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.

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!

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.

Two girls hiking in Hovden, Setesdal, Southern Norway

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

A person alpine skiing in Hovden in Setesdal, Southern Norway

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

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?

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.

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.

Winter in Southern Norway

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.

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.

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.

Local travel
A network of local buses will take you around the Setesdal area.
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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By boat
There are good ferry links from Denmark to Kristiansand, Larvik, and Langesund, and from Sweden to Sandefjord.
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 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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Stories from Setesdal

Craftsman Øyvind Mauren on the Setesdal stave church project

Crafting a new stave church in Setesdal

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

Sølje – Norwegian bunad brooch

Get inspired

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Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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