Key facts about Southern Norway
Southern Norway (Sørlandet in Norwegian) is the southernmost region of Norway, with 25 municipalities and approximately 305,000 inhabitants (2018).
Sørlandet ("the south land") is the southernmost part of Norway, and consists of the Agder county. Sørlandet stretches from the coastal areas with its many rocky islands and skerries also known as the Norwegian riviera via an inland belt with forests, lakes and rivers, many of them excellent salmon rivers, to the mountains of Setesdal, the southernmost part of the Hardangervidda and a popular hiking and skiing region.
History
Ever since the great glaciers retreated about 10,000 years ago and left behind a small strip of land, people have lived in southern Norway. There are traces of Stone Age settlements from Kristiansand to Lista, with one of the most famous places being the Penne area at Lista. Here you find rock carvings, as well as ancient ruins and burial mounds from the Iron Age.
One of many characteristic features of the southern coast is the "white string of pearls", the many towns, villages and outposts dotted along the coastline, with their white-painted houses and narrow streets.
The towns had a prosperous period during the sailing ship era in the 1800's. The islands furthest out at sea and along the ship route were popular outposts where the fishermen, the sailors and the harbour pilots lived. The outposts provided safe havens for the ships that sailed to and from Norway with goods.Timber and salmon were the main export articles of the region. Today these outposts are mainly populated with holiday guests during the summer months, and are idyllic reminders of life in the old days.
Economy
Today Sørlandet is Norway's leading exporter of processed goods, with future-oriented businesses based on supplying the oil and gas sector, the solar cell industry, wind turbine industry, car industry, and high-tech processing of metals.
Culture
Along the coast you can find traces of the coastal culture; the many lighthouses, coastal forts, fishing villages and boat wharfs. In the Setesdal Valley the cultural heritage includes folklore, folk music and silverware.
Sørlandet is also home to around 100 festivals each year, most of which take place during the summer months.
Climate
The coast of Sørlandet has a typical coastal climate, with relatively mild climate year round. Sørlandet is the region in Norway with most summer days during the year. In Setesdal and Sirdal the altitude ensures long and stable winters, perfect for winter activities.
Key facts
- Inhabitants: 305.000 (as of July 2018)
- Total area: 16,435 square kilometres
- Main cities: Kristiansand and Arendal
- Southernmost point: Lindesnes lighthouse, Lindesnes
- Highest temperature: 33,7°C (Byglandsfjord, June 1986)
- Lowest temperature: -38°C (Hovden, January 1982)
Distances
- Kristiansand - Oslo: 322 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Stavanger: 233 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Hovden: 208 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Arendal: 67 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Risør: 111 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Flekkefjord: 108 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Lindesnes: 80 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Lillesand: 30 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Mandal: 43 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Grimstad: 48 kilometres
- Kristiansand - Evje: 61 kilometres
- Arendal - Evje: 83 kilometres
Read more about Southern Norway
Hovden Alpine Centre
With its 34 pistes, eight lifts and a total of 42,5 kilometres of groomed descent, Hovden Alpine Centre offers a large variety of slopes.
Cycling in Setesdal
National cycle route, bike park, trail and downhill cycling Some people choose a bicycle as a means of transportation through Setesdal; others take a shorter ride just for fun. In any case, nature is their closest companion.
Fly fishing and salmon fishing in Southern Norway
Fly fishing is often referred to as an art, the pinnacle of fishing if you’d like. Here in wonderful Southern Norway, we have a kaleidoscope of opportunities for those who want to practice the art of fly fishing.
Summer in Åseral
The southernmost mountains Åseral contains of a landscape with beautiful bathing spots, great fishing possibilities and lovely walking trails.
Unique overnight accommodation in Southern Norway
Are you looking for an unforgettable holiday in Norway? Then you should visit these lovely, unique and very special places providing overnight accommodation in Southern Norway.
The towns of Southern Norway - like pearls on a string
Few things characterise Southern Norway more than the charming white-painted towns that decorate the coastline from Risør to Flekkefjord like pearls on a string.
Coastal sea trout fishing in Lyngdal and Farsund
In the geographical area of Lister we combine the municipalities of Lyngdal and Farsund. The rolling stoned coastline of Lista has through the years produced some of the largest sea trout caught here in Southern Norway.
Hiking in Lindesnes
In Lindesnes you can find a lot of nice hiking trials with history, beautiful nature and amazing views.
Coastal sea trout fishing in Southern Norway
The migratory brown trout or more widely known as the European sea trout is a great prize amongst many fishers. What is quite unique with this fish, is that along the Southern Norwegian coast, the sea trout can be fished not only free for all ages but also all year round.
Winter in Åseral
In Åseral you will find ski resorts with downhill slopes for both kids and adults, and nice groomed trails for cross country skiing. One of them leads to the highest mountain, Skoræ, at 1041 meter, where you can enjoy an amazing view.
Åseral
Åseral is the mountain municipality west of Evje, and you can enjoy it all year round. During the winter you will find groomed cross country trails, and at Bortelid, Eikerapen and Ljosland you can also try the alpine slopes.
Visit Åmli
Åmli is an inland municipality in Southern Norway that offers wonderful nature and excellent opportunities for bathing, climbing, canoe and bicycle tours. Here will also find Rjukan waterfall in Tovdal, Hillestad Gallery, Pan Garden and Trogfjell Via Ferrata.
The Child Wanderer Path
The Child Wanderer Path is a 136 km long continuous path that carries on a sad but educational history. As the path is today, it is divided into 7 stages and can be combined with trains and accommodation at some places.
The March of the Norwegians
Southern Norway, or Sørlandet as it is called in Norwegian, is Norway’s most popular summer destination among Norwegians. Every year they descend in great number to the southernmost part of Norway, but the outside world is completely oblivious to this. Have a peek at Norway’s best-kept secret.
Under: Michelin star restaurant in southernmost Norway
Southernmost Norway received it's first Michelin star when Under underwater restaurant in Lindesnes was awarded one star in the 2020 edition of the prestigious Michelin guide. Under has received one Michelin star in both 2020 and 2021.
Sustainable destinations in Southern Norway
Southernmost Norway have two regions labelled as sustainable destinations; Lindesnes and Setesdal. Sustainable Destination is the Nordic region’s only national labelling scheme for travel destinations.
Adventure Guide to Southern Norway
Southernmost Norway offer action-packed river rafting, climbing and skiing in the Setesdal mountains, experiences in Raet national park, fishing, diving and surfing at Lista beaches.
Gjerstad
In Gjerstad you can visit Norway’s largest rainforest in Den Lille Dyrehage (The Little Zoo), stay at the top of a tree in Trehyttene (Treehouses) and explore the glorious recreational areas in the Gjerstad Forest.
Sea trout fishing in Grimstad
Grimstad has a lot to offer for anglers, all along the south coast the conditions are perfect, some will say it is an eldorado for anglers hunting for sea trout.
With your back towards the sea
Grimstad offers more then rocky shores, boats and beach life. The inlands offer several hiking trips with beautiful views, and fresh water lakes with the possibility of fishing, kayaking and swimming.
When visiting Under
You have arrived in southernmost Norway to visit the underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes. Let us show you what more Southern Norway has to offer you.
How to get to Under
Booked a table at restaurant Under or just wondering where it is? Find out how to get to the underwater restaurant in Lindesnes, Southern Norway.
Christmas in Southern Norway
The southernmost cities and villages of Norway oozes of atmosphere during Christmas. November and December are packed with Christmas events and festive activities.
Shopping in Kristiansand
Kristiansand has a variety of shopping - from shopping malls to small boutiques, antique shops, Norwegian design brands, international brands and local handicraft shops.
Climbing in Southern Norway
As well as exciting and accessible mountains and crags, the southernmost Norway also has an excellent climate for climbing. Kristiansand in particular have many crags close to the city centre.
Golf courses in Southern Norway
You will find many golf courses in Southern Norway, both along the coast and inland. Be active on your holiday with your family or friends.
Cycle tours in Southern Norway
Explore Southern Norway’s coast, charming towns and villages and stunning mountains and moorland on a bike. Here, you will find information on cycle routes, cycle hire and mountain biking in Southern Norway.
Lista Lighthouse - a birdwatcher’s paradise
Lista Lighthouse in Southern Norway offers stunning coastal scenery and magnificent cultural landscapes. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Kvåsfossen salmon centre in Lyngdal
Watch wriggling salmon up close. Nasjonalt Villakssenter - Kvåsfossen salmon centre in Lyngdal is home to Norway's largest salmon staircase inside a tunnel.
