Internationally renowned for its mineral riches, Evje og Hornnes lies in Norway’s southern district of Setesdal. Nickel, quartz and uranium ore were all once mined here, with ultra-pure feldspar the only mineral still sourced today. In addition to its mining heritage, the town is known for its outdoor pursuits in the summer months, many of which centre around the Otra River.

Things to do

You can get up close to minerals from Norway and beyond at the Setesdal Mineralpark, which lies on a peninsula that juts into Breidflå Lake. It boasts more than 1,000 pieces in its collection, with the colourful displays constructed in former underground mining adits. Guided tours are also offered through what was once Europe’s largest nickel mine, the Flåt Nickel Mine, which was in use between 1872 and 1946.

If you’re interested in the region’s rural culture, visit the Evje and Hornnes Museum. Explore Setesdal’s oldest pharmacy and browse the vintage equipment on display, including shoemaking tools, textile looms and laboratory equipment once used by Marie Curie. The museum also features an impressive mineral collection where Norwegian finds are exhibited.

Winding its way through Evje og Hornnes is the largest river in Norway’s south, the Otra, which meets the Skagerrak Strait in Kristiansund. It’s famed for its rare salmon variety known as “bleka”, which lure anglers from near and far, and provides an ideal setting for river rafting, kayaking and swimming during the warmer months.

Getting around

Evje og Hornnes is over an hour’s drive from Kristiansand and Kristiansand Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses travel throughout the region, although having your own vehicle will give you greater freedom to explore.