Oggevatn and the nearby Lake Ogge

Near Oggevatn lies Lake Ogge, on the border between the municipalities of Birkenes and Iveland in Agder. Ogge and its surroundings are considered a very important recreation area; the lake is one of the finest paddling areas Sørlandet has to offer.

Water and shore at Ogge

The lake is about 13 kilometres long and has a shoreline of 70 kilometres. These two measurements describe different aspects: the length refers to the lake’s extent, while the shoreline refers to the course of its shore. There are many ways to get out on the water at Ogge. The lake offers good opportunities for swimming and fishing. The islands in Ogge have many camping sites with dry toilets and barbecue facilities.

Dikesholmane: outdoor recreation area by the lake

Dikesholmane in Ogge is one of the three state-protected outdoor recreation areas in the municipality of Birkenes. It has an activity trail, several shelters, jetties, fire pits and a car park. Canoes are available for hire. Parts of the recreation area are accessible.

The Ogge outdoor school camp

The Ogge outdoor school camp is located on Digesholmane, in the southern part of Lake Ogge in the municipality of Birkenes. It has three shelters for up to 30 people and a dry toilet. Facilities include nine canoes and two rowboats, with life jackets and paddles or oars. The entire site has been adapted for people with mobility impairments.

More activities in Oggevatn

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; interested visitors are welcome to attend.

The Oggevatn Rundt cycle race is 80.6 kilometres long and follows a route around Oggevatn through Vennesla, Iveland and Birkenes. If you plan to take part, check the dates and registration details in advance.

Maps for water and hiking

The canoeing and hiking map “Ogge,” published by Birkenes idrettslag, provides an overview of canoe launch sites, places to stay overnight, shelters, hiking opportunities, wildlife and cultural history. The map, at a scale of 1:20,000, was first published in 2007 and presented in 2014; it is printed on waterproof, tear-resistant paper and is suitable for use on the water and on land. The hiking map “Oggevatn,” published in 2007, covers the northern part of the lake and Heimdalsheia. Thus, one map offers a broad thematic overview for water and land, while the other covers a specifically named geographical area.

Birkenes as the wider setting

In the wider Birkenes destination area, the Barnevandrerstien section runs from Varpelia via Grasham and the Birkenes bygdemuseum to Birkeland primary school. The route follows the former Lillesand-Flaksvandsbanen railway line; before setting out, check the trail markings and local access points. Birkenes hosts a cultural orienteering event every year, with 40 checkpoints in the countryside. Check the details for the specific event in advance.

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

Back to the wider travel overview: Birkenes.