Stormdal Ull: Inside Norway’s northernmost spinning mill

By Celina Tran | Photos: Kjell Sommerseth

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Helgeland in Northern Norway, Stormdal Ull is both a spinning mill and a celebration of local resources, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable production.

In the picturesque village of Storvoll, just south of the Arctic Circle and at the gateway to Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park, Stormdal Ull is Norway’s northernmost spinning mill and the only one of its kind in the region.

The founders, Maja Sætermo and Silja Storvoll, had a shared idea born from a passion for wool, sheep, and rural traditions. Both founders grew up on small farms and began questioning why Northern Norway had no spinning mill of its own and why Norwegian wool often had to be sent abroad for washing and processing. Their answer was to create a fully Norwegian production chain, handling everything from raw fleece to finished yarn. “We wanted to show that high-quality yarn could be made entirely in Norway,” says Sætermo. “There are hands at work throughout the whole process, from the sheep farmer to the knitter.”

Stormdal Ull: Inside Norway’s northernmost spinning mill

The company produces a wide range of yarns, from airy single-ply qualities to fine two-ply yarns. One of its most popular products, Ullhøsa, combines wool from traditional Norwegian Spæl sheep and Norwegian White Sheep, creating a durable yet soft yarn ideal for socks and everyday garments. Customers often notice one feature in particular: softness. “People ask if it’s really pure wool because it feels so soft,” Sætermo explains.

Stormdal Ull is also committed to showcasing the natural beauty of wool. The yarn is generally left undyed, allowing the sheep’s natural colours to shine through. Black yarn comes from black sheep, brown from brown sheep, creating a palette that reflects the landscapes where the animals graze.

The spinning mill has become a destination in its own right. Visitors can watch the machinery in action, browse yarn and knitting patterns, or sit down for coffee and cinnamon buns. Workshops in hand spinning, plant dyeing and traditional crafts attract participants from across Norway.

Looking ahead, the founders hope to expand production while continuing to advocate for clearer labelling of Norwegian yarn. Although small-scale Norwegian manufacturing cannot compete with imported yarn on price, Stormdal Ull believes that consumers increasingly value transparency, quality, and local production.

In a region where wool has sustained communities for generations, the company is ensuring that tradition continues to thrive in a modern world. For visitors to Helgeland, Stormdal Ull offers a close look at how local wool can become part of a living, modern craft tradition.