Iveland – Forests, Water and Special Discoveries

Iveland combines a hilly, wooded highland landscape with distinctive traces of technological and cultural history. At Lake Ogge, relaxing by the water and exploring the surrounding area are among the main holiday activities; elsewhere, hiking trails, minerals and insights into rural life beckon. When choosing a holiday rental, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to spend your days by the water, on trails through the landscape or discovering local culture.

Lake Ogge and the Iveland landscape

Iveland is characterised by wooded hills and a highland landscape without any dominant valleys. Lake Ogge is a notable feature: its shoreline is approximately 70 kilometres long, and the area around the lake is an important local recreation area in both summer and winter. There are four rest areas by Lake Ogge, with barbecue facilities and toilets. Canoes are available for hire at Ogge gjesteheim.

This combination makes the lake a useful point of reference when planning your holiday, without limiting the other experiences to the water.

A wooden structure with a history

The original wooden Tømmerrenna is a historic structure that has been restored over the years and is protected. It is approximately 4 kilometres long and is considered the only and longest structure of its kind in Norway. About 35 per cent of the Tømmerrenna lies in the northern part of Iveland municipality.

Kringsjå also tells the story of how the landscape has been used: the local hiking area there was established and developed in connection with the construction of the Kringsjå power station shortly before 1900. In recent years, it has been restored and fitted with information boards. A dam, ruins of the old power station, an old stone embankment and several house foundations also remain at the former Kringsjå power station site.

Minerals and rural culture

In the centre of Iveland, the mineral exhibition at Åkle features local minerals from the Iveland and Evje area. A short audio guide introduces visitors to Iveland’s mineral history. Gruverøysa is also located at Åkle and was completed in June 2026: children can dig for minerals there and take them home free of charge.

The Iveland og Vegusdal bygdemuseum focuses on archaeology, traditional costumes and rural culture. The exhibition “Technology and tradition in the Viking Age” offers insights into Viking-era technology and crafts. The museum also includes Engeslandhuset, a typical farmhouse from the region whose oldest section dates back to the 17th century. The museum is at the Nedre Fjermedal farm, about 5 kilometres north of Vatnestrøm. Iveland Church was built in 1836 and consecrated in 1837.

Hikes of varying lengths

For a longer hike, consider the Iveland–Berefjell–Ranestad circular route. It is about 12 kilometres long, well marked, with signs at every junction. A shorter option is the hike from Møkjåland to Måvatn: it follows a forest road and a trail to a body of water with rocky areas and is approximately 3.5 kilometres long. The marked route to Slottbakkfjellet is also relatively short at 1.2 kilometres. It leads to a hillfort west of Birketveit.

Another hiking option is Avdagsfjellet. The hike, approximately 3.5 kilometres long, starts at a car park about 2.5 kilometres west of Frigstad. From the mountain, there are viewpoints to the south and north.

Plan your holiday around your interests

Families will also find plenty of ideas: Birketveit has a particularly child-friendly bathing spot with play equipment and opportunities for beach volleyball. If you would rather see animals, you can visit Viltgården, a wildlife park with moose and other wild animals. The guided tour there lasts approximately two hours. When there is enough snow, a cross-country ski trail about 6 to 8 kilometres long is groomed on Ivedalsheia, usually for both styles.

When choosing a holiday rental in Iveland, these differences may help you decide: Lake Ogge, a particular hiking trail, cultural history or an outing with children can each give your stay a different focus. County Road 403 runs through Iveland between Vennesla and Evje and Hornnes, passing through the village of Iveland.

Other places at this level: Tvedestrand, Risør, Gjerstad, Valle, Evje, Vegårshei, Froland.

Back to the overview of the wider region: Aust-Agder.