SPANGEREID

At Spangereid, geography has shaped movement for thousands of years. This narrow land passage was used during the Viking Age to move boats safely between waters, avoiding the exposed coastline around Lindesnes. Archaeological discoveries confirmed how important this route once was, and today, the passage has been reopened as a canal.

The canal is now a calm and accessible waterway, widely used by locals for walking, cycling and spending time by the water. If you want to explore it yourself, you can rent a kayak from Lindesnes Havhotell and paddle through the canal and into Lenesfjorden - Norway’s southernmost fjord.

Nearby, the restaurant Under offers a very different perspective, yet still rooted in the history of Spangereid.

The dining room lies around five metres below the surface, with large windows facing the underwater landscape.

The Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on local ingredients, while the building itself also functions as a marine research site.

A short drive away, Lindesnes Lighthouse marks the southernmost point of mainland Norway. First lit in 1656, it has guided ships along this exposed coastline for centuries.

Today, it’s a place to walk, take in the ocean views and experience the meeting point between land and sea.

MANDAL

This small town is known for its white wooden houses, riverfront and long sandy beaches. It has a long history as a maritime and trading town, but today the atmosphere is relaxed and easy to explore on foot.

Just outside the centre lies Furulunden, a protected coastal forest with walking paths, beaches and open sea views. Locals use the area year-round, and it offers an easy way to move between forest, coastline and quiet swimming spots.

From Mandal, you can reach Skjernøya, an island connected by a bridge.

The island offers varied coastal landscapes, from rocky shoreline to sheltered coves, with marked trails and space to explore at your own pace.

LISTA & BORHAUG

Around Borhaug, the landscape opens into long sandy beaches, flat farmland and wide horizons. This part of Southern Norway is shaped by wind and weather, giving it a distinct, open character.

Lista is often referred to as “the American Lista”, reflecting a long history of emigration to the United States. Many returned, bringing influences still visible in architecture and local culture.

FLEKKEFJORD

In this town, the layout reflects centuries of trade and contact with continental Europe. In Hollenderbyen, houses are built closer together than in many other Southern Norwegian towns, showing Dutch influence from the 16th and 17th centuries.

To experience the surrounding landscape, take a trip on Flekkefjordbanen, where an old railway line runs through tunnels and rugged terrain.

HIDRA

Just a short ferry ride outside Flekkefjord lies Hidra.

White wooden houses cluster around narrow inlets and natural harbours. These settlements were once important “uthavner”, shaped by fishing and shipping. The structure of the village still reflects this.

Today, Hidra offers a quieter pace and a strong sense of continuity. The island is well suited for exploring by e-bike, with quiet roads and short distances.

RISØR

In Risør, white wooden houses stretch along the coastline, giving the town its name as “the white town by the Skagerrak”. The town has a long history connected to shipping and wooden boat building, and this is still visible in both architecture and local identity.

Narrow streets, small galleries and workshops reflect a strong tradition of craftsmanship and art.

SETESDAL

Heading inland, Setesdal offers a clear shift in both landscape and culture.

Villages like Valle are known for strong local identity and continuity of traditions, and traditional craftsmanship, including silversmithing, is still part of everyday life here.

Traditional architecture here is based on local timber, with buildings treated with tar, detailed wood carvings and grass-covered roofs. Farmsteads were built as clusters of separate houses, each adapted to climate and daily life. At Rygnestadtunet, this structure is still visible today.

Setesdal is also a living cultural landscape. Music and dance from the region are inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and elements like the Setesdal bunad and silver jewellery are still in active use.

At Sølvgarden, traditional craftsmanship continues, connecting heritage with present-day life.

HOVDEN

At the northern end of the valley lies Hovden. Here, the landscape opens into mountains, lakes and wide terrain. The area offers accessible hikes, longer trails and time in nature. A hike to Hovdenuten offers wide views across the surrounding mountains.

Lakes such as Hegni provide opportunities for boating, fishing and quiet moments by the water.

From Setesdal, you can also continue west towards Sirdal for a more mountainous landscape and extended hiking opportunities.

We recommend driving over Brokke-Suleskarvegen for a scenic mountain drive (often open mid-May to November, but plan ahead)