Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SETESDALSMUSEET
This fine collection of folk museums ( www.setesdalsmuseet.no , in Norwegian; adult/
child/family Nkr20/free/40) along Rv9 is a good way to break up your journey through
Setesdalen.
Coming from the south, Rysstad's main Setesdalsmuseet ( 11am-5pm 20 Jun-mid-
Aug, shorter hr rest of yr) is a fine, refurbished exhibition space displaying period interi-
ors and cultural artefacts, including displays of regional dress.
Around10kmfurthernorthis Tveitetunet (inValle),alogfarmwithastorehousedating
from 1645. It was closed for renovations at the time of research, but was due to re-open
shortly.
Best of all is Rygnestadtunet ( 11am-5pm Jul-8 Aug, shorter hr rest of yr) , 9km
northwestofValle,wherethefarmhasauniquethree-storeystorehouse(from1590)andan
extraordinarycollectionof15th-centurypaintedtextiles.LocallegendhasitsownerasEvil
Åsmund, who served as a mercenary around Europe and brought back looted weapons and
artworkfromhistravels,includinga14th-centurypaintingofStGeorgerescuingagrateful
damsel from the clutches of a dragon and a whole set of paintings depicting the Ten Com-
mandments. Staff may be dressed in traditional costume.
BYKLE
POP 900
The distinctive log-built Bykle Kirkje (admission by donation; 11am-5pm Jul-8
Aug) is one of the smallest churches in Norway and all the more delightful because of it,
with painted stalls, altar and organ. The building and altar date from 1619; roses on the
front of the galleries and traditional rose paintings on the wall were added in the 1820s,
although some of the paintings date back to the 15th century. A woman in traditional dress
will magically appear to unlock the church and show you around.
There's also a lovely signpost-guided walk above the Otra River, 5km south of town.
The route, which takes about 30 minutes, dates from at least 1770 and was once the main
route through Setesdalen.
HOVDEN
POP 450
Watching over the northern end of Setesdalen, Hovden is a winter ski resort and low-key
summer hiking base.
In summer, for fine views you can reach the summit of Mt Nos (1176m) by taking
the chairlift (adult/child Nkr90/60;
11am-2pm Jul-Aug, 9.30am-3.30pm Dec-Apr,
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