Why live in Evje og Hornnes?

Evje og Hornnes is the southern gateway to Setesdal and serves as the regional centre of inland Agder. Though only around an hour’s drive from the coast, it has a unique inland feel where short distances connect you to nature, heritage, and modern conveniences. Known for its diverse outdoor activities—from rafting, climbing, and go-karting to tranquil hiking and fishing—Evje og Hornnes attracts residents of all ages and interests.

Living in Evje og Hornnes

Evje is the municipality’s main centre, featuring a range of shops, cafés, and cultural facilities. It suits those seeking a central location with convenient services, while remaining close to outdoor activities and natural surroundings.

Located about five minutes by car from Evje, Hornnes offers a quieter pace in a scenic setting. This area appeals to families looking for a safe environment close to nature without sacrificing access to essential amenities.

Activities in Evje og Hornnes

Evje og Hornnes is home to numerous attractions that showcase the region’s striking landscapes and vibrant local culture.

Klatreskogen in Hornnes is a treetop park with four zip lines crossing the Otra river, offering routes for both children and adults.
The Mineral Park features a captivating stone collection in old mine tunnels and an outdoor activity area for children, complete with a water park and super slide.

TrollAktiv provides action-packed adventures including white-water rafting, climbing, paintball, and much more.
GoKart Evje in Hornnes caters to speed enthusiasts of all ages, with separate tracks for adults and children.
Evje Mineralsti invites you to discover over 50 different minerals across five mining sites.

Oddens Hage is an extensive themed garden at Odden Camping, featuring Japanese influences, rose gardens, ponds, and other scenic areas.
Oddestemmen Steinsliperi, Norway’s largest stone-polishing workshop, produces jewellery with Norwegian stones and offers a chance to see traditional craftsmanship in action.

Evje og Hornnes Museum Fennefoss houses Setesdal’s biggest mineral collection, along with exhibits covering local farming heritage and education. Nearby, Evjemoen Defence Museum documents Norway’s military history from 1905 onwards.

Indoor entertainment is available at Evje Bowling, which offers five lanes, a pool table, air hockey, and a small kiosk.

Furuly friluftspark provides a scenic riverside spot for relaxation, featuring a beach, skate park, jungle gym, and barbecue area.

Evje Aktivitetspark opens up a free public space with an artificial grass pitch, sand volleyball courts, and an eight-kilometre lighted trail for walking or cycling.

Hiking and fishing are popular pursuits: the municipality has trails suited to all skill levels, and the Otra river, Byglandsfjorden, and nearby lakes are rich with trout and local salmon species. Swimming spots also abound along the Otra, including Hornnestangen, a spacious and family-friendly beach.

Dining and local produce

Evje og Hornnes offers multiple cafés, restaurants, and eateries, highlighting both Norwegian and international cuisine. Local producers often feature regional ingredients, ensuring a varied food scene.

Study in Evje og Hornnes

Kindergartens
Multiple kindergartens operate throughout Evje og Hornnes, including Oddeskogen and Babuschka in Evje, and Hornnes Kindergarten in Hornnes. Each offers a supportive, nurturing environment.

Primary schools
Evje School and Hornnes School serve pupils in Years 1–7, fostering community engagement and a sense of belonging from an early age. Evje lower secondary school offers education for students aged 8-10. 

High school
Setesdal vidaregåande skule, located in Hornnes, provides a range of academic and vocational programmes for older students, preparing them for higher education or direct entry into the workforce.

Universities
The nearest university is the University of Agder, about an hour away, offering further academic and professional development opportunities.

Work in Evje og Hornnes

Evje og Hornnes enjoys a varied and dynamic job market, reflecting its dual role as a commercial hub and cultural centre for Setesdal.

Retail
Evje boasts a lively retail scene, attracting shoppers from a wide region and supporting everything from large grocery outlets to smaller specialist shops.

Experience tourism
Tourism plays a central role, with destinations like the Mineral Park, TrollAktiv, and extensive hiking areas drawing visitors year-round. This creates an array of positions in hospitality, guiding, and customer service.

Service industries
The municipality also has a growing healthcare and social services sector, providing essential support for both residents and guests.

Industry and craftsmanship
Small industries and craft businesses flourish here, contributing to local employment in areas such as construction, manufacturing, and artistic production.

Through collaboration with the local business community, the University of Agder, and county authorities, Evje og Hornnes continues to enhance its employment landscape. Projects emphasising inclusivity have also been launched, aiming to involve more immigrants and individuals with disabilities in the workforce. These efforts, coupled with abundant natural attractions, make Evje og Hornnes an appealing place to live, work, and explore.