By bike along the Mandal River

Scenic Cycle Route from Mandal to Øyslebø (36 km round trip)

The road has been preserved much as it was when it was built by hand in the 1860s, with large stone blocks lining the edges as bumpers.

The trip goes from Mandal town center to Øyslebø in Marnardal and is approximately 36 km round trip. The terrain is easy, mostly flat with a gentle incline. The surface starts with asphalt and transitions to gravel further along the route.

If you start from Buen Cultural Center, you’ll cycle across the Adolph Tidemand Bridge and turn right along Marnaveien, passing the Amfi shopping center. Follow the road that runs alongside the river. Mandalselva was once one of Norway’s richest salmon rivers and is still considered among the top 10 salmon rivers in the country.

You’ll follow the river on a good asphalt surface until just past Krossen in Holum, where it changes to gravel all the way to Øyslebø. Along the route, you’ll pass several fishing spots and nice picnic areas.

It’s worth packing a lunch and swimwear if the weather is good (and it should be for a lovely bike ride!). The nature experience is exceptional, and we highly recommend stopping at Haugefossen. If you're lucky, you may see salmon leaping up the waterfall! Between June 1st and September 15th, you're also likely to see eager anglers hoping for a big catch.

In Holum, make sure to stop at the salmon ladders where you can see the fish jump. There is a well-equipped rest area with benches and tables.

In Øyslebø, there’s a grocery store — good to note if you need supplies for the return journey. If you're looking for a bit of culture before heading back to Mandal, we recommend a visit to Høgtun Cultural Center, home to the Marnardal Museum and Sigurd Nome’s sculpture collection.

P.S. On your way back to Mandal, you can either follow the main road on the east side of the river (RV.455) or return the same way you came. For safety, we recommend cycling the same route back.