Southern Norway in 360° panorama
View some of the coastal areas in Southern Norway with 360° panorama pictures. Gamle Hellesund, Brekkestø, Skippergada and Ulvøysund outport.
Take your EV to the mountains
As a part of the process of making Setesdal a sustainable tourist destination, several charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed along the main road RV 9. The latest addition is the new, large car park in the centre of Hovden.
Under is the world’s largest underwater restaurant
Are you ready for a wUNDERful gourmet marathon – five meters below sea level? Check out the first underwater restaurant in Northern Europe.
Experience Henrik Ibsen in Southern Norway
As a young man, world-famous author Henrik Ibsen worked as an apprentice pharmacist in Grimstad. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Norway’s most important author in Grimstad, Southern Norway.
Raet National Park
Raet is Southern Norway’s national park. Raet National Park extends from Grimstad, through Arendal and on to Lyngør in Tvedestrand. The park was created in 2016 to protect this special natural area.
Meet real-life Elsa in Arendal (Arendelle)
If you are a true «Frozen» fan, you might know that Arendelle got its name from the Norwegian city Arendal in Southern Norway. And as it turns out, the city even has its own Elsa look-alike.
Accommodation in Setesdal
The typical overnight stop in Setesdal is a camping site with cabins. There is a wide selection of camping sites, ranging from basic ones to some offering five-star comfort. If you prefer other accommodation, for example hotel or apartment, you will find individual establishments with their own distinctive style.
Fishing spots in Vegårshei
Vegårshei has very many lakes where you can go fishing both trout and perch.
Randonee skiing
Setesdal is known for its steep mountainsides, rising from the valley floor and easily accessible from the main road RV 9. In the upper part of the valley, in Valle and Bykle, several mountains are suitable for randonee skiing. Berg in Valle is the starting point for a trip that will give you a 1000-metre descent, and at Hovden you may conquer several summits in just one day.
Cross-country
Hovden boasts 170 kilometres of cross-country trails which are daily groomed during the season. From sheltered trails in the forest to the open country, you are guaranteed to find your favourite! We have trails for young children and beginners, and for those of you who want to experience the wide mountain expanses. The trails are groomed for classic as well as skate skiing.

Alpine
The chairlift to the summit Nos has been in operation since 1968. Today, 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.
Snow report and web camera
Powder on the slopes? Which cross-country trails are groomed? Find the answer here?
Summer in Bykle and Hovden
Fishing, hiking, swimming, reaching new summits? Sightseeing? Culture? Whatever you prefer, there are many good reasons for making a stop in Hovden.
Winter in Hovden
In Hovden, the winter season lasts from November to May. Hit the slopes in the region’s largest alpine centre, or explore our vast network of cross-country trails.
Hovden ski report and web camera
Powder on the slopes? Which cross-country trails are groomed? Find the answer here?
Ski reports and web camera in Setesdal
In the southern part of the Setesdal valley, in Evje and Hornnes, the local sports club has an elaborate network of ski trails, mainly in the forest. Further north are the three ski resorts Ljosland, Eikerapen and Bortelid in Åseral, and Brokke in Valle. Here, the trails are closer to the mountains, approx. 700 metres a.s.l. Even further north you may enjoy the extensive trail network at Hovden, leading up to mountain plateaus at an elevation of about 1200 metres.
Cross-country skiing in Hovden
Hovden boasts 170 kilometres of cross-country trails which are daily groomed during the season. From sheltered trails in the forest to the open country, you are guaranteed to find your favourite! We have trails for young children and beginners, and for those of you who want to experience the wide mountain expanses. The trails are groomed for classic as well as skate skiing.
Where to eat in Setesdal
On your journey through Setesdal you may literally get a taste of the valley. Many of the restaurants serve food based on local produce, prepared in a traditional manner or with a modern touch.
Picnic areas in Setesdal
On your way through Setesdal we recommend you to stop and stretch your legs. RV9, the main road through the valley, runs parallel with the river Otra. There are many nice picnic areas along the road, with toilet facilities, benches and a nice view of the river and the surrounding mountains.
Via Ferrata in Setesdal
“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. In Valle you will find three different alternatives; Straumsfjell, Løefjell and Nomelandsfjell.