Eikeland: Eikelands verk and industrial heritage

Eikeland appeals to travelers looking to combine a stay with a clearly defined cultural theme. At its heart is Eikelands verk, also known as Egelands Jernverk, a cultural heritage site of national importance. Its protected cultural and historical values encompass both its time as an ironworks and its later period as a pulp mill. The heritage site includes the remains of the ironworks and the entire industrial community that developed around it. The grounds and buildings at Eikeland are privately owned and protected. Check access arrangements before planning a visit.

Eikelands verk and its industrial history

The history of the works can also be placed in context within the wider destination of Gjerstad: Eikelands verk received its ironworks privileges in 1706 and began operating in 1707. The works were later used as a pulp mill.

Hiking and orienteering

The historic circular hike on May 7, 2023, had a clearly defined timeframe and distance: it was about 7 km long and took approximately 3 to 4 hours. The route followed forest trails and, in part, logging roads. It passed Lake Svart and former charcoal kilns on the way to old mines where iron ore was extracted.

Another option was an orienteering course featuring cultural heritage sites. The Eikeland map for this activity includes six checkpoints. The orienteering course featuring cultural heritage sites, established in spring 2012, was intended to help visitors get to know the area better while enjoying an active outing. The six checkpoints belong to the Eikeland map; the historic circular hike on May 7, 2023, was about 7 km long and took approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Cycling to Eikelands verk

For a cycling trip, it is helpful to follow the directions in two sections. The recommended first section runs from Søndeled along the old E18, or Rv418, to Fiane in Gjerstad. About 3 km after Fiane, the cycling route reaches Eikelands Verk, also known as Egelands Jernverk. For this stop, the route recommends taking a look at the workers’ houses. First plan the recommended section from Søndeled to Fiane; from there, it is about 3 km to the works.

Gjerstad as a wider travel destination

The municipality of Gjerstad has around 124 km of marked summer hiking trails; this figure is based on registrations for the 2016 hiking map. Gjerstadskogane has a well-developed network of marked trails with access to hunting and fishing. The marked trail network in Gjerstadskogane is used throughout the region from Vest-Agder to Telemark/Vestfold.

In Gjerstad, the Abelstien runs between Gjerstad kirke and Gjerstad prestegård, with information boards along the way. The trail was established in 2002 to mark the 200th birthday of Nils Henrik Abel. Gjerstad kirke is a neo-Gothic long church completed in 1848, designed by Christian Henrik Grosch.

Discover more destinations: Sundebru

Go to the wider travel overview: Gjerstad.