Why live in the Setesdal region?

The Setesdal region in Southern Norway is defined by its striking landscapes of mountains, valleys, lakes and forests. The river Otra flows through the valley and into the sea in Kristiansand. With communities like Bygland, Valle, Bykle, Evje og Hornnes and Åseral, the region offers a high quality of life grounded in strong community values and easy access to nature. Known for its cultural traditions, where the Setesdal tradition of song games and dance has been included on UNESCO's representative list of the world's intangible cultural heritage, outdoor activities and emerging industries, Setesdal provides a balanced environment for living and working.

Living in the Setesdal region

Residents take advantage of the region’s natural surroundings with activities like hiking in the mountains, fishing and swimming in the lakes, or cross-country skiing in the winter and rafting, climbing and other exciting outdoor sports in the summer. Setesdal’s festivals, traditional music, and cultural heritage add to its appeal. Sustainability is a priority, with local businesses and communities working to balance development with environmental care. There is also a high level of activity and diversity in the voluntary organizations in the region.

Places to live in the Setesdal region

Activities in the Setesdal region

Outdoor activities

• Hiking and skiing: The Setesdal mountains offer trails for all levels of hikers, while Bykle, Valle and Åseral provide excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities in winter. Evje, Hornnes and Bygland provide excellent cross-country skiing opportunities.
• Fishing and water sports: The lakes of Bygland and the River Otra offer plenty of spots for fishing, kayaking, rafting, canoeing and water skiing.
• Cycling: Setesdal’s quiet roads and trails provide an ideal setting for cycling enthusiasts. The National Bike Route No. 3 run through the valley. 
  
  

Cultural life

• Festivals and local events: Setesdal’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals such as the Setesdal Folk Music Festival, Rekordfestivalen, Viking & