Gaulstad- Lithica Land
We have found some land, please help us with costs for leasing it for a one year trial.
We will be running some programs there over the coming year.
How would you like to be involved?
Donate now!
Directly following the Lithica gathering, a visit was made to a large tract of land in Gaulstad (Trondelag) to determine if it would fit the criteria for the Lithica Project and confer with the land owner.
Two Lithica members (Lynx Vilden and Michelle Cuzner-Charles) and a Lithica Gathering instructor (Stephane Gremaud) were part of the visit and enquiry.
We spent two nights at the property and one full day exploring, several hours of which were with the land owner who guided us. We caught trout in the lake, clambered among the mossy rocks in the old growth forest, (We didn’t see any but I’m pretty certain that trolls must live there). We sloshed barefoot through the marshes and bathed in the waterfalls. Our exploratory loop brought us back down alongside the river where to our astonishment it suddenly disappeared underground into a cave- yes, the whole river! We crept under the rocks and sang, our voices blending with the water and ricocheting off the stone. It was a special moment and we are now thrilled to announce a trial year of leasing this property for Lithica Land!
The land is 230 hectares (2300 mål) of perfect wilderness in a remote valley at the end of the road. This is pristine Nordic wilderness in one single piece of land stretching approx. 3 km up into a virgin valley bordering on the National park area. There is a small lake full of trout and a beautiful river with many waterfalls. The landscape is very idyllic and inviting and easy to hike in. In the forest just about 300m east there is a small hunting hut beside a waterfall about 15m high. The lands border on the huge national park of Skjaekerfjella. Excellent fly fishing for salmon and trout. Hunting for moose, red-deer, roe-deer and capercaillie. The sea is only half an hours drive away and so is the town of Steinkjer, population 21,000. Sea fishing is also excellent. Great possibilities for sea-kayaking and lake-kayaking, dogsledding, horseback riding and fantastic pike-fishing. There are several lovely lakes with fishing and beaches for swimming only minutes away. Private hunting on the grounds is moose, red deer, roe deer, fox, hare and all the big forest birds of the north. The valley has one of the greatest moose populations in the world and the moose hunt is done with the small community of landowners in Gaulstad. All other hunting including red deer is entirely private.
The old farmstead has been redesigned with landscape architectural criteria in mind. The concept has resulted in a very picturesque and inviting landscape around the buildings with a small landscape park adjacent to the log-house of about 2 hectares. The pond is located 80 meters from the house and can be seen from the kitchen terrace. The total area of grasslands around the farmstead is 7 hectares. The whole farmstead is free from farming machines and utility sheds and all other elements that disturb the aesthetically and peaceful impression. Secluded and yet not isolated, bordering on lands that will never be logged or built upon. It is a paradise for children as well as adults.
Location
Gaulstad is located 34 km east of the the town of Steinkjer at the end of the Trondheim fjord. The Trondheim airport is 1 hour and 40 minutes away. The location is at the end of the road. There are no disturbing activities of any kind only peaceful farms.
The house of 100m2 stands on a separated lot of 1300m2 located on the land. This house is simple and basic but can be renovated to any level desired. It will be sold with informal hunting rights, a network of moose hunting teams in the valley and surrounding areas.
A new road up to the houses was constructed 3 years ago. Ample parking areas in the modern zone. Garage for 2 cars in the barn. Large storing areas in the barn.
The houses are fed by a private well. The quality of the water is perfect. Also the septic tank is private.
The Owner, Adrian Domines is a Swedish landscape architect who has designed the log house in a historical Nordic style in the ancient concept of the "hall". He intends to keep the house for the time being thus drastically reducing the price of the property for Lithica. He is an avid outdoorsman and author of the book Natursport (Nature Sport: fly fishing, free diving sea kyaking, archery and horses.)
He is willing to rent the Second house, the waterfall cabin and all uses of the land for classes and Lithica Gathering 2024 for one year for 150,000 NOK (approx 15,000Euros)
This would give us the time to see how we could raise the money for purchase in the case that the property meets the needs of the Lithica Vision.
Lithica Land considerations
Size
230 hectares
Cost
Lease for one year 15,000 Euros
Varied eco systems, topography and resources
Grasslands, meadows, mixed forest, mountains. Natural forest.
Building material and fuel
Virgin old growth forest, dominated by pine, spruce, birch, willow and rowan thinning to tree-line as elevation is gained.
Varied water systems
Lakes, river, streams, springs, waterfalls …and abundant fish.
Proximity to the sea
35 km to the top of the Trondheim Fjord at Steinkjer
Growing season
zones 6-7 Can grow: brassicas, peas, beans, onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, turnips, rutabagas, winter and summer squash etc.
Wild versus domestic flora and fauna
Some cow and sheep farms in the vicinity.
Moose, Red deer, Roe deer, Reindeer, Bear, Lynx, Wolverine and other weasel families, fox, rodents, beaver.
Suitable habitat for Lithica zones 1, 2 and 3
Modern building and barn with electricity, transitional zone cabin without electric beside a waterfall, 3 km wild lands and thousands of acres around it backed up to the Skjaekerfjella National park.
Potential pollutants
Historic copper mines from 1700’s, mineral prospecting for other metals in the area is active.
Surroundings
Rural, small farms, some summer vacation cabins, multiple lakes and trails, alpine hiking huts.
Insect pests
Some gnats though not nearly as bad as in Telemark during the gathering! few mosquitoes, no ticks!
Weather/climate
Sub Arctic. Winter snow depth average 1 Metre, annual precipitation unknown but temps are regulated by coastal proximity.
Latitude
64 degrees N
Exposure
East-West orientation.
Inhabitants
Resourced for up to 15 full time Lithica Residents and the potential for part time residents, students and interns.
Neighbors
Small local farmers and Sami reindeer herders to the east and across the Swedish border.
Accessibility
Remote but accessible by public transport, 35 km to Steinkjer, population: 21,000
Road conditions
Well maintained both summer and winter.
Proximity to airport, railway station, bus stops and taxi service
1 hr 40 mins drive to Trondheim airport, 30 mins drive to Steinkjer railway station, Local bus from Gaulstad to Steinkjer .
Parking availability
10-15 plus meadow space.
Infrastructure (modern zone)
Community space (with office and modern amenities)
4 bedroomed house with kitchen, bathroom, dining room, living/craft room, office
Electricity
Currently grid electricity, good hydro potential.
Internet and mobile phone service
Good reception at house site.
Workshop
Possible barn space renovation.
Storage buildings
Barn, wood shed, stable, root cellar
Visitor accommodation
Aforementioned house
Transitional zone shelters
One room log cabin.
Here you can see the property outline on a map. The blue squares indicate where the river goes underground and exits again
