Things to do in Vest-Agder, Southern Norway: The Best Hiking Trails

There are small differences in level along this section of the route. From Royknes Cycle Route no. 3 follows the path of the old Setesdalsbanen railway to Nomeland power station. When the Nomeland power station and Nomeland dam were built in 1920, the railway was rerouted. You cycle up the hill to the new route, which you then follow through the Nomeland tunnel and upwards along the west side of the fjord. The old railway lies at the bottom of the fjord. As you are cycling along an old railway section you don't have so many tough uphill slopes. There are 7 tunnels along this section of the route. Two of these are lit. After approx. 6 km you pass Iveland power station. From here the road heads inwards towards the centre of Iveland. On the section between Iveland and Kile there are several large log driving walls and other reminders from the time when enormous piles of logs were driven down through the water system. You cycle through several tunnels, the longest of which are illuminated. There are no cars between Gasefla and Kile. From Kile and up to Kiledalen you have to cycle along Highway 9 Recommended map: National cycle route no. 3

Starting Point:The walk starts on Lyseveien between Sirdal and Lysebotn, about 1 km west of Grydalen. You can park on Borsteinshyttens carpark, located on the opposite side of the road in relation to the trail. Description: Start walking in a north-west direction. After approx 5 minutes cross the stream descending from Matupstjodne tarn and follow the left side of the stream gently upwards. The path here runs along a small hillock on the south side of the tarn. Gradually climb up towards the paths highest point. At 970 meters there is a magnificent view across the Lyseheiane. From here start the descent towards Andersvatnet lake. You must first zig-zag your way down ¾ of a steep ravine and then follow the rock face of Vardekleivane on the right. After approx 100 metres cross the stream that runs from Andersvatnet lake. (Carefully follow the markings and your GPS if you have one).The path continues to the west and the terrain becomes gradually hillier and it may be difficult to find your bearings. You will pass several lakes before coming to a ravine that takes you down to Pollen (tarn). The path zig-zags down this ravine but you get a great view of the waterfall cascading down from Mount Toknuten. At the bottom of the ravine you cross the stream running from Andersvatnet lake. From here, the path gradually ascends on bare rock before you come to a valley to follow. Towards the top of the valley you can see the high mountains of the Lysedalen valley on your right and you get an idea of what awaits you later on on the walk. Lysedalen valley is one of the region's wildest valleys, with their 800/900 metre steep mountainsides that plunge into almost impassable terrain. At the end of the valley you climb over a boulderfield before continuing down the ravine to a green sheltered spot with fresh mountain water. This is a perfect spot for a break! Follow the stream down to where it winds 90 degrees around the mountains down towards Lysedalen valley. You can't fail to be impressed! The magnificent mountains that make up Lysedalen valley greet you in all their splendour. This is not the place for those who may have fear of heights! Like the stream you must also change direction (northwards). Allow yourself approx 1.5 hour to get down the steep mountainside. Carefuly zig-zag your way down. You will copme to a birch forest at approx 420 metres. It may be difficult to find the path here, as it also zig-zags through the dense forest. Look for stone cairns and red marks on the trees in the forest. When you get to a prominent overhang, the path turns 90 degrees towards the innermost farms you can see far below in Lysebotn. At 85 metres turn right, towards the spot where you must cross the river by climbing over some large rocks. There is a wire rope attached to one of the rocks, which makes crossing easy. Follow the right side of the river westwards. You then come to a grazing area for sheep, and pass through a gate that takes you onto the land of the innermost farm in Lysebotn. Remember to close the gate behind you. Cross the grazing land and use the steps that have been erected for you to cross the fence at the other end. After 100 metres you come to another fence that will lead you through a little gate into the parking area at the farm. For a detailed description including maps and information etc buy the guidebook 'Hiking in Sirdal' which includes Kjerag and Sirdals Seven Summits.

