HAUSTØFFELEN - local production for everyone

The story of the woven slipper begins with Maria Olsdotter Hermundsdal (b.1815). She was known for making woven hats. These were nice and warm, and someone got the idea that this material could be good to wear on the feet. The experiment developed into a popular product and local trademark.

They were called "Haustøflar" because "Haus Self-Help Office" in Ytre Arna sold the shoes. "Haus Self-Help Office" helped to train people in the craft and did the distributing. So no matter where it was made (at home or in a small factory), it was a Haustøffel. Over 50 years, from 1911 to 1961, 750,000 pairs of slippers were sold. Such "self-help offices" were initiated and supported by the state, and they were found in large parts of the country.