About Bykle and Hovden
- Mountain communities in upper Setesdal
At the northern end of the Setesdal valley lie the villages of Bykle and Hovden. Bykle is the administrative centre of the municipality, while Hovden is a well-developed mountain destination.
Bykle: A mountain village with a rich history
Life moves at a slower pace in Bykle, a village with strong roots in local traditions and culture. Among the attractions are the historic Byklestigen trail, the open-air museums Lislestog and Huldreheimen, and – not least – the small and unique Bykle old church.
For spectacular views of Bykle and the surrounding mountains, we recommend a hike to the beautiful Jarebu day-trip cabin on Jarekollen. In winter, there are groomed cross-country ski trails in the local floodlit trail network.
Hovden: A well-developed destination 800 metres above sea level
Hovden is located 27 kilometres north of Bykle, at an altitude of around 800 metres. Here you will find a wide range of activities, accommodation and places to eat throughout the year.
Hovden offers easy access to the high mountains, with many marked hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. It is also home to Hovden Alpine Centre, one of Norway’s largest and most snow-reliable ski resorts. During the summer and autumn seasons, you can take the chairlift to the top of Storenos.
Hiking, outdoor activities and fishing
The area around Hovden offers many marked hiking trails, scenic mountain summits and lakes with good opportunities for trout fishing.
At the Hegni outdoor recreation area, you will find a swimming area and opportunities for fishing, cycling, canoeing and walks along the river.
At the summit of Hovdenuten (1,119 metres above sea level), you will find a distinctive day-trip cabin. The hike follows a circular route, with Sherpa-built stone steps leading towards the summit and 360-degree views of Hovden and the surrounding mountains.
Swimming, wellness, fitness and golf
Hovden Fjellbad, formerly Hovden Badeland, offers facilities for swimming, wellness and exercise, both indoors and outdoors. The facility is open throughout the year, except for a period in May when it closes for maintenance.
On the lower floor, you will find Hovden Fitness Centre, with facilities for strength and cardio training.
During the summer, you can play golf at Ørnefjell Golf Course.
Alpine skiing and snowboarding
Hovden Alpine Centre has slopes for a range of ability levels. Several of the slopes are floodlit and open for evening skiing.
The ski resort also has a well-regarded terrain park for snowboarding and freeskiing. The park has hosted events such as the Norwegian Cup and Norwegian Championships on several occasions.
Cross-country skiing
Hovden has around 160 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, ranging from sheltered forest trails to routes across the high mountains.
The trails are groomed throughout the winter season as long as weather and snow conditions allow. There are also good opportunities for winter walks and snowshoeing.
Protected areas
Large parts of the mountain areas in Bykle Municipality are protected. Setesdal Vesthei Ryfylkeheiane is Norway’s second-largest protected area, covering a total of 2,346 square kilometres.
The mountains are also home to the southernmost wild reindeer population in Norway and Europe. Visitors are asked to take special care not to disturb the wild reindeer and their habitat.
Some facts
Bykle is the northernmost municipality in Agder.
Bykle has two village centres: Hovden and Bykle.
Population: 1,040
Area: 1 467 km²
The highest mountain is Sæbyggjenuten at 1,507 metres above sea level.
Explore the history of Hovden
Learn more about Hovden’s development as a mountain destination, from the first ski tourists and chairlift to Hovden today.
