Bykle: Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Mountain Trails

The downhill and cross-country skiing options in Hovden are a practical starting point when planning a stay in Bykle. Hovden has marked hiking trails; protected areas and culture also contribute to trip planning. If you are looking for accommodation, first decide whether downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or other excursions will shape your stay.

Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing in Hovden

The Hovden Alpine Centre has 33 downhill runs and a maximum vertical drop of 420 metres. The piste network is 42.5 kilometres long; eight lifts or drag lifts take you to more than 1,200 metres above sea level. These figures provide different points of reference: the number of runs indicates the choice of routes, the kilometre figure indicates the length of the network, and the vertical drop its vertical dimension. Information about the facilities may change; check the latest details before travelling.

Cross-country skiing is also a distinct focus. Hovden offers 160 kilometres of trails groomed daily; grooming is seasonal. The Hovden Cross-Country Arena also has 15 kilometres of competition trails meeting national standards, as well as a dedicated roller-ski track. These figures describe different trail options: the arena trails are designated as competition trails, while the 160 kilometres refer to the total length of the daily groomed network. This makes it easy to choose a clear focus between downhill skiing and cross-country skiing when planning.

Mountain Trails and Protected Areas

Hovden has marked hiking trails and access to the DNT route network. On the way to Hovdenuten, there are stone steps built by Sherpas; near the summit is a day cabin that opened in 2024. Another landmark is Storenos: the summer lift takes visitors up the 1,183-metre mountain, from where marked trails continue into the mountains. Lift operations are weather-dependent. Storenos is also the highest family-friendly summit hike marked from Hovden centre.

The Hovden Landscape Protection Area is in Bykle municipality and includes Galten as a hiking destination. The Vidmyr Nature Reserve is near Hovden in Bykle. Together with the marshes in the Hovden Landscape Protection Area, Vidmyr is one of the region’s largest continuous marshland areas.

Culture in Bykle and Hovden

Bykle Church is a rosemaled church dating from around 1620. Lislestog is a public museum with wooden houses and old artefacts; visiting arrangements are seasonal. In Huldreheimen, a walk takes you between old buildings and offers expansive views over the Bykle church settlement.

The Hovden Iron Production Museum is set up as a self-service museum. Using smoke, light, sound and smell, it tells the story of Iron Age production from the Viking era; the specific presentation may be updated. The different cultural attractions have distinct focuses: the church and wooden houses offer historical points of interest, while the iron museum centres on production.

More Activities and Getting There

The Hegni recreation area has a sandy beach, bathing piers and lawns for ball games and play. Seasonally, you can rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rowing boats and SUP boards to explore Lake Hartevatn from the water. Hovden Fjellbad is a year-round aquatic centre with a family pool and a sauna by the river; operating arrangements may change. Check the current opening hours before visiting.

Hovden is accessible by bus or car. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Hovden in Setesdal

Return to the main travel overview: Aust-Agder.