Why live in Iveland?

Iveland is a welcoming municipality located about 45 minutes north of Kristiansand, with just under 1,400 inhabitants. Surrounded by peaceful countryside and offering a close-knit sense of community, it provides a balanced way of life that appeals to families, professionals, and anyone seeking a calm and convenient base. With easy access to services in nearby towns, as well as its own thriving cultural scene, Iveland is an appealing place to call home.

Living in Iveland

Residents in Iveland enjoy a relaxed pace of life across three main villages: Birketveit, Vatnestrøm, and Skaiå. Each area maintains a friendly atmosphere, combined with practical amenities for everyday needs. The municipal administration is based in Birketveit, where services and facilities are conveniently located, including a modern sports hall and the Åkle village centre.

Surrounded by forests and lakes, outdoor pursuits play a natural role in local life, from leisurely strolls to more active adventures. Despite its rural character, Iveland offers a strong community spirit, demonstrated by regular events and clubs for all ages. With Kristiansand just 45 minutes away, residents can easily commute or visit for additional shopping, cultural activities, and employment opportunities, ensuring that Iveland seamlessly combines rural tranquillity with urban connectivity.

Activities in Iveland

Iveland has a lively calendar of clubs, sports, and cultural opportunities that bring the community together throughout the year. The local sports hall, Ivelandshallen, hosts activities ranging from football to fitness classes, and groups volunteering in the hall have free usage. A dedicated youth club meets on set days in Birketveit and Vatnestrøm, offering a safe social space for younger residents.

Families can explore the BUA facility at Åkle, where you can borrow outdoor gear such as tents, sleeping bags, and skis at no cost. The public library, also located in Åkle, is open around 63 hours a week. Although staffed for shorter periods, it provides free access to books, e-books, newspapers, and more.

Iveland’s many clubs and associations cater to diverse interests, from brass band and shooting clubs to local history and crafts. The cultural school, offered in collaboration with Vennesla, provides lessons in instruments like drums, guitar, bass, and piano for children and young people.

Outdoor adventures are plentiful, with lakeside beaches in each village and countless smaller swimming spots throughout the municipality. Nearby Ogge is a popular choice for kayaking or canoeing, and Iveland’s mineral-rich sites attract visitors interested in geology and local heritage. Whether through sports, volunteering, or simply enjoying nature, Iveland encourages an active and sociable lifestyle.

Study in Iveland

Families in Iveland benefit from a primary and lower secondary school in Birketveit, offering education to around 200 pupils.

Local kindergartens in Vatnestrøm and Skaiå serve younger children, making each village suitable for families.

Older students generally commute to neighbouring municipalities for upper secondary or specialised programmes, ensuring access to a broader range of academic and vocational pathways.

Work in Iveland

Iveland’s local economy is shaped by its rural setting, mineral resources, and small-scale enterprises.

Key areas include agriculture, forestry, construction, and services that cater to the community’s needs.

Some residents choose to commute to regional centres like Kristiansand and Vennesla for a wider range of roles, while others find that Iveland’s entrepreneurial environment and proximity to natural resources open doors to new business ideas. This balance offers plenty of scope for those seeking either local work or connections to larger job markets.