Setesdal

The cradle of Norwegian folk traditions

Tour the welcoming villages in the Setesdal Valley and experience the perfect blend of mountain adventures and rich cultural heritage.

The Setesdal Valley in Southern Norway winds its way from Evje in the south to Hovden in the north for about two hours, following the course of the Otra river and the scenic Rv9 road.

Evje is regarded the heart of the region – the most urban area with a variety of services, shops and places to eat and sleep. Just an hour’s drive north of Kristiansand, Southern Norway’s largest coastal city and ferry hub, it’s easily accessible by bus.

Hovden, in upper Setesdal, is a very popular mountain destination and has the largest ski resort in Southern Norway.

The Stulien Robstad family at the farm Syrtveit Gard, in the Setesdalen valley, Southern Norway, all dressed up in Setesdalbunad

A group of young girls dancing "Setesdalsgangar", a traditional Norwegian folk dance from the Setesdal valley in Southern Norway.

A young man from Setesdal playing the hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle), adorned with intricate decorations.

This journey begins in Evje, the action capital and southern gateway to Setesdal.

A popular place for families, with rafting being one of the hottest activities.

Join TrollAktiv for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on the mighty Otra River …

… or fill a whole day of fun with their Adventure Pass, offering something for every family member to enjoy, including the tube slide, pump track, adventure golf, climbing, zipline and more.

Setesdal's deep-rooted traditions are alive and thriving.

The Stulien family of Syrtveit Gard farm in Evje proudly share local food, craftmanship, and folk music with visitors.

Did you know that dancing, singing and folk music from Setesdal is so unique it even has a spot on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage?

At the heart of the region's folk music are the hardingfele (a distinctive Norwegian fiddle) and the munnharpe (jaw harp).

Listen to its sound here

Cultural attractions

Experience the charm of Setesdal with a voyage aboard the historic D/S Bjoren steamship and immerse yourself in local history at the Setesdal Museum.

Rysstad
Rygnestadtunet
Rygnestadtunet is one of the most distinctive museums in Norway.
Rysstad
Setesdalsmuseet at Rysstad
The Setesdal Museum at Rysstad , a journey through the culture, history and traditions of Setesdal.
Byglandsfjord
D/S Bjoren
Embark on a voyage with the old wood-fired steamship Bjoren from 1866. Every Sunday in June, July and August there is a 2.5-hour round trip, starting in Byglandsfjord or Bygland. For further information and booking, please call +47 995 18 203 or see www.bjoren.no. In addition to the regular round trips, special arrangements are available for groups of up to 50 persons. Excellent for tour bus groups, bicycle tourists, associations, companies, weddings and other events. We also arrange trips in cooperation with restaurants, cafeterias and accommodation providers along the lake Byglandsfjorden. Charter season: mid May - mid September. Licenced for catering, beer and wine.

One hour from Evje lies Rysstad, a place of stunning natural beauty that has fostered generations of silversmiths.

Visit one of the workshops in the valley to discover Setesdal's rich silver heritage and watch how søljer (traditional Norwegian bunad brooches) are crafted.

Maybe you’ll bring home a souvenir from Rysstadsylv at the authentic Norwegian Sølvgården Hotel in Rysstad (pictured) or Hasla in Valle?

Craft traditions thrive in Rysstad, and the local community is even building a brand new traditional stave church, using only Viking Age techniques, with completion set for 2030.

How to build a stave church

Where to stay

Be sure to rest in between with a good night’s sleep. Hotel, camping, glamping, or a cozy cabin – you’ll find it all in Setesdal!

