Vrådal: Boat Trips, Locks and Fossøy

Vrådal offers several highlights for a trip: boat trips and water sports, history surrounding the Småstraum Lock, and nature and leisure activities on Fossøy. If you are looking for a hotel in Vrådal, you can first decide whether you would rather spend your time on the water, exploring cultural history or enjoying activities on land.

Boats, water sports and the history of the locks

A two-hour lock cruise on the excursion boat M/S Fram passes the Slusemuseet in Vrådal and the hand-operated Småstraum Lock. It is considered the highest-altitude lock in Northern Europe. The veteran boat M/S Fram also runs excursions through the island landscape at the upper end of Lake Nisser. While the lock cruise focuses on the museum and lock technology, the other trips put the islands and lake scenery centre stage. Check the current departure dates before planning your trip.

The Slusemuseet is located by the Småstraum Lock. Its exhibits cover the history of Northern Europe's highest standing locks, boat traffic on Vråvatn and Lake Nisser around the turn of the 20th century, timber floating and lock construction. The exhibition offers a historical perspective on the waterways and the work involved in operating the locks.

In Vrådal, you can swim, row, canoe and kayak; boats can be rented at several locations. Availability may vary by provider and season. On the lakeshore, Straand Summerland has a playground, beach, boat rental and beach volleyball, as well as a seasonal summer café.

The tourist information office is in the village centre. Its own gallery displays works by Louis Moe, and it rents out boats, kayaks and canoes. A large car park and a boat slipway are also in the centre, both below the grocery store. Sølvsmedtunet adds to the local cultural offering with a shop selling traditional and modern jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs; the selection may change. Eventyrsølvet is made from 925 sterling silver in the workshop.

Fossøy: Nature, culture and activities on land

Fossøy was formed during the last Ice Age and has clear traces of kettle holes. Along the Fossøy Nature and Culture Trail, there are 18 information boards. Among other topics, they cover the Straumsnes School, the Slusemuseet and the Småstraum Lock. Fossøy brings geological features and local cultural topics together. The trail's facilities may change over time.

Fossøy is also home to a golf course in a landscape surrounded by Lake Nisser. If golf is part of your travel plans, check the current course conditions and operating status in advance. For cyclists, HUB Riding recommends the Straand Hotel as a base for exploring varied routes during their stay; there are ten different cycling routes to choose from. If you are making specific plans, check the current terms and conditions of the offer.

Vrådal Panorama Skisenter has a children's area for sledding and ski games. The two conveyor belts have a combined length of 100 metres. As the facilities may change, it is advisable to check the current situation before making specific plans.

Discover more destinations: Vråliosen, Morgedal.

See the broader travel overview: Kviteseid.