Hiking in Southern Norway
Southern Norway offers numerous hiking possibilities, from the mountains of Setesdal and Sirdal to picturesque coastal paths by the sea.
Photo: Peder Austrud (c) Visit Sørlandet
Photo: Adam Read (c) Visit Sørlandet
Photo: Adam Read (c) Visit Sørlandet
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS - Visitnorway.com
Go hiking in Southern Norway
The possibilities are vast, and the distances from the coast to the mountainregions are short, enabling you to experience several types of landscapes in one holiday. The landscapes are also quite gentle, making the southern part of Norway a perfect hiking destination for families.
The Norwegian Trekking Association's (DNT Sør) marked network of hiking trails is well developed. You will find 1,000 kilometres of trails and a large number of cabins in the mountain regions.
Hiking possibilities
Sirdal is the region between Setesdal and the Stavanger Region. In summer you may access Sirdal also from Setesdal, via the mountain pass Suleskarvegen. Sirdal offers a lot of summit hikes, and is also the starting point for hiking trips to Kjerag.
A comprehensive network of marked footpaths exists in Setesdal mountains. On both sides of the valley, you can hike in a wonderful mountain landscape, for several days or as a one-day trip. Information on hiking in the area can be obtained at the local hiking association DNT Sør and at the tourist offices in the Setesdal Valley.
Several towns with white painted, wooden houses are dotted along the coastline of Southern Norway. In close proximity to all of them you will find marked hiking trails that the locals use frequently. The islands scattered along the coast have good hiking potential, and you may combine hiking with beach life, boat trips, kayaking and fishing.
Top hikes/hiking regions in Southern Norway
As the southernmost region in Norway, the hiking areas are easily accessible from all over Southern Norway.
- Setesdalsheiene
- Hovden
- Sirdal
- Lakkenstova and Skoræ
- Lindeknuten mountain top in Tovdal
- Skrelia in Lyngdal
- Potholes at Brufjell
When
In the mountains the season last from June/July to September/October. Along the coast you can hike from March/April to November, depending on how long the winters are.
Accommodation
In Southern Norway you will find a wide variety of accommodation available for hikers. In the mountains DNT (the Norwegian Trekking Association) offers accommodation in several cabins in Åseral, Åmli, Sirdal and Setesdal, but you will also find camp sites, apartments, hotels and even lighthouses near popular hiking areas.
Hiking in Southern Norway
Hiking in Setesdal
Throughout the valley there are excellent opportunities for walking and hiking. From Evje in the south to Hovden in the north, amazing viewpoints await you. In addition to the short round trips, there are several hiking routes connecting the various cabins of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).
Hiking in Lindesnes
In Lindesnes you can find a lot of nice hiking trials with history, beautiful nature and amazing views.
Nature in Lindesnes
Whether it is wet, dry, flat or steep, take a trip out into the crisp mountain air, or enjoy the archipelago from the seat of your bike.
With your back towards the sea
Grimstad offers more then rocky shores, boats and beach life. The inlands offer several hiking trips with beautiful views, and fresh water lakes with the possibility of fishing, kayaking and swimming.
Tour suggestions in Arendal
The varied nature in the Arendal Region displays idyllic towns, beautiful countryside and quiet woods and hills.
The Child Wanderer Path
The Child Wanderer Path is a 136 km long continuous path that carries on a sad but educational history. As the path is today, it is divided into 7 stages and can be combined with trains and accommodation at some places.
Hiking in Kvinesdal
Go hiking in the mountainous areas of Kvinesdal and see great views of fjords, lakes, rivers.
Hiking in Lyngdal
Lyngdal has many hiking opportunities for both beginners and the experienced. Hiking over mountains with view of fjords and the sea.
Hiking in Farsund and Lista
Hiking in Farsund and Lista in Southern Norway. Here is the official guide to hiking in Farsund and Lista.
Walking in Grimstad
Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, admire the beautiful flowers in the Dømmesmoen park, or take a walk in the forest where you are rewarded with spectacular views.
Hike along Barnevandrerstien (The child wanderer trail) with Heddan Gjestegard as a base.
Go to: The "child wanderer" trail at Heddan GjestegardThe "child wanderer" trail at Heddan Gjestegard
HægebostadHike along Barnevandrerstien (The child wanderer trail) with Heddan Gjestegard as a base.
The horizontal potholes at Brufjell were created during the Ice Age some 20.000 years ago when the sea level…
Go to: Hiking to the potholes at the Brufjell cavesHiking to the potholes at the Brufjell caves
FlekkefjordThe horizontal potholes at Brufjell were created during the Ice Age some 20.000 years ago when the sea level…
Experience Setesdal! A comprehensive network of marked footpaths exists in the Setesdal mountains. On both…
Go to: Hiking in the SetesdalsheianeHiking in the Setesdalsheiane
ValleExperience Setesdal! A comprehensive network of marked footpaths exists in the Setesdal mountains. On both…
The walk from Øyuvsbu to Gaukhei is a two-day trip and includes spending the night at Gaukhei.
Go to: 2-day walk from Øyuvsbu to Gaukhei2-day walk from Øyuvsbu to Gaukhei
ValleThe walk from Øyuvsbu to Gaukhei is a two-day trip and includes spending the night at Gaukhei.
Breathtaking views over Sirdals moorlands. A challenge, but well worth the effort!
Go to: Hike to the summit of HavsynsknutenHike to the summit of Havsynsknuten
SirdalBreathtaking views over Sirdals moorlands. A challenge, but well worth the effort!
Gloppefoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the Setesdal Valley, with a great flow of water through the…
Go to: Daytrip to Gloppefoss waterfall in ValleDaytrip to Gloppefoss waterfall in Valle
ValleGloppefoss is one of the highest waterfalls in the Setesdal Valley, with a great flow of water through the…
The trail starts in Årlia, Kvinesdal. It extends eastward across the valleys through Snartemo in Hægebostad,…
Go to: The Child Wanderer Path in Southern NorwayThe Child Wanderer Path in Southern Norway
KvinesdalThe trail starts in Årlia, Kvinesdal. It extends eastward across the valleys through Snartemo in Hægebostad,…
Hiking from cabin to cabin in Setesdalsheiene is a popular activity in Southern Norway. Experience the…
Go to: DNT Sør: Cabin to cabin hiking trips in the Setesdal mountainsDNT Sør: Cabin to cabin hiking trips in the Setesdal mountains
KristiansandHiking from cabin to cabin in Setesdalsheiene is a popular activity in Southern Norway. Experience the…
The Childrens Hiking path "Barnevandrerstien" go from Kvinesdal in the west, to Grimstad in the east. This is…
Go to: Child wandering path Kvinesdal - SnartemoChild wandering path Kvinesdal - Snartemo
KvinesdalThe Childrens Hiking path "Barnevandrerstien" go from Kvinesdal in the west, to Grimstad in the east. This is…