Discover Drangedal: Nature, Culture and Active Days

Drangedal is defined by forests, lakes, moorland, mountains and distinctive rock formations. Historic buildings, museums and guided activities complement this landscape. You can plan your stay around different interests: nature, local history, music or outdoor activities.

Landscape and Getting There

One specific hiking option is the trail to Himmelriket. It starts at Gautefall Skisenter in Drangedal; the initial section is easy. Check the parking situation and trail conditions before setting out.

If you are travelling by train, Neslandsvatn station is a useful reference point: it is in Drangedal on the Sørlandsbanen line. Check the relevant service for your specific journey.

Cultural Heritage and Local History

In the centre of Drangedal stands Kjeåsbrua, a stone arch bridge completed in 1927. It adds a specific landmark in the centre to the area's history.

In Prestestranda stands Drangedal kirke, a historic wooden cruciform church dating from 1775, with 280 seats. Its architecture is clearly distinct from Kjeåsbrua: the church is wooden and cruciform, while the bridge is made of stone and has an arch shape.

Drangedal bygdetun displays 19 historic and locally characteristic buildings from different parts of Drangedal. Rather than focusing on a single building, the museum offers a look at multiple buildings and different parts of the municipality.

The Sputnikmuseet in Drangedal offers a different cultural perspective, providing insights into 60 years of music history. Music therefore adds a distinct focus alongside architecture and local history.

A war memorial at Sønderåbrua commemorates the bridge's demolition in March 1945. The demolition was part of the resistance operation “Betongblanding.”

Activities and Local Produce

On Gautefallheia, Gautefall Event offers guided mountain biking tours for groups of four or more. The tours are adapted to participants' abilities; advance contact is required.

Gautefall Biathlon has a modern shooting range with 31 electronic targets. Together with the guided tours, this offers another sporting experience in Drangedal.

Holte gårdsmat is located just outside the centre of Drangedal on Fv. 38. Its self-service shop offers a range of food products from several local farms; the selection may vary.

Telemark as a Wider Region

The wider destination of Telemark encompasses landscapes stretching from the Hardanger plateau through green valleys to an archipelago and coastline. The Telemark Canal passes through diverse scenery: from the coast, through the rolling orchard landscape of Midt-Telemark, to the high mountains and Hardangervidda. A complete boat journey along the Telemark Canal between Skien and Dalen takes about 10 to 11 hours.

Discover more destinations: Henneseid, Tørdal, Bø, Porsgrunn, Sauherad, Nissedal, Kviteseid, Nome.

View the main travel guide: Telemark.