Starting point: park at the upper carpark at adneram ski lift located just off Bergetjodn. Description: from the carpark, follow the road/ski trail that runs down the mountain, at the first intersection turn right and follow the trail that runs south of the lake. At the end of the lake you will see three tracks, follow the middle one. On top of the hill, turn right and follow the trail to the top of the ski lift . Allow about 25 minutes to the top of the lifts. Cross under the lifts and continue northeasternly along the narrow path. In general you should follow the ridge of the mountain. After a short journey you will reach a small marsh, here turn right down a small glen, before again going up the mountain edge, first through a small birch wood, then across two small valleys. After approximately 15 minutes walk round the mountain, bearing north on the small mound from which you see Rubedalstjodna on the left handside, and Hassteinstjodn in the distance on the right. Go down the hill and cross the valleys that cross here, before you climb up the slightly steeper slopes in a northwesterly direction. When the path becomes less visible continue up the mountain ridge. Keep to the left and follow the stone cairns that will lead you back to a small tarn. Allow 25 minutes. At the tarn, turn west. You cross a stream that flows out of the tarn and pass similar small tarns. After a short anount of time you will cross the valley creek that runs east-west. Hadvardshei is now to your left, take the easiest road to the top where you can enjoy a 360 degree view over the mountain moors. For a detailed description including maps and information etc buy the guidebook 'Hiking in Sirdal' which includes Kjerag and Sirdals Seven Summits. Click here for Maps and GPS Coordinates Accommodation: Suleskard Fjellsenter Stavanger Turistforening Contact: Arild Rosnes +47 51 84 02 17

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.

Postveien (The Postal Route) is part of the National Cycle Route No. 1 and is a 9 km scenic road, preserved as it was built in the 1790s, between Stavanger and Oslo. The road Kristiansand / Songdalen passes Groheia and along Kvislevann from the Krossen in Kristiansand to Farvannet in Songdalen. Access from Highway 9 by Krossen-Suldal and from E-39 by Farvannet. Recommended maps:

arosveden (73 m), access aros Feriesenter. New walking trail between Hollen and Foreid First off with the sea and beach starting in Hollen before heading further into the protected waters and picturesque surroundings of Foreid. The road is illuminated with LED lights. Tjomsevannet, access Sogne Gamle Kirke, (7 km).Lindasen (235 m), access Tangvall (12km). Kvernhusvannet near Agder Folkehogskole, (3,5 km).arstolhytte (200m), access Lunde. Tinntjonn loypa(rundloype) ca 4km, starter rett nedenfor Tinntjonnhallen. Spjotheia, rroundtrip 6 km. Parkeringby Royrvann Swimming areas/: arossanden, Hollesanden, Torvesanden, Helleviga recreational area with ramp for wheelchairs, Langenes. Kvernhusvannet, Tjomsevannet, Donevann oppsite of Helleviga.

Starting point: Turn off Highway 468 at Lunde church in the direction of oyne. Drive over the bridge and park at the first farm on the right. Description:The hike begins at a small farm in the oyes. From here follow the forest road to the summit allowing approximately an hour for the steep ascent. At the top, where the road travels down towards the Midtstolsvatnet, turn right and follow the red markers up Glovreknuten. Initially in a south-easterly direction over the flat areas, then up in a southerly direction. After about 15 minutes, cross a stream here the path runs east through the marsh area. At the end of the moor the trail continues up a small hill. During the climb, you will see a small lake on your left. Once at the top you will see the path again carrying on in a southerly direction throught the hillltops. On the flatter section you have to cross a bog and then you will come to a small lake on the left handside. Continue in the same direction until you reasch a small cavern now you have the top of Glovreknuten on your right. On top of the cavern you will see directly on Flerehei. Continue down the hilly landscape, you will pass a lake on the right handside, and shortly after you cross a stream between two lakes. Follow the stream on the left side of a small knoll, from which you walk on the left side of the lake before embarking on the final climb to Flerehei. First travel through a small valley with large stones, then zig zag up a small hill, before the last gentle climb over the bog and heath to the crash site. A memorial monument stands a short distance up from the aircraft remains. For a detailed description including maps and information etc buy the guidebook 'Hiking in Sirdal' which includes Kjerag and Sirdals Seven Summits.

At 1041 metres above sea level, Skorae is the highest mountain in the region. There is a well-marked path to Lakkenstova, which is one of the cabins run by KOT. Most people walk there from the car park at Farvannet or from Ljosland Fjellstove. People often use Lakkenstova as their starting point for longer hiking tours into the mountains, but it is also popular for day trips. The walk to Lakkenstova takes around 2,5 hours. If you want to walk up to Skorae, you will have to turn off from the marked path. Use the map Tur- og Opplevelseskart for Region Mandal to plan your trip.