Fossdal
Eikerapen Gjestegard
Eikerapen Gjestegard in Åseral, Southern Norway.
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Bykle
Bykle Hotel
Bykle Hotel is located in charming, rural surroundings approx. 28 kilometres south of Hovden. The new building that was completed in the winter of 2006, adds a modern impression and makes up an exciting combination with the traditional Setesdal style of the old section. Bykle Hotel offers accommodation for 95 persons in comfortable rooms and apartments of various sizes. The hotel has function rooms with a capacity of 20-100 persons, well suited for courses and conferences. Enjoy a high-quality meal in our pleasant restaurant. In addition to our à la carte menu, we offer a variety of dishes, including traditional food. Bykle Hotel is located near the old Bykle Church, one of Norway's oldest and smallest churches.
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Evje
Dølen Hotel
Dølen Hotel is the oldest hotel in Setesdal.
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Valle
Flateland Camping
Situated in Setesdal by the Otra, about 6 km north of Valle. 3-star campsite with cabins and modern sanitary facilities.
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Byglandsfjord
Neset Camping
Neset Camping is a modern 4-star campsite open all year round, beautifully located on a headland in Byglandsfjorden right by the Rv9, just over an hour's drive (80 km) from Kristiansand. Surrounded by mountains and fjord on all sides, it is the perfect base for your holiday in Setesdalen and Southern Norway.
Byglandsfjord
Revsnes hotell
Revsnes hotel is beautifully situated alongside the fjord Byglandsfjorden. It is a hotel with long traditions, surrounded by beautiful scenery and many exciting adventures and activities. Through ages, Revsnes hotel has been a natural stop for travelers on their journey through the beautiful valley of Setesdal. Most hotel rooms come with a view overlooking the fjord or the mountain ridge. The surroundings are tranquil, and after a good night's sleep in comfortable beds awaits an excellent breakfast buffet, all included in the room rate. Parking is free of course, and you have free wifi all over the hotel. With good experiences naturally comes a good meal. The hotels a la carte menu is a mix of continental cuisine and traditional courses from the area, based on local small scale producers. The menu typically varies in line with the natural seasonal fresh supplies. Add a cozy restaurant with an interior in traditional style and fine arts on the walls showing the history of Setesdal, but then you may choose to simply rest your eyes on the fjord and garden outside and enjoy taking time with your meal. In addition to restaurant and conference areas you will find bars, comfortable guest areas with a fireplace, a small library and a nice terrace at the ground floor overlooking the garden and the fjord. The terrace is equipped with heating lamps and comfy blankets for chilly evenings, or maybe you would like to bring your morning tea or coffee down here to start your day. If you are looking for other experiences or activities, you will find a large number offered within short range from the hotel. River rafting, bike park, paintball, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, river boarding and fishing, the great mineral park with the mountain hall and climbing forest, karting track, hiking trails, etc. The hotel garden otherwise has a small sand beach for those who would be tempted to try the waters. A trip on the fjord with the old steamer Bjoren is a lifetime experience to remember, and at the Landeskogen Peace Center you may wander around in the beautiful area, visit the exhibitions inside, or have a close encounter with the king of the forest, the moose when they come for feeding. That which restricts your possibilities and activities is primarily how many days you can stay here to try them out. During wintertime you may enjoy the ski resort centers at Høgås and Brokke, with ski lifts and tow lift, cross country trails and alpine and terrain parks which offers great mountain experiences for both children and adults. The sites are within close driving range from the hotel. Would you choose to spend your day out, the hotel may supply you with lunch packages and warm drinks. The "pearl of Byglandsfjord" is within reach just one hour drive north of Kristiansand where you may get by comfortable speed ferry connection from Denmark.
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Evje
TrollAktiv cabins & camping in Evje
TrollAktiv can offer several good accommodation options such as cabins of a simpler standard and high-standard cabins, low-level cabins and campsites, with associated facilities - several guest kitchens, and sanitary facilities around the area.
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Rysstad
Sølvgarden Hotell & Feriesenter
Welcome to Sølvgarden Hotell og Feriesenter! Here you will find modern accommodation and wonderful food.
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Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Fjellstoge
On the top of the Setesdal Valley, 2.7 km north of central Hovden, you find Hovden Fjellstoge. In beautiful surroundings close to the river Otra, Hovden Fjellstoge is a perfect place to stay to get memorable days in the mountains. Summer hiking routes and winter cross-country trails are right outside the door. During the winter there is a free ski bus service to the alpine centre. Choose from comfortable hotel rooms with breakfast included and cabins of varying size and standard. The kitchen serves a menu based on local traditions. Welcome to Hovden Fjellstoge!
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Hovden I Setesdal
Hovdestøylen Hotel
Hotel in scenic surroundings.
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Hovden I Setesdal
Hovdehytta
Hovdehytta consists of 22 modern apartments with a total of around 150 beds. The stay is based on self-catering, and the apartments are ideal for families, groups of friends, and larger gatherings. The apartments vary in size, accommodating between four and twelve people in two to five bedrooms. All feature an open-plan kitchen and living room, where the kitchen is equipped with a dining area and the living room has a TV and a cozy sitting area. The bathroom includes a shower and toilet, and several of the larger apartments also offer a sauna and bathtub. The standard and comfort level is consistently high across all units. Hovdehytta enjoys a perfect location, with cross-country ski trails right outside the door and only a few minutes walk to the village center with shops and restaurants. Hovden Fjellbad is located just next door, and in winter you’ll find a charming ice rink between Hovdehytta and fjellbadet. It’s only a ten minute walk to Hovden Alpine Center. Welcome to a pleasant and memorable mountain experience at Hovdehytta!
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Hornnes
Hornnes Camping
Hornnes Camping was established in 1934 and have been affiliated with NAF (Norwegian Automobile Federation) since 1936. We have 110 spaces for rent, but we do not have cabins. Hornnes Camping is situated right next to Riksveg 9, 56 kilometers north of Kristiansand and 5 kilometers south of the village of Evje. The campsite lies in beautiful surroundings and is encirceld by a beach right where the river Otra runs out into the Breiflå lake. Hornnes Camping has boats and canoes for hire. In the river Otra there are plenty of good fishing spots and you can buy fishing cards from us. If you would want to go for a swim or just bathe in the sun, the beach that surrounds the campsite would be one of the spots in the municipality. In the nearby area of the campsite there are many roads and trails that are suited for walks and bicycling, if you are interested in minerals and crystals there are several mines and museums nearby.
Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Høyfjellsenter og Hyttepark
The cabin rental company Hovden Høyfjellsenter, 1 km north of central Hovden, is beautifully situated in short distance to alpine centre, hiking - and skiing trails. The cabin park consists of 33 separate, well-equipped cabins with up to 12 beds
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A man taking a cold plunge in the river at Brokkestøylen glamping

