About Bykle og Hovden
– The mountain communities in upper Setesdal 

In the very north of the Setesdal valley, you find the villages Bykle and Hovden. Bykle is the administrative centre of the municipality, and Hovden is a popular tourist destination.

Bykle – peace and quiet, traditions and attractions
Here, the pace of life is slow, and the village is deeply rooted in local traditions and culture. Examples of this are the ancient Byklestigen path, the outdoor rural museums Lislestog and Huldreheimen, and – not least – the tiny and unique Bykle old church. 

For a spectacular view of Bykle and the surrounding mountains, a hike to the beautiful day-trip cabin Jarebu, which opened in 2023, is recommended.

Hovden – a modern and well developed resort 800 m.a.s.l.
28 kilometres north of Bykle, the resort village Hovden is located. Hovden has a relatively urban touch and is a well developed year-round destination. However, the genuine high mountain feeling is never far away.

If you are passing through, going either north or south, you have many good reasons to make a stop. Hovden offers a number of activities, places to eat and places of accommodation.

Experience nature all year round
Around Hovden, there are many good fishing lakes and nice hiking trails. Summit hiking is a popular family activity. On warm summer days, the Hegni outdoor area is a great spot for swimming, fishing, cycling or hiking, and boat/canoe rental. Additionally, you can take the summer lift to the top station of the Hovden Alpine Center – for hiking or downhill biking.

A new and spectacular feature is the day-hike cabin at the summit Hovdenuten (1119 m.a.s.l.), which opened in 2024. This is a nice stop on a well-adapted round trip, partly on a Sherpa trail.

Active family holiday
The waterpark Hovden Badeland is a year-round paradise for people of all ages, and also accommodates the Hovden Fitness Centre. You should also set aside some time for a round on the Ørnefjell golf course, 720 m.a.s.l. The beautiful scenery adds an extra dimension to the game..

A perfect winter resort
The Hovden Alpine Centre has slopes adapted to all levels, some of which are floodlit and open several days a week. The terrain park is considered one of the best in Norway, and has on several occasions hosted national events.

For cross-country enthusiasts Hovden offers 170 kilometers of trails that are groomed daily, from sheltered forest trails in the lowlands to high mountain trails.

Some facts 

Bykle is the northernmost municipality in Agder.

Bykle has two village centres: Hovden and Bykle.

Population: 1,000
Area: 1 467,1 km²

The highest mountain is Sæbyggjenuten at 1,507 metres above sea level.

Explore Hovdens history