Arabygdi

Arabygdi is a village in Vinje Municipality in Telemark county, Norway. The village is located in the Rauland area at the western end of the lake Totak. The Norwegian County Road 362 passes through the village, connecting it to the villages of Haukeli (to the west) and Raulandsgrend (to the east). The road passes through the Urdbøuri scree area, just west of Arabygdi.^[2]

Arabygdi
Village
View of the landscape near the village
Arabygdi Location of the village Show map of Telemark Arabygdi Arabygdi (Norway) Show map of Norway
Coordinates: 59.77528°N 7.72843°E / 59.77528; 7.72843
Country	Norway
Region	Eastern Norway
County	Telemark
District	Vest-Telemark
Municipality	Vinje Municipality
Elevation [1]	699 m (2,293 ft)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
Post Code	3864 Rauland

History

The region around Arabygdi has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of traditional farming communities that have shaped its cultural landscape.

A pivotal figure in Arabygdi's history is Torgeir Augundsson, affectionately known as Myllarguten.^[2][3][4] Born in 1801, he became a prominent folk musician celebrated for his virtuosity on the Hardanger fiddle.^[4][3][5] His home, Myllarheimen, has been preserved as a museum and stands as a testament to his legacy.^[6][5][3] The museum offers visitors insight into the life and work of Myllarguten, showcasing the rich musical traditions of the region.^[2][3][4]

Arabygdi's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage is also evident in the maintenance of traditional structures and the promotion of local history. The village is part of the larger Vinje municipality's efforts to celebrate and sustain the region's unique cultural identity.^[3][5][6]