The Kulturminnenløypa cultural trail begins at Bygdetunet Øyskogen in the centre of Fyresdal. At a normal walking pace, it takes just under an hour; much of it is wheelchair accessible. Four pre-Christian burial mounds are located in the museum park at Øyskogen. This short cultural trail brings together a specific historic site and a clearly defined time estimate.
Traces of mining, timber floating and old farms
Folkestadbyen in the centre of Fyresdal is a well-preserved architectural ensemble with many Swiss-style houses. The area is well suited to a historical walk; its architecture offers a distinctive perspective on the townscape.
Another historical focal point is Moisesberg Gruvefelt in Fjellgardane. This almost untouched mining area dates from 1541 to 1549 and is considered unique in the European mining context. Its precise time period and stated state of preservation set it apart from the historic houses in Folkestadbyen: here, the focus is on the history of mining.
Russvassdammen in Borrgrend offers another glimpse of the past: the restored timber-floating dam is a structure associated with timber floating. The vegetation around it has been cleared so the dam is visible in the landscape. The hiking trail to Igletjønnuten also passes overgrown ruins of farmsteads at Brautestøyl, evidence of old settlements.
Cultural trails, views and outdoor activities
The cultural heritage trail is another option for a hike in the Moisesberg area. It is about three kilometres long and follows an out-and-back route through Fjellgardane. At Igletjønnuten, the summit hike offers views of Fyresvatn and west towards the Setesdalsheiene. From the cairn on Roan, at an elevation of 1,191 metres, you can see the southern Hardangervidda and Gaustatoppen, at 1,883 metres. The two viewpoints offer different perspectives on the surrounding mountain landscape.
The Fossum–Folkestadbyen cycling route can also be described with specific details: it is about 20 kilometres long, takes approximately two to three hours and is of moderate difficulty. The season runs from April to October. The Telemark Via Ferrata leads to Skredefjell and is designed for families and active children aged seven and over. Abseiling is reserved for people aged 15 and over.
In winter, Fjellgardane offers two different cross-country skiing options. The Skålid and Øyuvsvatn ski area has a short loop of about eight kilometres and a longer one of about 20 kilometres; the trails are groomed with a snowmobile. Whether grooming is possible depends on snow and weather conditions. The Veum ski trail is about twelve kilometres north of the centre of Fyresdal. It is four kilometres long and has four alternative loop trails. It also serves as a training base for the biathlon club and has its own biathlon arena. At Veum, grooming and lighting depend on winter conditions.
Seasons and practical information
An annual gathering takes place at Fardal on the west side of Fyresvatn, where you can watch the sheep return from their summer pastures. As the exact dates need to be checked from year to year, confirm the dates before your visit.
A fishing permit for Fyresdal covers fishing in a large part of the municipality; the fishing area is divided into five zones. Before fishing, check that the permit is available and review the applicable rules.
The Fyresdal tourist information office is located at Fyresdal Business Park, Klokkahamaren 6. It provides information about activities, shops, accommodation, events, toilets and parking. Maps and brochures are also available there.
Discover more destinations: Fyresdal, Hauggrend, Hjartdal, Notodden, Kviteseid, Nissedal, Kragerø, Tokke.
See the regional travel overview: Telemark.
