Oggevatn: Islands and paddling on Ogge

Near Oggevatn lies Lake Ogge, whose islands and shores shape the character of the landscape. The inland lake has 365 islands and skerries, and a shoreline measuring 70 kilometres. Ogge is considered one of the most beautiful paddling areas Sørlandet has to offer, with many ways to get around on the water. The lake also offers good opportunities for swimming and fishing. When travelling to Oggevatn, you can therefore focus on the waterscape or combine water activities with things to do on land.

Paddling, swimming and islands

The many islands and long shoreline give Ogge a strong connection to the water. There are many camping spots on the islands in Ogge, with dry toilets and barbecue facilities. The lake area therefore offers not only activities on the water, but also places to spend time on land. Paddling puts the focus on getting around on the water; swimming and fishing offer a different emphasis. These differences can help you plan your days: would you rather spend your time in a boat, by the shore or on an island?

Dikesholmane and the Ogge Nature School Camp

The Dikesholmane outdoor recreation area on Ogge is one of the three state-protected outdoor recreation areas in Birkenes municipality. Dikesholmane has an activity trail, several shelters, jetties, fire pits and a car park; canoes are available to hire there. Land and water activities can be seen as two sides of a stay at this location: the activity trail adds to the options by the shore, while the canoes draw your attention back to the water.

The Ogge Nature School Camp is located on Digesholmane in the southern part of the lake, in Birkenes. It has three shelters for up to 30 people, as well as a dry toilet. There are also nine canoes and two rowing boats, with life jackets and paddles or oars. The entire Nature School Camp site has been adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Maps and activities on land

The “Ogge” map, at a scale of 1:20,000, is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and is suitable for use on the water and on land. The “Oggevatn” hiking map, published in 2007, covers the northern part of the lake and Heimdalsheia. These provide different map references for navigating on and by the water, as well as in the northern lake area.

There is a disc golf course at the old school in Oggevatn, run by Ogge Vel. The nearby Oggetun conference centre regularly hosts gatherings of the Nardus congregations throughout the year, and interested visitors are welcome to attend. Alongside nature and water activities, the area also offers a sports facility and a community event.

Active days and the right holiday apartment

The Oggevatn Rundt cycling race is 80.6 kilometres long and runs around Oggevatn through Vennesla, Iveland and Birkenes. This longer route crossing several municipalities is quite different from activities at the lake. If you would like to include the race in your plans, check the latest dates and registration details in advance.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Oggevatn, it helps to start by prioritising what you want to do: do you want to focus on the lake, with paddling, swimming and fishing; are you interested in Dikesholmane and the activity trail; or would you also like to include disc golf and a longer cycling route? Then compare the location of a specific listing with your plans. If your travel group has different interests, this approach can help you see which surroundings best suit the daily pace you want.

Discover more destinations

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

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