Engesland: Church, Trails and Viewpoints

Engesland combines historical significance with outdoor destinations. Vegusdal Church and the protected Kvinarfurua stand side by side; nearby, you’ll also find hiking opportunities and viewpoints. When planning your trip, it’s worth distinguishing the destinations in Engesland from the offerings in the wider destination of Birkenes.

Church and the history of the trails

Vegusdal Church dates from 1867 and is located in Engesland. The protected Kvinarfurua stands beside the church. The history of the trails is also connected with Vegusdal and Engesland: until 1867, the path between the two places was the church path for Nedre Engesland and Ås. So, when looking at the church and its surroundings, you encounter both the history of the building and the former use of a path, though these are not the same story.

Views and activities

Two viewpoints offer different perspectives. Lindalsknuten lies west of the centre of Engesland; from there, the view extends across Engesland, Ljosevann and Haukomvannet. Tillarknappen lies a little north of the centre. From there, the view extends towards Ljosevannet and Engeslandsbygda. These directions can help you choose viewpoints based on the landscapes you’re interested in.

The hike along Kirkevegen can start in Engesland. Another option is the summit hikes as part of “Barnas toppturer”: they are aimed at children aged 2 to 10 and have animal figures at the checkpoints. There is a place to swim at Prestebruna, near the centre of Engesland. As facilities can change, check the latest information before your visit.

There are also different cross-country skiing options. A trail of about 2 kilometres starts either at the Engesland school or at the sports ground. A cross-country skiing loop of about 4 kilometres starts at the school and runs through open, hilly terrain. The shorter trail and the longer loop therefore differ both in approximate length and in that the loop passes through open, hilly terrain. Grooming of the loop depends on available capacity and winter conditions. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

Getting there and Birkenes in the wider context

Engesland can be reached via the turn-off from National Road 406 at Stemlona or via County Road 291 from Oggevatn. Which route is right for you depends on your starting point.

The wider destination of Birkenes offers further options for getting your bearings and planning excursions. Maps and descriptions of hikes throughout the municipality are available to download for Birkenes; route information may be updated periodically. Birkenes also holds a cultural orienteering event each year, with 40 checkpoints in nature. Check dates and event details in advance. The topptur offering in Birkenes includes 25 summits and viewpoints with specially installed topptur post boxes; the number may be adjusted in future editions.

Ogge is also part of the wider destination of Birkenes: the lake area has 70 kilometres of shoreline and more than 300 islands and islets to explore by canoe or kayak. This broader look at Birkenes complements the local trails and viewpoints in Engesland with a distinct landscape experience at the municipal level.

Discover more destinations: Birkenes, Birkeland, Söre Herefoss, Oggevatn, Herefoss, Evje.

Go to the wider travel overview: Birkenes.