Want to experience authentic Norwegian culture? Meet Kulturpatrulja (The Culture Patrol) a lively summer road trip bringing UNESCO-protected folk music and dance straight to your feet.
Every summer (specifically weeks 28, 29, and 30), a crew of super-talented local youth pack up their instruments and hit the road. They pop up at local cafes, sunny campsites, and open-air museums all over the Setesdal valley, serving up energetic, bite-sized performances.
What’s on the Setlist?
The Hardanger Fiddle: Norway’s national instrument, guaranteed to get your toes tapping.
The Jew’s Harp (Munnharpe): Funky, rhythmic sounds from one of the world's oldest instruments.
Traditional Stev: Short, catchy, and often funny local folk poems sung from the heart.
Wild Folk Dancing: Watch the dancers pull off gravity-defying kicks and spins!
Setesdal’s music and dance are so unique they are actually inscribed on UNESCO’s Heritage List. Kulturpatrulja is the ultimate, laid-back way to experience this world-class culture up close. You might even get a chance to try a dance step yourself.
When: Mid-July (Weeks 28, 29, and 30).
Photo:
Adrian Leversby, Visit Norway
Where: Various pop-up locations throughout Setesdal
Best of all: Most performances are completely free or included with admission to local museums. The only exceptions are the events aboard the historic steamship DS Bjoren, which require a separate ticket.
Program for Kulturpatruljen Summer 2026:
13.July
12.30 Tveitetunet, Valle
14.00 Brokke Alpinsenter
15.00 Stoga, Bygland
14.July
12.30 Bykle Gamle Kyrkje
13.00 Trollaktiv, Syrtveit
14.00 Pizzabakeren, Hovden
14.30 Spisekroken, Evje
15.July
12.00 Bjoren, Bygland
14.30 Neset Camping, Byglandsfjord
16.00 Odden Camping, Evje
16.00 Sølvgarden Hotell og Feriesenter, Rysstad
17.00 Dølen Hotell, Evje
16.July
15.30 Bergtun hotell, Valle
17.00 Bykle hotell
20.July
13.30 Tveitetunet, Valle
15.30 Spisekroken, Evje
17.00 Revsnes Hotell, Byglandsfjord
21.July
13.00 Coop Ose
14.30 Landeskogen Kunstsanatorium, Grendi
22.July
12.00 Bjoren, Bygland
12.30 Neset Camping, Byglandsfjord
13.30 Bjoren, Bygland
14.00 Stoga, Bygland
16.00 Sølvgarden Hotell og Feriesenter, Rysstad
23.July
14.00 Syrtveit Gard
15.30 Bergtun hotell, Valle
16.00 Odden Camping
17.00 Bykle hotell
24.July
16.00 Brokke Alpinsenter
17.30 Hovdestøylen
Folk music at Sølvgarden hotell in Rysstad 2026
Sølvgarden Hotell og feriesenter offers more cultural concerts and experiences:
4.July: Eivind Tanche-Larsen Knutsen. Starts at 21.00
11.July: Vidar Frøysnes. Starts at 21.00
15.July: Kulturpatrulja. Starts at 16.00
17.July: Knut Arne Rysstad. Starts at 21.00
22.July: Kulturpatrulja. Starts at 16.00
24.July: Grannelaget. Starts at 21.00
29.July: Eivind Tanche-Larsen Knutsen. Starts at 21.00
31.July: Eivind Tanche-Larsen Knutsen. Starts at 21.00
Photo:
Adrian Leversby, Visit Norway
The Setesdal Bunad – A Living Cultural Heritage
Vibrant colours, shining silver, beautiful decorations, and warm wool. Setesdal bunad remains a powerful symbol of local identity and cultural heritage, worn during celebrations, holidays, and other special events.
