Øvre Ramse – Hiking and Cultural Landscape

Øvre Ramse can be understood through three specific themes: access to the Skjeggedal–Tovdal hike, two pollarded tree gardens rated as particularly valuable, and Surtekjellsundet, a designated iron smelting site. When choosing a destination, you can consider whether hiking, the cultural landscape, or historical traces should be the focus of your stay. When searching for hotels in Øvre Ramse, you can build on these interests and choose a location that suits your travel plans.

Hiking and directions

Access to the Skjeggedal–Tovdal hike runs through Øvre Ramse. Then turn towards Tveit to the innermost farmstead; there is a marked parking area and an information board there. The sequence of passing through the settlement, taking the turn, and reaching the farmstead gives you specific directions for accessing this hike. If the hike is a key part of your travel plans, it is worth checking the latest trail information before setting out.

Cultural landscape and historical traces

The cultural landscape of Øvre Ramse includes two pollarded tree gardens rated as particularly valuable: an elm grove and an oak grove. A management plan was drawn up for both in 2006. It provides for their restoration and subsequent annual care of almost 100 valuable old pollarded trees. The two types of groves give the landscape theme a specific focus; the plan also covers a larger group of old trees.

Surtekjellsundet offers another perspective on local history. The site is designated as an iron smelting site; slag and evidence of iron smelting are part of the landscape there. Together, the groves and the designated smelting site represent different aspects of the cultural landscape in Øvre Ramse: old groups of trees and their planned care on the one hand, and traces of ironworking on the other.

Honey and earlier connections

Beekeeping also has a specific connection to the area. Livold Bigård in Dølemo produces honey from beekeeping in the old cultural landscape of Øvre Ramse in Tovdal. The honey is offered to customers as a local product from Tovdal; it is collected and produced in the area itself. For travelers who are also interested in regional production when choosing a destination, this connection adds a local product to the themes of hiking and the cultural landscape.

A historical connection goes back to 1803: Øvre Ramse is mentioned at that time, and horse transport routes ran from there to Bås, later Eppeland, as well as to Vrålstad and Austenå. These place names offer additional insight into earlier connections and complement the local landscape and cultural themes with a historical perspective.

More options in the wider Åmli destination

The wider Åmli destination has two via ferrata routes on Trogfjell, with views of the centre of Åmli and the surrounding landscape. The older route is 240 metres long and has an elevation difference of about 200 metres. The routes are signposted from the car park by the Elvarheim Museum and along the path to Trogfjell. From the car park, an easy walk of about 15 minutes leads to the starting points. This makes the activity in Åmli a distinct option to consider.

Another option in the wider Åmli destination is the Åmli–Treungen cycling route. It follows the historic railway line between Åmli and Treungen and is 34.9 kilometres each way. Along the Nidelva, it passes cultural heritage sites related to railway operations and timber floating. The route has only gentle inclines and runs mostly on its own track, separated from car traffic. Compared with the via ferrata routes, this is a different type of activity, with a stated route length and its own historical connection.

The Elvarheim Museum and the Trogfjell hiking and cultural trail are also in the wider Åmli destination. The museum is located in the former municipal building from 1925, by the Nidelva in the centre of Åmli. The trail leads from the museum to the summit of Trogfjell; 13 stops provide information about nature and culture in Åmli.

Discover more destinations: Åmli, Askland, Dølemo.

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