By Lake Hartevatn you'll find the Hegni Leisure Area, which offers a host of hiking trails, a playground, beach volleyball court, swimming beaches and fishing opportunities from land or in a rowboat.
These include a 5.5 km gravel walking trail, accessible to all, which takes you through the area's stunning scenery – along the banks of the River Otra and through pleasant woodland – all with views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

After the day's adventures, find a cosy spot to sit back and enjoy an ice cream on the shores of the idyllic lake, which is surrounded by mountains in some of the most beautiful Norwegian countryside.

When hunger strikes, visit "The Village Hovden" – a large "geodome" (a building similar to a polygonal greenhouse) that serves as both a restaurant and an activity centre. You can also rent rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and SUP boards or book guided fishing trips on Lake Hartevatn.

See more of Village Hovden's offers on its website.

Setesdal

Hegni Nature Area – Fun and relaxation in beautiful surroundings

Whether you prefer a leisurely road trip or a more challenging mountain bike ride, you'll find plenty of routes to explore in Hovden.
The area has both shorter flat routes (some only six km long) and day trips of around 75 km are possible, so your cycling experience in Hovden is only limited by your imagination. Several of the routes take you along prepared paths, gravel roads or cycle paths, so you avoid car traffic.
All of them lead you through the area's beautiful landscape, and several also offer cultural experiences such as the impressive Vatnedals dam or the impressive stone bridges of the defunct Setesdal railway. The routes have rest stops at regular intervals, and in many places you'll pass swimming spots if you fancy a cool dip along the way.
If you don't want to bring your own bikes, it is possible to rent bikes at Hovden Alpine Centre.
Read more about Hovden's cycling routes on the Destination Hovden's website.

Bike tours and bike rental in Hovden

Here you can enjoy the beautiful view from the mountain top, which at an altitude of 1,183 metres above sea level offers a great view of the high mountains – on clear days even as far as Hardangervidda.

At the summit you can go for short or long hikes, but wherever your tour takes you, you should stop by the summit viewpoint just 200 metres from the chairlift's descent point. Here you can enjoy a 360–degree view and identify the different mountain peaks with the help of the site's map and binoculars.

From the summit, there are several well–marked trails around the area, and you can also choose different paths on your way back down the mountain to see more of the beautiful mountain scenery.

If you're taking your bike on holiday, you can also take it to the top in the lift and cycle down one of the well–maintained routes.



Take the chairlift to the top of Nos

The water park is an eldorado for children of all ages – enjoy a ride on the 70–metre waterslide, whizz through the "River Otra" obstacles on rubber rings or swim under the splashing waterfall.
It's even possible to take a dip in the outdoor pool all year round – here you'll have a unique experience looking out over the mountain peaks as you swim in the heated water.
If you're more into pampering and relaxation than action in the water, visit the resort'ss spa – where you'll find a Finnish sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and foot bath, and more.
The waterpark also has both loungers and a café, should you need a break from water play.
Read more on the website

Hovden Badeland & Spa

The museum has something for everyone – whether you want to experience how the Vikings mined iron in the area at the Hovden Ironworks Museum, explore the area's geology at the Evje Mineral Trail or the Fennefoss Museum, delve into Norwegian military history at the Evjemoen Defence Museum or set sail on the steam–powered sightseeing boat "Bjoren".

There are both open–air museums where you can explore the impressive old buildings and indoor exhibitions about Setesdal's development, culture, crafts and history.
The museum's locations are spread throughout Setesdal from Hovden in the north to Ivedal in the south, so set aside a day or two if you want to visit all the museum's exciting experiences.
Read more and see opening hours on the Setesdals Museum website.

Setesdals Museum  – A pearl of experiences

You will find Ørnefjell Golf Course just 10 minutes drive from Hovden town centre. The course is beautifully situated between water, hills and mountains at an altitude of 725 metres above sea level, so you are guaranteed a beautiful setting for your round of golf.

Described by many as "demanding but fun", the course offers challenges for golfers of all abilities, including several water hazards.

If you do not wish to bring your own golf equipment, it is possible to rent club sets in the course clubhouse/golf shop during the high season. Outside opening hours, access to the course is self–service via a Golfbox payment machine.

See opening times and prices at 

Ørnefjell Golf Course – Golf experiences in the high mountains

Norway

Alpine slopes of all levels, top–class cross–country skiing with beautiful mountain views, "Tusseland" for the kids and perhaps Norway's very best terrain park – that's what you'll get if you go on this year's ski holiday to Hovden.

In Hovden you will find Norway's sixth largest alpine centre, offering 34 km of alpine runs with challenges for both beginners and experienced off–piste skiers. The area also offers 170 km of cross–country ski trails and plenty of fun and action in the impressive HovdenParken terrain park.

If you need to treat those sore ski muscles, visit Hovden Badeland & Spa, which has slides, a sauna and an outdoor heated pool with unique mountain views.

Real ski atmosphere in a cosy mountain cabin

If you travel to Hovden with Fjord Line, you can stay in one of Hovden Høyfjellsenter & Hyttepark's atmospheric cabins. Here you get the perfect combination of several bedrooms and a large common area, so you can have your own cosy afterski in the cabin and turn the day's experiences on the slopes.

Your guide to a great ski holiday in Hovden

Read more about Hovden's facilities and accommodation below and find inspiration for your holiday in our travel articles about the area.

Hirtshals

Kristiansand

Alpine slopes in every colour, top–class cross–country skiing, a wonderful children's area and perhaps Norway's very best terrain park – that's what you get if you go on this year's ski holiday to Hovden.

Ski holiday in Hovden

Hovden

winter

Get the real ski atmosphere in one of Hovden Høyfjellsenter & Hyttepark's cosy cabins.



The cabin area is only around 800 metres from the ski area, so you can maximise your time on the slopes and easily have lunch and afternoon breaks at home in the cabin.




Get the real ski atmosphere in one of Hovden Høyfjellsenter & Hyttepark's cosy cabins. The cabin area is only around 800 metres from the ski area, so you can maximise your time in the slopes.

Accommodation in Hovden

On this page you can read about the facilities at Hovden Alpincenter – and about the many fantastic snow experiences that await you in the area.

Ski facts and experiences in Hovden

We've teamed up with a number of Danish ski experts and locally renowned guides to share advice, tips and tricks to help you and your family and friends have a fantastic ski holiday in Hovden.

Read travel articles from a range of Danish ski experts and locally renowned guides, who share tips and tricks for your ski holiday in Hovden.

What to experience in Hovden

Things to do

Hegni Nature Area – Fun and relaxation in beautiful surroundings

Bike tours and bike rental in Hovden

Take the chairlift to the top of Nos

Hovden Badeland & Spa

Setesdals Museum – A pearl of experiences

Ørnefjell Golf Course – Golf experiences in the high mountains