UNESCO-listed folk music

Setesdal is not only known for majestic mountains, beautiful "bunads" (traditional costumes), old building practices and rich craft traditions. The locals are also very proud of the valley's long and vibrant folk music traditions.

Gangardans og felespill .
Photo: Erik Ruud

Gangardans og felespill .
Photo: Erik Ruud

The musical performance, the dancing and the singing have been passed down through generations since the 18th century, and these forms of expression are woven closely together.

The instrumental music that is played on the Hardanger fiddle, the fiddle or the Jew’s harp is called "slåtter" (folk tunes).

Hardingfeler utstilling .
Photo:

Hardingfeler utstilling .
Photo:

"Stev" (Norwegian folk verses), dances and music from Setesdal were for a long time at risk of becoming extinct.

Setesdal Spelemannslag has, during a prolonged process, succeeded in getting folk music on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

Fiddler from Setesdal .
Photo: Setesdalsmuseet

Fiddler from Setesdal .
Photo: Setesdalsmuseet

The dance that accompanies the folk tunes, is called "setesdalsgangar". It is a couple's dance, in which a couple can dance on their own or together with other couples.

A dance can take the form of "greileik", in a sedate and courtly manner, or "sprekleik", a more vigorous alternative with athletic leaps. In the latter instance, the dancer has to be extremely fit.

Gangardans i Setesdal .
Photo: Kirsten Leira

Gangardans i Setesdal .
Photo: Kirsten Leira

During the breaks between dancing and musical performance, a short verse is often sung - or rather spoken. The "stev" (short verse) has four lines rhyming at the end, and it has a characteristic style with a particular use of the voice and a rhythmic distinctiveness.

When several people sing a verse to one another, this is called called "stevjing" or "stevleik", while the song that accompanies a dance is called "slåttestev".

The singing of folk tunes often took place if there was no musician present.

Stev from Setesdal performed by Sigrid Berg .
Photo: Visit Sørlandet

Stev from Setesdal performed by Sigrid Berg .
Photo: Visit Sørlandet

A performer knows all the expressions, and can easily perform all three genres. These belong together, either in concerts or in social settings.

Spelemann på hardinfele .
Photo: Erik Ruud

Spelemann på hardinfele .
Photo: Erik Ruud

A new generation keeps up the local traditions and culture.

The Setesdal valley has raised a number of nationally renowned artists within traditional music and dance.
As a visitor you may get the opportunity to enjoy concerts and performances by local musicians and dancers.

Stevjing .
Photo:

Haust i Brokke .
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“Sæbyggjan” is a group consisting of young, talented folk musicians and dancers from Setesdal.

During the summer, some members of this group, known as Kulturpatrulja («the Culture Patrol»), give free concerts and performances at various spots in Setesdal.

The concerts last about half an hour and give you a small impression of the valley's rich cultural heritage.

Folklore in Setesdal .
Photo: Kulturpatrulja

Folklore in Setesdal .
Photo: Kulturpatrulja

In 2023, the Culture Patrol gives performances at the following locations.