Traditional villages, living folk traditions, and activities that will make your heart race. In the Setesdal valley, new adventures await around every corner.
Centrally located in Southern Norway, the Setesdal valley has everything from flat countryside to wild and beautiful mountains. The RV9 motorway takes you through the valley via a number of quaint villages.
Setesdal is best known for its lively folk tradition scene, but you can try your hands at plenty of action-packed activities here too – with or without the kids. Climb a via ferrata, go rafting down the Otra river, or tackle challenging obstacles in a bike park.
Winter can be long in the valley, something skiing enthusiasts are very happy about. Superb cross-country tracks, two alpine centres, and easily accessible mountains perfect for ski touring make Setesdal an excellent winter destination.
If you’re more culture-oriented, you can learn about minerals, visit a folk museum, or see how silver jewellery is made.
Setesdal has achieved the eco-certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to working systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Get in-depth travel information on Setesdal’s official website.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Things to do | Where to stay | Food and drink | Getting here and around
Top winter activities in Setesdal
Check out some of the best things to do in Setesdal in winter
ÅseralBortelid Ski Centre
Bortelid has five ski lifts and 14 downhill runs, the longest of which is 1700 metres. The slopes vary in technical difficulty, from a children's run to a precipitous, almost-vertical drop. The 100-metre long conveyor belt on the children's slope is one of the longest of its kind in Norway. It turns skiing into a game for the youngest guests, and it is practical and easy for adults to accompany them or watch from the sidelines. Children below age 7 receive a free lift pass, providing they are wearing a helmet. If you need a break, Bortelid Bistro is just the place! Food, drink, warmth and excellent service work in combination to get you back on the slopes in no time! Visit our Facebook page
Hovden I SetesdalHovden Park
Hovden Park is regarded as one of Norway’s leading terrain parks and has been nominated several times for “Park of the Year” by the Norwegian Snowboard Federation. A dedicated T-bar running the length of the park allows for smooth flow and plenty of laps throughout the day. The park features both a blue and a red line, with more than 30 rails and jumps in total, making it suitable for everyone from beginners to riders competing at Norwegian Cup level. The red jump line, consisting of three large jumps, offers generous airtime for advanced tricks, while the smaller features encourage progression and playful riding at all levels. Hovden Park is the training ground for the Snowboard and Freeski program at Hovden Ski Gymnasium and the home park of internationally renowned rider Sindre Tveiten, who is also a team rider for the resort. Well established and frequently selected as a venue for national competitions, especially slopestyle, Hovden Park delivers world-class variety, challenges, and playful riding – offering guests some of the very best park skiing Norway has to offer.
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovden 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.
The best summer attractions
ByglandsfjordD/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.
ByglandFånefjell - return trip 3,5 km
Fånefjell – Bygland Starting point is the southern entrance of the Fånefjell tunnel on highway 9. From the parking you may follow the old road upwards, through the valley Kattedalen. From the top of the road there is a path leading to a picnic area with a nice view. You may also continue on the road and descend on the northern side, but the old semi-tunnel around the mountain is closed due to the risk of rockslide, and walking through the main tunnel is dangerous for pedestrians. For these reasons you have to return the same way. The mountain road is from around 1840, the semi-tunnel from 1923 and the main tunnel from 1963. Take your time and look around. The entire area is renowned for its rich flora. Length: 3.5 km return trip Ascent: 150 metres Duration: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Easy; road up through the hillside, followed by a path to the picnic area / viewpoint. Download map
ValleVia 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.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Book nowBykleBykle 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.
ByglandsfjordNeset 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.
Book nowByglandsfjordRevsnes 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. 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 nowHovden I SetesdalHovden 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!
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovdehytta
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!
HornnesHornnes 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.
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovden 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
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Book nowBykleBykle 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.
Hovden I SetesdalRestaurant 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 SetesdalHovden 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.Book nowByglandsfjordRevsnes 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. 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.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Setesdal’s official website.
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 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.
Towards sustainability
The certification Sustainable Destination is a label given to destinations that work systematically to reduce the negative impacts of tourism. In addition to providing visitors with enjoyable experiences, the destination must strive to minimise its impact on local nature, culture and the environment, and support the local community and economy. The municipality and the travel industry shall cooperate closely to assure that the destination is a great place in which to live as well as visit.
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