A man climbing in the mountain at the Via Ferrata Nomelandsfjell in Valle

Or what about a night in the luxurious nature domes at Brokkestøylen, in the middle of Setesdal?

Want an airy challenge? Try mountain climbing in one of tiny Valle’s three (!) via ferratas.

Via Ferrata

From easier climbs for families with children to thrilling challenges for more experienced climbers.

Rysstad
Via Ferrata to Mt. Straumsfjellet, Valle
"Via Ferrata" is Italian for iron road. This is a climbing route where you are secured to the rock by means of a steel cable. There are also iron rungs in the steepest sections, making the ascent safe and relatively simple.
Rysstad
Via Ferrata family route at Mt. Løefjell, Brokke
Overlooking the Brokke Alpine Centre, Mt. Løefjell has been popular among climbers for many years. It is famous for its long, alpine routes of varying difficulty.
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Valle
Via Ferrata Nomelandsfjell
Nomelandsfjellet is the prominent mountain wall you can see from central Valle. For a number of years this has been a popular mountaineering spot, and now it has been adapted for people without previous climbing experience. A via ferrata has been set up, where you are secured to a steel wire all the way to the top, and with iron rungs serving as a ladder.

A woman standing by the river Otra, with a stunning mountain backdrop in the Setesdal Valley.

Two girls hiking in Hovden, Setesdal, Southern Norway

A person alpine skiing in Hovden in Setesdal, Southern Norway

Two people in an outside pool at Hovden fjellbad in Setesdal.

