Hiking in the mountain regions
The Norwegian Trekking Association's (DNT) marked network of hiking trails is well developed in Sørlandet. You will find 1,000 kilometres of trails in the mountain regions of Sørlandet, and a large number of cabins.
All DNT trails are marked with a red "T" for your safety. The self service cabins are equipped with all the gear and equipment you need for cooking and sleeping. The self-service cabins are the same, but you need to bring your own food.
In addition there are also hiking trails in Sørlandet marked with other signs and symbols.
Hiking in Sirdal
Sirdal is the region between Setesdal and Jæren (the coastal area south of Stavanger). There are a lot of routes leading to Sirdal, both from the south and the west, and in the summer you can access Sirdal from Setesdal (east) as well, via the mountain pass Suleskard. (Drive to Brokke in Setesdal, then follow the Suleskardvegen Road towards Suleskard and Sirdal).
Kjerag
A popular hike in the area is the hike to Kjerag. Kjerag is an impressive rock wall rising vertically 1,000 metres over the Lysefjord. The famous rock "Kjeragbolten" is stuck in between two vertical walls on the top(its photo graces many a brochure promoting Norway, and was even used on a Norwegian stamp recently). You can reach Kjerag by following the marked trail from Øygardstøl, near Lysebotn. The hike is tough, but the view from the top is well worth the effort. Estimated time: five hours return.
Hiking in Setesdal
A comprehensive network of marked footpaths exists in the Setesdal mountains. On both sides of the valley, you can hike in a wonderful landscape. The distance between the cabins varies, but generally the walk from one cabin to the next takes about three to five hours. In most of the cabins you will find food supplies. You can walk in the mountains for several days, or just take a one-day trip. Information on hiking in the area can be obtained at the local hiking association KOT and at the tourist offices in the Setesdal Valley (Evje, Bygland, Valle and Hovden). Here you can also get maps with cabins and paths marked.
Gloppefoss Waterfall
A recommended walk in the area is to Gloppefoss Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in the Setesdal Valley. A marked path runs from road 9 (Setesdalsveien) through Veiåjuvet canyon to Gloppefoss. The scenery is impressive, with high mountains on both sides, and this is a popular hike for families. The river Veiåne follows the bottom of the valley. The hike to Gloppefoss takes about two hours.
Hiking in the Hovden area
Hovden offers a varied hiking terrain. Choose between the distinctive peak Hovdenuten with its magnificent views, or the smooth, sloping rocks along the stream Børtemannsbekken. Take the chairlift to the summit of Nos, or explore the mountains by hiking to one of the cabins of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) in the vicinity of Hovden. Some of the trails are accessible for prams and wheelchairs, and several trips may be combined with fishing.
Four of the summits surrounding Hovden are particularly well suited for trips with children. These routes are marked blue, and all of them are signposted from the centre of Hovden.
Hiking in Åmli, Arendal region
Åmli is a mountain area about one-hour drive north of Arendal. The tourist office has developed a brochure with hikes to 13 different mountain tops in the area. The trips are from 1.4 to 7 kilometres long, and many are suited for children.
Trongedalsnuten
Trongedalsnuten is the highest mountain top in Åmli, 929 metres above sea level. The hike to this mountain is demanding, and makes an ideal day trip, six kilometres each way.
Rjukanfossen
The Rjukanfossen Waterfall, or the Rjukan Falls, has a free fall of 45 metres, and is a beautiful sight in the woods of Tovdal. The trail is about three kilometres long, and the round trip will take about 2.5 hours. Take road 41 to Dølemo, follow the signpost to Tovdal. Continue until the end of the road, to Dale. Follow the red marks alongside the river up to Årdalen Nature Reserve.
Hiking in Åseral
The local hiking association KOT has an extensive network of marked trails and cabins in Åseral. The network of trails leads to DNT cabins in Setesdalsheiene and Sirdalsheiene.
Hike to Lordehytta, Åseral
It is a good three hours' walk from Røysland to Lordehytta, the striking hunting lodge built by the Scottish nobleman Lord Salvesen in 1910. The trail is not marked, so you will need to have a good map and a compass. The hunting lodge is privately owned, and is therefore not open to the public.
Hiking along the coast of Sørlandet
Several towns with white painted, wooden houses are dotted along the coast of Sørlandet. In close proximity to all of them you will find marked hiking trails that the locals use frequently. Some of these areas are Baneheia, Ravnedalen and Odderøya in Kristiansand, Furulunden in Mandal, Dømmesmoen in Grimstad and the area Hove at Tromøy in Arendal.
The islands scattered along the coast have good hiking potential, and you may combine hiking with beach life, boat trips, kayaking and fishing. The island of Merdø outside Arendal is accessible by boat from the city centre several times a day. Lyngør is one of the best preserved communities in Northern Europe. The island has no cars and only about 80 inhabitants, but in summer it is buzzing with life. Hidra is also worth a visit.
The area around Norway's southernmost point, Lindesnes, is popular for hiking. A map can be obtained at the lighthouse museum. In the area of Lista, a bit further west you can hike in a landscape filled with historic landmarks. The rock carvings at Penne are easily accessible from Nordberg Fort – a German fort dating back to World War II. From the fort you can hike to Lista Lighthouse, a hike of 5.5 kilometres in varied landscape.
The local tourist offices provide more information, maps and advice on hiking.