Some facts about the municipality

Bykle is the northerenmost municipality in Agder.

Bykle has two village centers: Hovden and Bykle.

Population : 1,000
Area: 1 467,1 km²

The highest mountain is Sæbyggjenuten at 1,507 metres above sea level..

Explore Hovdens history

About Bykle og Hovden
– The mountain village and the "mountain city" at the top of Setesdal. 

Between Bjørnarå in the south and Bjåen in the north lie Bykle and Hovden, where the mountain village Bykle is the administrative center of the municipality. Here, the pace of life is slow, and nature, traditions, and culture hold an important place among the local population. For a good view over Bykle kyrkjebygd and the surrounding mountains, a trip to the beautiful day-trip cabin Jarebu, which opened in 2023, is recommended.

The "mountain city" of Hovden is situated high and free at 800 meters above sea level. Hovden has a relatively urban feel and is well-developed as a tourist destination both in summer and winter. You don't have to go far to get the real high mountain feeling.

If you are passing through, either north or south, there are several good reasons to stop. There are a variety of activities, dining options, and accommodation available.

In Hovden, there are many good fishing lakes and nice hiking trails. Among other things, peak hikes are a popular family activity. On warm summer days, the Hegni outdoor area is a popular place whether you want to swim, fish, cycle, rent a boat/canoe, or go for a walk. Additionally, you can take the summer lift at the alpine center to the top – for hiking or downhill biking.

A new and spectacular hiking destination is the day-trip cabin on Hovdenuten (1119 meters above sea level), which opened in 2024. This is a well-prepared round trip with Sherpa steps on large parts of the trail.

Hovden Water Park is a year-round paradise for children of all ages, and here you will also find Hovden Fitness Center. Be sure to set aside time for a round at Ørnefjell Golf Course, which is located at 720 meters above sea level. The beautiful surroundings add an extra dimension to the game.

In winter, Hovden Alpine Center offers slopes suitable for all levels, some of which are floodlit and open in the evenings several days a week. Additionally, the Alpine Center appeals to young people who want to play in one of the country's best terrain parks.

Hovden and the surrounding areas have a network of 170 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, mostly continuous. This provides many opportunities to combine and vary your cross-country skiing trip, with trails that are groomed daily as long as conditions allow. Everything from forest trails to high mountain trails in open terrain.