Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik – A legacy of quality, tradition, and craftsmanship

For over 130 years, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik has been a symbol of Norwegian craftsmanship committed to sustainable textile production through its distinctive manufacturing process, with all stages of production under one roof. As one of the premier producers of fabrics for the bunad, Norway’s national costume, it continues to reaffirm its role as a safekeeper of Norwegian heritage and quality.

Should you find yourself anywhere in the Norwegian landscape on 17 May, you should not be surprised to find swaying red, white and blue flags in the mild spring air and thousands of people spilling into streets and parades, singing and celebrating. The most unique sight, however, is that of the many traditional costumes.

The bunad is much more than just clothing—it is a living piece of Norwegian heritage. Different regions of Norway have their own distinct bunad, with unique colours, patterns, and designs that reflect the local culture and history. The choice of fabric is critical, as it not only determines the appearance of the bunad but also its durability and longevity. This is where Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik plays a pivotal role.

“The bunad is a very special item of clothing. One that parents, and grandparents even, often start planning and slowly saving for, from the moment a child is born. It’s not only a piece of cultural tradition and heritage, but also in many ways a family history, with many people inheriting or passing down their bunad, so picking the right fabric and quality is very important,” says Trine Norheim, sales manager for Bunad at Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik.

Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik has long been a leader in the production of high-quality fabrics for bunads, as well as high-end upholstery fabrics. The company’s commitment to preserving traditional Norwegian craftsmanship while ensuring modern innovation is what sets its textiles apart.

From humble beginnings to an international luxury clientele

The history of Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik is steeped in a rich tradition of wool processing. Established in Lillehammer in 1887 during a period of rapid industrial growth in Norway, it started as a modest spinning mill under the name Gudbrandsdalens Uldspinneri.

“At first, it primarily washed wool for local farmers. As demand grew, the factory evolved, expanding its production to include weaving, spinning, and dyeing,” says Norheim.

Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik quickly gained a reputation for quality, eventually becoming a key supplier of textiles for the Norwegian clothing industry.

“The factory’s early success was marked by a commitment to using locally sourced wool, a practice that continues to this day. Over time, the factory diversified its offerings, moving from clothing fabrics to becoming one of the foremost suppliers of upholstery and bunad textiles in Norway,” Norheim explains. “In fact, today, a significant majority of Norway’s bunads are made from our fabrics. High quality combined with expertise has made the factory a market-leading supplier of wool textiles—not only for the bunad but also for the international furniture market—serving prestigious clients like Louis Vuitton.”

Quality to last generations

Wool has been an integral part of Norwegian identity for generations. Known for its warmth, durability, and timeless appeal, Norwegian wool is a key element in the creation of bunad costumes. As the demand for the finest wool increases, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik continues to maintain the highest standards.

“While Norwegian wool remains the foundation of our work, we also source robust wool from New Zealand to meet the production needs without compromising quality,” says Norheim.

While steeped in tradition, Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik is and has always been forward-thinking in its approach to sustainability. “It’s no secret that the textile industry has a big impact on the environment, so it’s important to us that we minimise this anywhere we can. By keeping the entire production process under one roof, the company ensures full control over quality, resource use, and environmental impact. Moreover, by producing quality products that last for generations, we hope to encourage customers to make conscious choices when selecting textiles for their bunad—valuing durability, heritage, and sustainability over fast fashion and mass production.”

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Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik is a leader in high-quality fabrics for bunads.

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