Bykle Between Mountains, Culture and Nature

In Hovden, different mountain activities come together: Hovden Alpine Centre has 33 downhill runs and a maximum vertical drop of 420 metres. Its piste network covers 42.5 kilometres; eight lifts or tow lifts take visitors to over 1,200 metres above sea level. Cross-country skiing, marked mountain paths and cultural attractions also feature in a visit to Bykle. When planning, it helps to decide whether to focus on winter sports, hiking or the area's historic sites.

Winter sports in Hovden

The Hovden Cross-Country Arena has 15 kilometres of nationally standardised competition trails and a dedicated roller-ski track. In addition, Hovden offers 160 kilometres of cross-country trails groomed daily. Downhill skiing offers a different experience: alongside the length of the piste network, the 33 runs and maximum vertical drop of 420 metres give an idea of the ski area. Technical details may change; check the operator's current information before your visit.

The downhill offering also spans a range of difficulty levels, from easy, gentle trails to more technical and challenging options. Trail availability is seasonal. The cross-country arena, groomed trails, ski slopes and downhill trails therefore appeal to different interests, without being interchangeable activities.

Hiking and mountain scenery

Hovden has marked hiking trails and access to the DNT trail network. Trail conditions may vary by season. At Hovdenuten, stone steps built by Sherpas lead uphill; near the summit is a day cabin that opened in 2024. Storenos is 1,183 metres high. A summer lift takes visitors up, although it operates depending on the weather; marked hiking trails lead into the mountains from there. The marked Storenos trail from central Hovden is the highest family-friendly summit hike in the area.

For a trip to Storenos, there are two distinct options: hike up from the centre or take the weather-dependent summer lift and use the marked mountain trails from there. Hovdenuten also combines a path with stone steps and a day cabin near the summit.

Moorland and activities on the water

The Hovden Landscape Protection Area is in the municipality of Bykle and includes Galten as a hiking destination. The Vidmyr Nature Reserve near Hovden in Bykle, together with the moorland in the Hovden Landscape Protection Area, forms one of the region's largest continuous areas of moorland. So, alongside the mountain paths, extensive moorland offers another way to experience the area's natural scenery.

The Hegni recreation area has a sandy beach, bathing jetties and lawns for ball games and play. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rowing boats and SUP boards to explore Lake Hartevatn from the water. Rentals are seasonal. Those who prefer to stay on shore can make use of both the bathing jetties and the lawns at Hegni.

The Otra, one of southern Norway's longest waterways, begins north of Hovden. It has a substantial trout population, and fishing licences are available for permitted areas. Fishing is therefore restricted to the areas designated for it.

Churches, museums and history

Bykle Church is a rose-painted church dating from around 1620. Another way to explore the area's history is through the Hovden jernvinnemuseum: using smoke, light, sound and smell, the museum tells the story of Viking Age iron production. The presentation may change; the museum operates on a self-service basis.

The publicly accessible Lislestog Museum displays wooden buildings and old objects; opening arrangements are seasonal. At Huldreheimen, a walk winds between old buildings and offers a wide view across the Bykle church settlement. Byklestigen, meanwhile, is a restored historic mountain path with illustrated information boards. Together, these places offer different ways to explore the area's history: through church architecture, objects, old buildings and a historic mountain path.

More experiences and practical planning

Hovden Fjellbad is a year-round leisure pool with a family pool and a sauna by the river. As opening arrangements may change, check the current opening hours before visiting. Another seasonal option is Ørnefjell Golf Course, a nine-hole course in a green mountain setting.

Støylen Wine Bar offers bookable wine tastings for groups, as well as regular wine courses throughout the year. Dates may vary. Hovden can be reached by bus or car. Check the timetable before travelling. If you're looking for a hotel in Bykle, it may help to decide what you want to focus on first: winter sports and mountain paths in Hovden, or historic places such as Bykle Church, Huldreheimen and Byklestigen.

Discover more destinations

Explore these destinations too: Hovden I Setesdal, Bykle, Bygland, Risør, Åmli, Valle, Tvedestrand, Evje.

For the broader travel overview: Aust-Agder.