Froland: Ironworks, Old Roads and Nature Destinations

Froland offers a wide range of reasons to visit: Frolands Verk tells the story of an ironworks, while old roads, hiking destinations, cross-country skiing and bathing spots offer other highlights. When planning your trip, you can tailor the balance of culture, outdoor activities and winter offerings to your interests.

Frolands Verk and the Old Allmannavegen

Frolands Verk was founded in 1763 and operated as an ironworks until 1867. The business then shifted to forestry and sawmilling.

The main building was listed for protection as early as 1924. Together with the farm complex, the garden and the surrounding outdoor area, it forms a museum complex. A guided tour of the main building takes you to the Bukkerommet. Niels Henrik Abel lived there during the final months of his life; he died in 1829.

The old Allmannavegen has been in use since the Viking Age. The Froland section is about 20 kilometres long; where possible, the marked route follows the original course of the road. Along the way are cultural heritage sites and historic landscapes, including burial mounds, barns, old settlement sites and hay meadows. Information boards are also positioned along the route. Those who enjoy exploring paths alongside traces of the past will find both combined here.

Hiking Destinations and Historic Landscapes

Blåfjell reaches a height of 260 metres; the climb from the turning area takes about half an hour. By comparison, the hike around Mørløsvannet is estimated to take about 45 minutes and offers numerous rest spots. Both times are approximate, but provide a practical guide to the time required for each route.

Bleshelleren served as an overnight shelter during the child migration journeys of the 19th century. On the route from Vest-Agder to the wealthy farms in Aust-Agder, the cave offered protection from the weather and wind. This links the landscape to a specific historic use as a refuge along the way.

Bleshelleren is located in a protected coniferous forest reserve. Bleshellerfjell forms a roof over a partly open cave; from Einerfjell, there are expansive views. Its historic role as shelter from wind and weather offers another perspective on the same place name, alongside descriptions of the cave, forest and views.

The Krossbu day-trip cabin is located on Krossåsen, near Osedalen. As a day-trip destination, it offers a place to take a break, enjoy a packed meal and spend time in nature.

Cross-country Skiing and Seasonal Conditions

The Øynaheia trail network includes loops of 2.2, 7.0, 14.6 and 16.5 kilometres. Jomås Løypelag also grooms around 20 kilometres of trails, divided into loops of varying lengths.

In the Øynaheia/Toplandsheia area, located in Birkenes/Froland, there are groomed ski trails for skating and classic cross-country skiing. The Bøylefoss ski trail can be accessed at Bøylestad station, in Eivindstad at the end of the public road, and at Sleikbekk along Jomåsveien. Trail grooming is seasonal; access conditions may also vary by season. Check conditions before setting out.

Nature and Swimming Destinations

The management plan for the Urdalen Nature Reserve, published in 2009, sets out the goal of preserving species-rich deciduous forest in a natural-forest state and the biodiversity associated with it. It specifically mentions particularly rich populations of demanding and rare fungi, lichens and vascular plants.

For a swim, Frolandia and the bathing beach at Trevann offer different experiences: Frolandia is a swimming facility with several pools, a water slide and a diving tower. The bathing beach at Trevann has a large sandy beach.

Discover more destinations: Froland, Mykland, Mjåvatn, Hynnekleiv, Frolands Verk, Iveland, Bygland and Evje.

For the regional travel overview: Aust-Agder.