TØMMERRENNA IN VENNESLA

Tømmerrenna (the log flume) hike is a unique historic timber channel, stretching about 4 kilometers along the river, through tunnels and over wooden bridges. It is the only one of its kind still standing in Norway, and the longest.

Originally built to float logs from the forest down to the river, the structure has been carefully restored and preserved over the years. Today, it offers a gentle walk through forest and valley landscapes, giving a sense of the historic work and ingenuity behind this engineering feat.

Make it a round trip, or in the summer months you can walk one-way, then board the Setesdal Railway Line, a vintage steam locomotive for a scenic return.

BROKKESTØYLEN

Run by the passionate couple Gro and Erik, Brokkestøylen is a living piece of Setesdal’s mountain-farm heritage. They produce gin and award-winning fireweed vinegar (Product of the Year, Det Norske Måltid 2024/25).

Sustainability is at the core of everything they do, from carefully crafted meals to eco-conscious accommodation. Stay in traditional farm cabins or luxury glamping domes and wake up surrounded by mountains, forests, and the quiet rhythm of valley life.

HIKE LIKE A NORWEGIAN

At the northern end of the valley, Hovden opens into mountains, lakes, and wide terrain.

Dagsturhytta at Hovdenuten is a classic Norwegian mountain shelter, but built in a modern style, where visitors can light the fireplace, warm up, and enjoy a nistepakke, (a packed lunch), a very Norwegian tradition of bringing your own food for a hike.

After your hike, head down to Hovden Fjellbad, where you can take a swim or relax while admiring the aqueduct stretching across the landscape.

In winter, Hovden offers a snow guarantee, making it a reliable destination for skiing and snow activities.

TJAMSLAND GÅRD

Set on the hills outside Birkeland, Tjamsland Gård is a family-run farm with roots dating back to the 1200s. Today, it’s a place where traditions are kept alive through everyday work, from farming to food production.

At the farm café, you can enjoy simple, local dishes and taste cheeses made on site, including the award-winning Rosalita and Rødlin. Surrounded by quiet landscapes, it’s an easy way to experience rural life, local flavours, and the connection between land and food.

Southern Norway is home to many farms producing and selling local food. You can read more about them here.

POSEBYHAVEN

Nestled in Kristiansand's old town, Posebyhaven is a lively spot where old-world charm meets local creativity.

Explore artisan bakeries, a hatmaker, homemade marzipan, and other unique crafts. The square comes alive with outdoor events year-round, from summer concerts to vibrant markets, offering a dynamic taste of Kristiansand’s culture and community.

NORWAY’S WINE REGION​

Just outside Kristiansand, Voie Vin is run by the couple Kari and John Reidar Mitander. The vineyard has been in the family since the 1500s, and today it produces small-batch wines with care.

You can even combine the visit with a RIB trip with Nature Norway, arriving straight to the vineyard for a tasting. 

Nearby, Skudeneset Gård offers another authentic wine experience, with locally crafted wines and a sense of place rooted in generations of tradition. Together, these estates showcase Southern Norway’s small but thriving wine culture.

LYNGØR

Take a short ferry or taxi boat out to Lyngør, a classic Southern Norwegian island and a favourite summer getaway for locals. Life here moves slowly along charming streets and coastal paths.

A highlight is Lyngør Skole, the old school house on the island is now a cafè run by a family living there. Their freshly baked buns are legendary, making a visit both tasty and memorable.

The island is ideal for gentle walks, soaking up the traditional architecture, and experiencing a true Norwegian island escape.

THE LISTA COASTLINE

The beaches around Lista are wide, windswept, and perfect for a walk.

They’re especially popular with birdwatchers, with rare and migrating species often spotted along the coast. Photographers are drawn to this area for the unique light, which shifts beautifully throughout the day, creating dramatic skies and reflections.

The Guardian has even featured one of these beaches, Nordhasselvika, on a top list of "20 of Europe's best under-the-radar beaches".