Museums in Setesdal

Those were the days

The Setesdal valley is known for its rich cultural heritage. Beeing fairly isolated, Setedal developed its own distinct cultural traditions. These have been preserved through the centuries.

A selection of museums from south to north

D/S Bjoren a wood-fired steamer from 1867.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

The steamship Bjoren

A voyage with the old wood-fired steamship

The wood-fired D/S Bjoren, constructed in 1867, is a floating cultural monument. The ship was in regular service between 1867 and 1957, and now sails on the lake Byglandsfjord every Sunday in July. This is a two-hour round trip, starting in Byglandsfjord and Bygland, respectively.

Contact Revsnes Hotel for information about departure times. In addition to the regular round trips, special arrangements are available for groups of up to 55 persons.

From the Setesdal Museum.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

The Setesdal Museum

A journey through the culture

The Setesdal Museum in Rysstad is a journey through the culture, history and traditions of Setesdal. Themes include the local way of life in the decades leading up to and after the year 1900.
For summer 2020 there are two majon exhibitions. One about Sigurd Helle who was the leader of an Antarctic expedition 1956 - 1960. The other exhibiton is about norwegian knitting traditions, using the local Setesdal sweather as inspiration.

Mannequin tableaux, with supplementary information and an abundance of pictures, help bring the past back to life.

Do not miss the film "A different Setesdal" which shows that the locals were not only concerned with the past.

Rygnestadtunet, Valle.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

Rygnestadtunet

One of the most distinctive museums in Norway

Rygnestadtunet is an original farm compound from the 16th century.The old farm is located in beautiful surroundings about 9 kilometres north of Valle. The farm comprises buildings, arts and handicraft which once belonged to Åsmund Torleivson Rygnestad, known as "Evil Åsmund".

A vist to the old building Rygnestadloftet is recommended.

Hovden museum of iron production.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

Museum of iron production

Learn how the vikings made iron

The museum is built around a reconstructed melting facility and shows how coal and iron were extracted in the early Middle Ages. The museum has no written information, but by means of sound, light, smoke and scent, the visitor will be taken on a journey 1,000 years back in time. "The Viking" will tell you his story - not only in Norwegian, but also in English, German and Dutch.