Take your time on the drive through the Setesdal valley – every bend offers new sights worth stopping for.

Like this beautiful rest area at Honnevje, 2 km north of Valle. A popular swimming spot in summer, and in winter you can relax in a riverside sauna.

Two hours from Evje, you'll reach Hovden, the northern gateway to Setesdal.

A popular mountain destination where you can enjoy a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Or, if you prefer to stay grounded, explore the mountain landscapes of Setesdal on foot.

Many marked paths start right on the Rv9. Why not take your kids on a trip to the mighty Gloppefoss waterfall?

When winter visits, Hovden transforms into a paradise for snow lovers.

Hovden Alpine Centre is the largest ski resort in the southern part of Norway.

During the off-season, you can enjoy downhill biking at the facility if you bring your own bike.

Hovden Fjellbad spa

Afterwards, soothe tired muscles at Hovden Fjellbad spa, with jacuzzis, saunas, steam baths, and a scenic outdoor infinity pool.

For the youngest, there's a splash pool with a water slide!

Things to do

Seeking thrill or relaxation? Discover things to do in Hovden, Evje, and throughout Setesdal.

Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Fjellbad
Hovden Fjellbad – play, training and wellbeing
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Evje
Climbling park at TrollAktiv Evje
The climbing park is an exciting treetop adventure high up in the pine trees surrounding the rafting centre "TrollAktiv".
Hovden I Setesdal
The Summer Lift – Take the chairlift to the top!
Chairlift to the summit of the Storenos mountain.
Evje
TrollAktiv Evje Adventure Pass
Welcome to adventure pass Evje A.P.E with 6 different activities.
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Evje
TrollAktiv Bike Park in Evje
The TrollAktiv Bike Park offers exiting activities for every age group.
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Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Alpine Centre
The Hovden Alpine Centre is a modern and well-adapted facility for the whole family. The children's area "Tusseland" has become an eldorado for our youngest guests; and the terrain park is more spectacular than ever and is considered one of the best in Norway.
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All that adventure calls for the right fuel.

Local restaurants across the valley serve dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Have you tried the Norwegian classic Rømmegrøt (Sour Cream Porridge)?

