Bykle

Bykle municipality is a mountain district in upper Setesdal with approximately 920 inhabitants and an area of 1.467,3 km2. Its main industries are tourism, hydro-electric power, local government and service industries. Hovden has been developed as a year-round tourist centre with the Hegni Park, Hovden Hunting and Shooting Centre, fishing and walking trails.

In the winter alpine and cross-country enthusiasts are attracted to the Hovden Ski Centre and to 132 km of well prepared cross- country runs. Of course, Hovden Badeland is a great all year round attraction, with its open-air and indoors swimming for adults and children. At Hovden there are several hotels, mountain inns, tourist cabins, self service hotels and a camping site.

HOVDEN BADELAND

Welcome to joy and laughter, warmth and well being in our indoor and outdoor swimmingpools with + 30 degreese all year. Hovden Badeland is an eldorado for children of all ages! Enjoy our slide, obstacle river, waterfall, Jacuzzi, baby pool, sunbeds and rest chairs. Cafe on the wet and the dry side.

HOVDEN MUSEUM OF IRON PRODUCTION

This museum is built around a reconstructed blast facility, and illustrates the extraction of coal and iron in the early Middle Age. Experience the museum without texting! Exciting effects such as sound, light, smoke and scent create an atmosphere of a thousand years ago. "The Viking" tells you his story in Norwegian, German or English. For visitors outside the summer season, please contact the tourist information we lend you the key so you can help youself!

HULDREHEIMEN

In the middle of Bykle Parish you find Huldreheimen. This country courtyard was collected by Dr. Anton Raabe and the actor Tore Segelcke, and donated to the Bykle muncipalety in 1948. The courtyard includes old houses from the 14th - 18th centuries and inventory from Setesdal.

LISLESTOG

The country coutyard Lislestog, located across the road from the Bykle church, is another collection of old buildings. In addition, a new building has been set up in the traditional style. Here you find the skills centre "Lus og Loye". The exhibition "Norwegian sweaters throughout the ages" shows old and new sweaters, knitting machines and pattern variations.

BYKLE TRAIL (BYKLESTIGEN)

Five km south of the centre of Bykle is the Byklestigen, close to Otra. The trail is first mentioned in 1770 and was, until 1879, the only route to and from Bykle from the south. It is about 1 km long and runs steeply up the mountain and was probably quite dangerous in the past. Today, the path has been restored, and there are illustrated information boards with text in Norwegian, English and German. The walk will take around 30 minutes. Enjoy the scenery!

VATNEDALEN DAMS

The two dams in Vatnedalen are among Northern Europe´s highest dams. They are situated to the west of Berdalsbru about 15 km south of Hovden. The Vatnedal dam is 120 metres high. A road leads you right to the top of the dam. Information signs are posted in the car park.

HEGNI OUTDOOR AREA

This wonderful area where river Otra meets the Hartevatn lake offers a wide range of activities: Hiking paths, fishing from land and boat, beach and playground. The beach volley ball and the trampette is especially popular - among the adults as well as the children! On bright summer days the temperature in Hartevatn often reaches + 20 degrese. You can use the barbecue provided, free of charge - the wood is ready. You can hire a boat or a canoe, and purchase a fishing licence. Hegni is only a 15 minutewalk south from Hovden centre.

BYKLE CHURCH

This is the oldest and most distinct church in the Setesdal Valley. It is constructed of logs, and has been restored several times. The church with altar was built in 1619, and was completely renovated in 1804 when two galleries and a spire were added. The floorboards in the galleries and the timber in the armoury ceiling were orginally used in an older church. In 1826, the church was decorated with traditional Norwegian rose painting by Aslak Wasshus and K. Å. Byklum.

CHAIR LIFT

Take the chair lift to the peak of Mt. Nos, 1160 metres asl. The view of the mountains and plateaus of Hovden is breathtaking, and the lift ride is a great start for your mountain wald - whether it is short of long. You can also take the chair lift back down, instead of walking. Subject to weather conditions.

WILDLIFE ACTIVITIES

Mountain climbing, canoeing and wildlife activities. Rowing boats and canoes for hire.

HOVDEN HUNTING AND SHOOTING CENTRE

The targel range center has many different ranges for trapshooting, a service building with a weapon shop, a gunmaker workshop, education rooms and a room with a open fireplace. The centre offers courses in shotgun shooting, hunting licence courses, big game hunting, rifle shooting and guided hunting by appointment.

MOUNTAIN WALKS

With a point of departure in Hovden, you can follow the T-marked trails, and walk from "cabin to cabin". Sloaros and Tjørnbrotbu, which are the two nearest cabins, are popular destinations also for day trips.

SHORT WALKS

Short walks in the areas adjacent to Hovden. The carriage way up to Galten, 1,200 m above sea level and down again. A cinder track runs alongside Otra. This trails are floodlit in the winter. Footpaths and county roads provides varied opportunities for walks. A sketch map of Hovden shows where you may walk.

SKIING

Hovden have ski facilities and slopes for everyone. No matter whether this is your first time on skis or you are an experienced skier, you will find your favourite slope here. Children and beginners will love Tusseland. Here, they can play and learn in a safe environment. Free lift pass for children under 7 years using a helmet. Children are safe in hands at the ski school or the children´s club. The instructors speak German, English, Danish and of course Norwegian. In Bukkerittet snowboardpark you find lots of rails, fun-boxes, big jumps, quarterpipe and halfpipe. The skibus runs daily during the winter season.

FISHING

At Hegni outdoor area where river Otra meets the Hartevatn lake, there are fishing from land and boat. Hovden is divided into several fishing licence areas. Before you give angling a go, you have to pay a fishing fee at the post office. Then you can purschase a fishing licence for the desired area. These licences are for sale at the tourist information and some hotels.

GOLF

Hovden Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. Located at Ørnefjell Golfcourt.