Discover Snartemo

Snartemo brings together hiking routes and the history of the Snartemo Sword, discovered on a farm in 1933. There is also a swimming spot by the Lygna River and several trails with different route lengths. If you are planning a stay in Snartemo, these highlights can help you find your bearings: depending on your interests, hiking, the river, and archaeological history may take centre stage. The stages and hiking trails offer practical guidance for planning, while the discovery site and sword model provide a distinct cultural and historical point of interest.

Hiking trails around Snartemo

The first stage of the Barnevandrerstien, from Årli to Snartemo, ends at Bautaparken in Snartemo. The section from Årlia to Snartemo is about 11 km long. It crosses marshland, passes through open woodland, and goes by several lakes before descending towards Snartemo. When comparing distances, it is important to note what each one refers to: the roughly 11 km describes this section, while the approximately 6 km for the Elvestien is one way. The Elvestien is a well-maintained hiking trail between Bautaparken and Birkeland. Another stage of the Barnevandrerstien starts at Snartemo Bautapark and ends at Konsmo Church. For much of the way, it follows Hellevatnet and offers opportunities for fishing and taking a break. The trails therefore differ not only in their endpoints, but also in their scenery and the opportunities mentioned along the way.

The Snartemo Sword and its discovery site

The Snartemo Sword dates from the Migration Period (375–550 AD) and was discovered in autumn 1933 on Snartemo farm. Bautaparken in Snartemo has information about the discovery and a large model of the sword. The Snartemo Sword is listed as a cultural heritage site in connection with the Elvestien between Birkeland and Snartemo. The discovery site is on Øvregardsveien, above the municipal activity centre, and is marked by a smaller standing stone. This means that Snartemo has both an account of the discovery at Bautaparken and a way to find the discovery site.

By the Lygna River and along the way

There is a swimming spot by the Lygna River at Kvitbrua, between Snartemo station and Snartemo Church. The current can be strong during high water. The station is also relevant when planning your trip: the train may be an option for travelling from Kristiansand or Stavanger; check the current timetable before you travel.

More to explore in the wider Hægebostad destination

In the wider Hægebostad destination, Hekkfjellhytta is located at Breiaskor on Hekkfjell. From there, views extend across Eiken and Lake Lygne; the cabin has a library and a wood-burning stove. Eiken Sogelag organises annual hikes to historic sites in Eiken. The Rofjell hiking route passes traces of earlier settlement, including house foundations, the foundations of a mill house, and an old livestock track from the 19th century. These examples add distinctive sites in the wider destination to Snartemo’s hiking and history themes.

Tingvatn fornminnepark is also part of the wider Hægebostad destination. Its archaeological exhibition “De udødelige” explores the Iron Age, particularly the Migration Period and the ancestors of the Vikings. Check the current exhibition status before visiting. This lets you include the history of the Snartemo Sword and Hægebostad’s distinct archaeological themes separately in your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Naglestad, Eiken, Tingvatn, Hægebostad.

Back to the main travel overview: Hægebostad.