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Bykle
Bykle Hotel - restaurant
Bykle Hotel is situated 100 metres from the main road Rv 9 and has a pleasant restaurant and cafeteria. The restaurant normally seats 36 guests, but this can be increased to 50, if required. In connection with the restaurant, there is also a fully licenced bar. In addition to our à la carte menu, we offer a traditional Norwegian food. Our function rooms upstairs are well suited for courses, conferences, weddings, Christmas dinners and other events for up to 130 persons. There is also a group room seating 40 persons.
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Fossdal
Eikerapen Gjestegard
Eikerapen Gjestegard in Åseral, Southern Norway.
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Rysstad
Sølvgarden Hotell - Restaurant
Welcome to Sølvgarden Hotell og Feriesenter! Here you will find modern accommodation and wonderful food. In our restaurant we serve tasty food including specialities from the region.
Hovden I Setesdal
Restaurant Furumo
Furumo is a meeting place for the whole family. Locals, cabin owners, and visitors gather here to eat, chat, and relax. The menu features well-known and popular dishes such as hamburgers, pizza, meatballs, and salads, as well as other warm meals. In the evening, Furumo is a cozy place to meet, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or another drink and have a pleasant time with good company. Take-away is also available.
Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Fjellstoge Restaurant
Visit our pleasant restaurant, where we take pride in using local produce and preserving local traditions. The requirements of our guests have always been important to us. Her you can taste local dishes such as muntain trout and reindeer. Every autumn our headchef makes a popular wild Game Buffet. Here you can find everything you can think of from the natures larder. We have a function capasity for larger groups up to 100 guests in the restaurant. We also have posibilities to arrange smaller functions, and outdoor experiences in a lavvu and a shelter.
Byglandsfjord
Revsnes hotell
Revsnes hotel is beautifully situated alongside the fjord Byglandsfjorden. It is a hotel with long traditions, surrounded by beautiful scenery and many exciting adventures and activities. Through ages, Revsnes hotel has been a natural stop for travelers on their journey through the beautiful valley of Setesdal. Most hotel rooms come with a view overlooking the fjord or the mountain ridge. The surroundings are tranquil, and after a good night's sleep in comfortable beds awaits an excellent breakfast buffet, all included in the room rate. Parking is free of course, and you have free wifi all over the hotel. With good experiences naturally comes a good meal. The hotels a la carte menu is a mix of continental cuisine and traditional courses from the area, based on local small scale producers. The menu typically varies in line with the natural seasonal fresh supplies. Add a cozy restaurant with an interior in traditional style and fine arts on the walls showing the history of Setesdal, but then you may choose to simply rest your eyes on the fjord and garden outside and enjoy taking time with your meal. In addition to restaurant and conference areas you will find bars, comfortable guest areas with a fireplace, a small library and a nice terrace at the ground floor overlooking the garden and the fjord. The terrace is equipped with heating lamps and comfy blankets for chilly evenings, or maybe you would like to bring your morning tea or coffee down here to start your day. If you are looking for other experiences or activities, you will find a large number offered within short range from the hotel. River rafting, bike park, paintball, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking, river boarding and fishing, the great mineral park with the mountain hall and climbing forest, karting track, hiking trails, etc. The hotel garden otherwise has a small sand beach for those who would be tempted to try the waters. A trip on the fjord with the old steamer Bjoren is a lifetime experience to remember, and at the Landeskogen Peace Center you may wander around in the beautiful area, visit the exhibitions inside, or have a close encounter with the king of the forest, the moose when they come for feeding. That which restricts your possibilities and activities is primarily how many days you can stay here to try them out. During wintertime you may enjoy the ski resort centers at Høgås and Brokke, with ski lifts and tow lift, cross country trails and alpine and terrain parks which offers great mountain experiences for both children and adults. The sites are within close driving range from the hotel. Would you choose to spend your day out, the hotel may supply you with lunch packages and warm drinks. The "pearl of Byglandsfjord" is within reach just one hour drive north of Kristiansand where you may get by comfortable speed ferry connection from Denmark.
Book now
Hovden I Setesdal
Støylen Restaurant & Wine Bar
Enjoy the food and the view!
Evje
Dølen Hotel - Restaurant
Dølen Hotel is situated in the center of Evje ans is the oldest hotel in the valley of Setesdal.

See you real soon? Scroll down to plan your trip today.

Setesdal has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.

visitsorlandet.com/setesdal

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Setesdal with Entur.

By road
Setesdal is served by express buses with connections to Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, and other Norwegian towns and cities.
Travelling by car is the most convenient way to get to Setesdal. The RV9 motorway between Bergen and Kristiansand is also called 'the Setesdal road' and crosses the valley from Evje in the south to Hovden in the north.
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By car
Travelling by car is the most convenient way to get to Setesdal. Rv9 between Bergen and Kristiansand is often called the Setesdal Road and crosses the valley from Evje in the south to Hovden in the north.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By boat
There are good ferry links from Denmark to Kristiansand, Larvik, and Langesund, and from Sweden to Sandefjord.
By plane
The closest airports are Kristiansand Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport, which have regular flights to many domestic and international destinations.
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Local travel
A network of local buses will take you around the Setesdal area.

Stories from Setesdal

Sølje (traditional Norwegian bunad brooch) on a Setesdal women’s bunad

Sølje – Norwegian bunad brooch

Craftsman Øyvind Mauren on the Setesdal stave church project

How to build a stave church

Get inspired

Kristiansand

People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet

Norwegian Scenic Routes

Southern Norway

Typically Norwegian
Sustainable Destination
Top 3 itineraries around Kristiansand
Bunad – our traditional costume

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