The Child Wanderer Path in Southern Norway

Historical Societies in Agder have defined a trail that is likely to have been used by many of the children wandering from Vest-Agder to Aust-Agder. This trail goes by the name of the "Child Wanderer Path" or “Barnevandrerstien” in norwegian.



The trail starts in Årli, Kvinesdal. It extends eastward across the valleys through Snartemo in Hægebostad, Konsmo in Audnedal, Laudal in Marnardal, Greipstad Church in Songdalen and Kristiansand. From Kristiansand the trail enters Aust-Agder. It crosses Birkenes municipality before ending up at Landvik Church outside of Grimstad.





The Child Wanderer Path starts in the west of Vest-Agder in the municipality of Kvinesdal, by Årlia and ends at the Bauta park near Snartemo Station, Hægebostad. If you are travelling by train, exit at Storekvina station and take the bus into Liknes. Look for the bus timetable on www.177agder.no. From here you can order a taxi or drive your own car to Årlia. Årlia is located near to the toll road that runs from Moi in Kvinesdal to Birkeland in Hægebostad. From the center of Kvinesdal (Liknes) it takes approximately 15 minutes by car to the starting point of the trail. There is ample parking at the illuminated skiing route in Årlia. After parking, follow the toll road for approximately one kilometer to reach the starting point.



From Årlia the Child Wanderer Path is well-marked. The terrain is open with marshes and forests, and you pass several beautiful mountain lakes. There are many good viewing points along the way. The highest point along this stage of the the path is about 500 meters above sea level. The last two kilometers of this stage follow the mainroad. There are no great changes in the altitude of the terrain, so this stage is relatively easy to walk.

Day 1: Kvinesdal - Snartemo Ca. 11 km
Day 2 : Snartemo - Konsmo Ca. 18 km
Day 3 : Konsmo - Laudal Ca. 12 km
Day 4 : Laudal - Nodeland Ca. 31 km
Day 5 : Nodeland - Kristiansand Ca. 11 km
Day 6 : Kristiansand - Birkeland Ca. 34 km
Day 7 : Birkeland - Landvik Ca. 20 km

Movie abour the path www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIWQuHGQqTU

Please follow these safety tips when you go hiking in Norway.

1. Be prepared
Be sufficiently experienced, fit and equipped for your intended trip.

2. Leave word of your route
Many cabins, hotels and other lodgings have tour notification boxes in which you may put a written notice of your planned route

3. Be weather-wise
You should always be alert to forecasts of bad weather, yet not rely completely on forecasts of good weather.

4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost
Always take a rucksack and proper mountain gear.

5. Learn from the locals
Local people can often tell you about avalanche trails, wind and snow conditions, and the safest routes.

6. Use a map and compass
Always have and know how to use a map and compass.

7. Do not go solo
If you venture out alone, there is nobody to give you first aid or notify a rescue service in an emergency.

8. Turn back in time - sensible retreat is no disgrace
If conditions deteriorate so much that you doubt you can attain your goal, turn around and return.

9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary
The stronger the wind, the tougher the walking/skiing. Suit your speed to the weakest member of the party.

Find more detailed safety tips in the Norwegian Mountain Code.