Why live in Gjerstad?

Gjerstad is a rural municipality in eastern Agder, offering a peaceful environment close to both the sea and the mountains. With around 2,500 inhabitants, Gjerstad features excellent express bus transport links via the E18 and the Sørlandsbanen railway, making it a convenient place to live and work. 70 minutes drive to the international airports in Sandefjord (TRF) and Kristiansand (KJE).

In Gjerstad there is plenty of room for everyone who wants a less hectic life and a safe and good place for children to grow up.

Brokelandsheia, by the main road E18, is the place for business and development where modern services, business opportunities, and plentiful amenities ensure a comfortable everyday life.

Living in Gjerstad

Gjerstad is a municipality where rural tranquillity meets practical convenience. Located in eastern Agder, it provides a peaceful setting alongside the E18 motorway and the Sørlandsbanen railway, making travel to nearby towns and cities straightforward. There are express routes every hour to the major cities of Oslo and Kristiansand. Whether you settle near the administrative centre, or opt for new developments at Brokelandsheia, there are varied housing options to suit different preferences and budgets.

Everyday life in Gjerstad is supported by reliable public services, including a local school and nursery facilities that prioritise children’s well-being and development. The community takes pride in its heritage, with landmarks such as Gjerstad Church and the striking “Paraskatellipse” art installation, in memory of world-reknown mathematician, Niels Henrik Abel, who grew up here. Historic sites like Bjorvasstua and Eikelands Verk illustrate a long-standing appreciation for tradition.

Gjerstad is also rich in natural assets. Forests, lakes, and 210 km well-marked trails offer a wide choice of outdoor activities throughout the year, from fishing and hunting to cross-country skiing and hiking. This close connection to nature, coupled with practical amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, makes Gjerstad a good place for new residents seeking a balanced and family-friendly environment. With its strong community spirit, good transport links, and scenic surroundings, Gjerstad offers both comfort and opportunity for those considering a move here.

Places to live in Gjerstad

Activities in Gjerstad

Gjerstad offers plenty of ways to embrace the outdoors, with diverse hiking paths, ski trails, and prime fishing and hunting grounds. Drivheia and Vestølmarka boast well-groomed ski routes, while areas like Solhomfjell and Risfjell provide remarkable nature experiences.

Families can enjoy the Little Zoo (Den Lille Dyrehage) at Brokelandsheia, showcasing exotic animals and play areas for children. For a unique getaway, the treetop cabins at Valle (Trehyttene) offer overnight stays high among the branches.

Local swimming spots, including Sandåkerhølen and Stea, add to the variety of leisure activities, and Gjerstad’s scenic walking and cycling routes appeals for an active lifestyle. Gjerstad offers great possibilities in organized groups, for sports, music and other cultural activities.

Study in Gjerstad

For children under the age of six, the Visedal kindergarten is divide into two locations: Renstøl, close to Brokelandsheia, and Alvheim in Kirkebygda.

Abel skole is the municipality’s sole primary and lower secondary school, with around 300 students.

For upper secondary education, students typically travel to neighbouring areas such as Risør, Tvedestrand, Arendal and the University of Agder in Grimstad.

Adult learning and skill development programmes are offered through regional providers, and the Gjerstad public library hosts a language café for anyone wishing to practice Norwegian in a friendly and inclusive setting.

Work in Gjerstad

Brokelandsheia has emerged as Gjerstad’s principal hub for employment, housing around 35 businesses that employ more than 450 people. Appx. 1.4 million customers visit the site every year. The municipality is known for being skilled at facilitating new businesses, and is among the country’s fastest in case processing.

This area, close to the main road E18, is in rapid growth and several new business areas are under development. Most jobs are in trade and service. In recent years, many people have chosen to settle at Brokelandsheia, and the municipality has big plans for increased settlement on the site.