Valle in Setesdal: Cultural Landscape and Circular Trails

Valle in Setesdal combines a designated cultural landscape with historic churches, farms and paths. The landscape of Valle is designated as a cultural landscape of national interest and is an agricultural settlement based on mountain farming. This offers different perspectives for planning your trip: you can explore both the landscape shaped by agriculture and individual buildings, crafts and circular trails.

Churches, farms and stories passed down

Valle kyrkje was built in 1844 on the same site, replacing an older church dating from the 17th century. Its altarpiece is a Dutch Baroque copy of a painting by Federico Barocci. It was donated to the parish in 1670 by Lagmann Laurits Andersøn and his wife. Another testament to local history is Nomelandshaugen, the largest known burial mound monument in Valle.

The Tveitetunet Museum is located at Nordigard Tveiten in Valle. The walls of the residential building bear the date 1596 and are just over 400 years old. Some historical interpretations should also be treated with a degree of caution: the old room on the east side is said to have served as a hall for Thing assemblies; the Tingsteinen may date from the Middle Ages. Tveitetunet thus brings together architectural evidence and interpretations passed down over time, without presenting the latter as established facts.

Circular trails among mills and nature

Kvernhusvegen, centrally located in Valle, is a 4.2-kilometre circular trail offering a mix of nature and culture. It starts at Valle School, with the trailhead beside an information board. Following the Gryte River, the trail passes five restored mills and the remains of several more. Other historic buildings along the route include a well-preserved blacksmith’s workshop, old saunas and a barn. The specific trail length and the mills shape the character of this circular walk.

The Prestefossen Trail offers a different experience: the state-protected local recreation area includes three circular loops and a suspension bridge. These are two distinct trail experiences—the Kvernhusvegen, with its mills and historic buildings along a 4.2-kilometre circular route, and the Prestefossen area, with its circular loops and a bridge. Hengebrua is another local connection: it links settlements on both sides of the Otra River in Valle.

Silver craftsmanship in the centre

Hasla is a silversmith’s workshop in the centre of Valle. The shop and workshop are housed in a log building in the traditional Setesdal style. There, centuries-old silversmithing traditions are preserved while modern designs are also developed; the jewellery is made from silver. Silversmiths at Hasla work on making jewellery throughout the year. Visitors to the centre of Valle can also explore the full range and shop directly at the store.

Rygnestad and Rysstad in the Valle destination

About 9 kilometres north of Valle is Rygnestadtunet, an old museum farm. It displays unique and rare painted textiles from the 15th century. Rygnestad and the surrounding cultural landscape are among Norway’s 32 specially selected cultural landscapes. The three-storey Rygnestadloftet was built around 1590; it is the only building of its kind in the municipality of Valle that still stands in its original location.

Rysstad is also part of the Valle destination: the main building of the Setesdal Museum is located there, in the municipality of Valle. The museum building features permanent exhibitions throughout the year, as well as changing summer exhibitions. Rysstad is also home to Hylestad kyrkje. Built in 1839 to replace an older church on the other side of the Otra, it is octagonal. A copy of the figurative portal is installed at the entrance. Together with Valle kyrkje, it showcases two churches with different building histories within the Valle destination.

Discover more destinations: Rysstad

View the broader travel overview: Valle.