The 10 Best Free Things to do in Southern Norway, Southern Norway

On the southern part of the island of Tromoy, only 10 minutes from Arendal town by car, bus or boat, there is a beautiful area called Hove. This recreation area is part of a protected moraine that lies along the southern coast. The whole area has been adapted for walks with resting places along the shore. There is a beach and kiosk at Hove camping during the summer season, and several kilometres of smooth rocks. Sundays between September and May, there is a lunch buffet at Hovestua in Hove camp from 12 to 18.  The paths are many and stretches from Hove to Alve, along Spornes beach, consisting of boulders and rocks, and sand when the sea permits. The area is used for hiking both summer and winter, and is suitable for everyone, children and adults. The trip from Hove camping to Alve and back is about 12 kms, and the network of paths allows both short and long trails. Maps for sale at Arendal tourist office, Hove camp, and Bjellandstrand Gard. Parking for instance at Hove camping and Hove camp. Bus no 3 to Tromoy ost leaves Arendal every hour during the day, Monday-Saturday.

Skrelia is the most recommended area for hiking in Lyngdal. The mountain is only 350 meters high but the terrain can easily be associated with the highlands. The wonderful view combined with the view of the waterfall running down the polished mountain, makes a remarkable view. This is an easy terrain for hiking. There are many inviting small lakes for hikers who need to cool down. There are many marked trails in this open terrain, and they are of various lengths. There are trails for most people and most are on polished mountains. Some places you may need to cross brooks and areas of marsh and heather. Heather is Norway’s national flower. The shortest trail starts at the parking lot and goes straight to the waterfall. The hike takes about 10 minutes. You may use this trail as the starting point to the other marked trails in the area. Expect to spend 2-3 hours through Rassveda, around Sandvann and Homso. Here you will find an exceptional viewpoint. At this location you may see the ruins of an old fortress dating back to 500 A.D. It is also possible to walk down the mountain alongside the waterfall all the way to the fjord. On the way you will notice remnants of earlier mills and sawmills. Direction: From the town centre of Lyngdal follow the road to apta. Drive 3 km to you see the sign “Skrelia”. From here it is 9 km on a curvy gravel road to the parking lot. You cannot miss it! From the parking lot walk 50 meters to the gate that marks the beginning of the trails to Skrelia. The trails are marked with red/ yellow paint directly on the mountain. Hiking to Skrelia is reviewed in the book ”Oppdag Lister” from 2009.

A lovely and modern cafe boutique selling locally produced food, soaps, cosmetics and household items that are plastic-free! Local craftsman items of high quality. Beautiful and stylish products that are sustainable, goods for you and good for the environment! Southern Norway’s first zero-waste shop. It is possible to grind your own flour, buy healthy snacks, or fill up on an array of different spices! Lots to see!

Brufjell mountain's highest point is 184 meters above sea level and offers a fantastic view over the Lista landscape. On a clear day you will see the lighthouse at Lista, an area know for its abundance of rare birds. From the top of Brufjell, there is a marked trail that leads to the potholes that lies horizontally at 20 m above sea level. The horizontal potholes were created during the Ice Age some 20.000 years ago. The sea level was higher back then. Did you know that millions of years ago the mountains here in the Southwest were taller than the Mt. Everest is today? Brufjell is part of Magma Geopark and UNESCO. The trip to the potholes takes about 20 min from Mt. Brufjell. There is some climbing involved in the descend, but handles have been put up to facilitate the climbing. However, dogs will not be able to accompany the owner. Keep in mind that the mountain may be slippery when wet. The round trip, that may be combined with the stony beach at Sandviga, takes 2-3 hours. Description: Drive road 44 (the North Sea road) to ana- Sira. Driving down the mountain from Flekkefjord, notice the sign Roligheten on the left side. Drive down this small road towards the small community. On the left hand side you will notice a sign with Brufjell on the stone wall of a torn-down barn. This is where the trail starts. Please park the car by the school you passed driving in some hundred meters back (a new parking lot is under planning). There is a relatively steep ascend in the beginning. Follow the marked trail. At the top of Brufjell you will see a mail box. Please write your name and nationality for statistical purposes. From here you walk in the direction of the sea, following the read markings down the mountain. It gets quite steep and people who are afraid of hights might find it a bit scary. Some safe handles have been put up to facilitate the short climbing. Return from top of Brufjell: It is possible to make this hike a round trip by walking west from the mailbox at Brufjell. Follow the trail through the gras over to the next mountain. Descend to Sandviga which is a stony beach. From here continue on the trail back to the houses at Roligheten Follow the road to the car. For a more detailed description, and a map, please see the tourist information in Flekkefjord.

Nordberg Fort is a German costal fort from the Second World War. The fort has 17 authentic buildings. It is also a new museum there where you can find a café, museum shop and exhibitions. The forts location is fantastic with the beautiful view of Listas coastline.

Granite fountains made by Kjell Nupen. Guest harbour with services.