experience depends heavily on the guide, and Steim appears to keep the tone warm and personal. Guides named in the available information include Gaute, Elin, Christina, and the wider Steim team.

Gaute has been praised for sharing funny stories about the farm and the area, while Elin has provided detailed explanations about daily farm work and the alpacas. Some visits have also included pickup from the cruise ship dock or the tourist information area. Since the standard meeting point is the farm at Stadheimsvegen 70, 6893 Vik i Sogn, you should confirm any pickup or drop-off plan before arrival.

The small group size helps here. With no more than eight people, the guide can respond to questions and give children a little attention. It also makes it easier to spend a few calm minutes with the alpacas or ducks instead of moving immediately to the next stop.

Do not expect a polished museum presentation. The appeal is the friendly, lived-in quality of a family farm. That means the exact animal activity, garden produce, and guide route may vary from one visit to the next.

Is $32.26 a fair price?

At about $32.26 per person, the basic ticket is reasonably priced for a guided activity in Norway, particularly if you value small groups and direct contact with a working farm.

You are paying for more than a quick animal viewing. The price includes a guide, a walk through the farm, explanations of agricultural work, access to the animal areas, and the chance to see the fjord from above Vik. The personal scale adds value, especially compared with a large bus excursion where you might spend more time waiting than talking.

The visit is only about 1 hour and 10 minutes, so the price may feel high if you judge it solely by duration. I would treat it as a compact addition to a day in Vik rather than a full-day attraction. It works best when combined with the village, Hove Stone Church, or another fjord activity.

The optional picnic changes the total cost. Add 149 NOK for an adult or 89 NOK for a child if you want the orchard meal. You do not need to add it to enjoy the farm.

Who will enjoy Steim Farm most?

I would recommend this experience to:

• Families with children who enjoy animals and outdoor activities
• Couples looking for a quiet break from organized sightseeing
• Cruise passengers with time in Vik
• Visitors interested in local food, farming, and rural life
• Anyone who wants a strong view over Vik without taking a demanding hike

It may be less suitable if you want a long cultural tour, a formal history presentation, or a guaranteed schedule of animal encounters. The visit is weather dependent, and the farm setting means conditions and animal behavior can shape the experience.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. Since the tour takes place around a working farm, ask the provider directly about any specific mobility needs before booking.

Booking is available with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Steim Farm visit?

Book it if you want a small, friendly, local experience with animals and fjord views. The alpacas, strawberries, orchard, and farm stories give the visit plenty of character, while the short duration makes it easy to fit into a day in Vik.

I would be especially keen to book it for a family or a small group arriving by cruise ship. Confirm pickup options, check the forecast, and ask about the picnic basket if you want to linger. If you prefer indoor attractions or need a tightly timed activity, this may be less reliable.

For most visitors with an hour to spare, Steim Farm offers a pleasant look at the real life behind Vik’s beautiful scenery.

FAQ

Where does the Steim Farm experience begin?

The meeting point is Stadheimsvegen 70, 6893 Vik i Sogn, Norway.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the farm visit last?

The visit lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants.

Are snacks included?

Snacks are not included. An optional picnic basket costs 149 NOK per adult and 89 NOK per child.

Can I see Hove Stone Church during the visit?

You can get a glimpse of Hove Stone Church from the farm. Transport may be possible if you want to be dropped at the church instead of the tourist information point, but you should arrange this in advance.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.