Eikerapen: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Until the end of 2019, Eikerapen was part of the former province of Vest-Agder. Since 2020, the place has been part of the municipality of Åseral in southern Norway. The landscape around the small town is characterized by forest, water, and the typical fjell. In summer, Eikerapen is a hiking paradise, and in the winter months, a popular ski area.
Table of contents
Eikerapen - Must-see attractions
Eikerapen Waterfalls
The Eikerapen waterfall is an impressive natural waterfall in Norway, located in the Eikerapen Valley in the Agder region. With its approximately 30 meters in height and the surrounding mountain panorama, the waterfall is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Visitors can explore the picturesque surroundings, take hikes along the nearby trails, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Eikerapen waterfall. The sound of the water and the surrounding nature create a calm and relaxing atmosphere, making this place a popular travel destination.
Eikerapen Roots Festival
During the Roots Festival in Eikerapen, renowned musicians from all over the world come to the Norwegian province. On stage, you will experience everything from jazz to rock music and classical chansons to Scandinavian folklore. You order your tickets for the Eikerapen Roots Festival online in advance and then have access to all major individual events with the wristband. In addition to good music, a free camp, a supermarket, and various culinary offerings await you.
Upper Skjerkevatn
The lake Øvre Skjerkevatn, located in the Agder district, is surrounded by Norwegian nature and offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. It is very popular among the locals.
Eikerapen Alpine Center Zip Line
At the Eikerapen Alpine Center, a wide range of leisure activities awaits you. It is especially popular with many visitors in winter. Together with your family, you can spend unforgettable winter days here with classic skiing on well-prepared slopes. At the Alpine Center, you can also rent equipment and organize courses for your children at the ski school. Cross-country skiing is also available. In between, you can warm up in the center's small café. In summer, extensive hikes and mini-golf are on the program.
Norway winter landscape Otra River
The Kilefjorden is part of the Otra River and offers you a charming panorama with gentle hills and forests. On the shore, you can take extensive hikes and explore the Kjeøya peninsula, which is accessible via a bridge. Rowing and swimming are also possible in the lake. In most areas, you can also fish. The lake is populated by trout, char, and perch. Excursions to surrounding places are equally worthwhile, such as to the Kulturhuset in Venessla – an architecturally admirable building.
Fishing in Eikerapen
If you want to fish in Eikerapen, first get an official AFA fishing license at sales points like Lordens Kri, Ljosland Fjellstove, or Bortelid Market. Near the Torsland Bridge, you can then dedicate yourself to fishing in Eikerapen. You can park your car at one of the fishing parking lots in Eikerapen and then fully engage in your hobby. The rivers and lakes in the region are mainly home to trout. Fishing in the mountain lakes is particularly popular.
Eikerapen - Secret spots
Mineral Park in Hornnes
Mineralparken in Hornnes is an impressive place for families. The park offers one of the most impressive collections of minerals and crystals in Norway, with about 1200 specimens. The exhibition is located in an old, abandoned mine and includes five halls with various displays that present the history of mining in the region and the diversity of minerals.
TrollAktiv in Evje
TrollAktiv is a versatile adventure center that is ideal for families seeking action-packed and unforgettable experiences. The center offers a wide range of activities such as white-water rafting, family rafting, high ropes climbing, rock climbing, ziplining, SUP (stand-up paddling), a bike park, team-building activities, paintball, and laser tag. In addition to these summer activities, TrollAktiv is also open in winter and offers skiing and winter adventure packages, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Eikerapen Guesthouse
The Eikerapen Gjestegard is an unusual farm museum in the southern Norwegian community of Eikerapen, not far from Kristiansand. Here, you can take a horseback tour or learn more about the culture and traditions of the region. Those who prefer to stay grounded can visit the forge or the bakery.
Tingvatn Prehistoric Park
Tingvatn Prehistoric Park is a unique open-air museum that brings the history and culture of the Iron Age to life. Visitors can discover authentic replicas of houses and artifacts from the Iron Age in this park. The park also offers interactive activities and workshops to make the prehistoric era vivid and tangible.
Eikerapen - In 3 days
Day 1
Around the place Eikerapen, extensive hiking areas invite you to explore. The sparsely populated region is one of Norway's most popular ski areas in winter. In the warmer seasons, you can discover the idyllic nature with extensive forests, mountains, meadows, and especially bodies of water. Start your first day by cycling to the small waterfall Storefoss, located 25 kilometers north. After taking a break at this idyllic spot, visit the Fennefoss waterfall, another 5 kilometers north, on the Otra River. The country's only warm-water river is perfect for a guided white-water rafting trip – suitable for beginners and children as well. Boats and equipment are available in the town of Hornnes. If you cross the Otra on one of the bridges, you will reach Evje. Here, you can trace the footsteps of the Vikings at the burial ground Galtelandsteinen and Kongshaugen before returning to Eikerapen enriched with beautiful impressions.
Day 2
44 kilometers north of Eikerapen, the Minne Åseral Cultural Center on the Yvero River offers you an insight into the culture of the region. Part of the museum is dedicated to the emigrants of the 19th and 20th centuries. After this stopover, you continue north to Lake Gjuvvatnet, where yellow water lilies bloom in the summer. It invites you to swim or take a walk through the enchanting nature. A special highlight is the Juvassdammen dam at the southern end. From the height of the dam wall, you have a fantastic view of the vast landscape. On the way back, you make a detour to the Grindheim Church in Byremo on the southern shore of Lake Grindheimsvatnet. The whitewashed church, built in typical wooden construction with a cruciform layout, dates from the 18th century. The interior walls, pulpit, and ceiling were decorated by the artist Tore Asbjørnson Risøyne in 1791 with enchanting floral ornaments in the style of rosemåling.
Day 3
Kristiansand, located 50 kilometers south, offers a wealth of destinations for a family outing. At the Cannon Museum, you can explore a German fortress and bunkers from World War II. The highlight is the ride on the ammunition train. The science museum Vitensenteret Sørlandet invites young and old to experiment. Sea enthusiasts of all ages are drawn to the Odderøya Museum Harbor. Explore the berths of the historic ships simply by rowing boat. You will find a natural history museum and a botanical garden near the eastern bank of Otra. Nearby, the Kristiansand Open-Air Museum houses numerous Norwegian homes from the 15th to 19th centuries. Here, you literally walk through the architectural history of the country. For child-friendly variety, the amusement park Høyt & Lavt Kristiansand offers a high ropes course and climbing park, which even the little ones can visit and climb. Slightly outside lies the Zoo and Amusement Park Dyrepark, which combines animal enclosures with rides and a water park.