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Short or Long Trails in Setesdal

Discover Great Hiking in the Setesdal Mountains

Setesdal offers a wide range of hiking opportunities – from easy valley trails to more demanding mountain hikes. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views, fresh mountain air, and rich wildlife and plant life. Many of the trails are well marked, and the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) makes it easy to find a route that suits your level and preferences.

Respect nature while hiking:

When exploring the outdoors, it's important to take care of the unique landscape and wildlife:

  • Leash your dog: From April 1 to August 20, dogs must be kept on a leash in uncultivated land. This is to protect wildlife and grazing animals.

  • Grazing animals: Sheep and other animals often roam freely in the mountains – please keep your distance and show respect.

  •  Leave no trace: Take all waste with you and leave nature as you found it. Together, we can protect this beautiful landscape.

The Setesdal mountains offer not only breathtaking scenery but also fascinating cultural heritage tied to the land. Whether you're heading out for a short walk or a longer mountain adventure, you're warmly welcome to experience true hiking joy in Setesdal.

Selected hikes

Hiking season in Setesdal

In Evje and Bygland, the two southernmost communities in the valley, walking and hiking is possible from the melting of snow in April until the first snowfall in November/December. Further up in the valley the snow covers the ground until mid-May. During the melting period the rivers and streams run high – making crossing difficult in several places.

For some of the hikes at higher elevations, such as Brokke and Hovden, we advise you to wait until early June. In the autumn the first mountain snow falls in mid-October. The hiking trails above 900 m.a.s.l. are therefore recommended during the period June–October.

Signposts and markings

At the start of each trail there is an information board. Along the way there are blue markings on rocks, trees etc. The DNT hiking routes, which lead you from one cabin to another, are marked with the red T.

The tourist offices, accommodation providers and other tourist enterprises in Setesdal may help you with detailed maps and information about the various walks and hikes. It is also a huge advantage to bring a compass. If you plan to take longer hikes outside the marked trails, you need a larger map of the mountain areas.

Difficulty/classification

  • Green symbol: Beginners. No specific requirements. Mainly short walks with moderate ascent, but without any steep or difficult sections.
  • Blue symbol: Beginners. For people in average shape. Most of the ascents are moderate, but may include some steep sections.
  • Red symbol: For experienced hikers in good shape. Several challenges that may include steep ascents and river/stream crossings.
  • Black symbol: For highly experienced mountain hikers in good shape. Longer and more technically challenging hikes. Knowledge about map and compass required.

Plan your trip