Dølemo
Hillestad Gallery opened in 1985. Since then, there have been many exhibitions featuring well-known artists from across the country. Here, you will find a large selection of art, modern applied arts, a gift shop, and a café.
An adventure in the forest
The old barn from 1805, home to Hillestad Gallery among other facilities, was renovated in 2024 and has become a centre for Destination Hillestad. This distinctive gallery, with a strong Norwegian character, offers beautiful art and crafts for viewing and purchase, homemade food, check-in at Hillestad Holiday Centre, and helpful tips for local hikes.
We offer a wide selection of arts and crafts and graphic art by skilled artists. The full collection of Hillestad jewellery is on display and available for purchase. In Kramløa on the lower level, you will also find interior products from Broste Copenhagen and textiles from Ekelund.
On all days we are open, we serve homemade pastries and rolls, hearty meat soup, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft drinks and ice cream. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. All food is homemade and locally sourced.
Hillestad Gallery has seating for up to 80 guests. Please contact us for private events, gatherings and catering.
Next to the gallery, you can explore the Art Trail, where small and large artworks are installed in the surrounding nature. Just outside the gallery, there is a playground for children of all ages, featuring slides, towers, underground tunnels and a shared barbecue area.
Fishing spots are marked along the entire river in the valley.
Åmli municipality offers 20 marked summer hiking trails, six of which start in Tovdal.
A short distance from the gallery lies Hillestad Holiday Centre, located by the Tovdalselva river. The centre consists of six identical holiday homes, each with its own indoor swimming pool. Visit booking.hillestad.no for more information and bookings.
In winter, up to 30 km of cross-country ski trails are prepared on Hillestadheia, close to the gallery. Tovdal and Åmli are therefore ideal for combining art, culture, play and nature.
For updated opening hours, visit hillestad.no or follow Hillestad Gallery on Facebook.
The gallery is closed from January until the winter holiday.
Source: Arendal Turistkontor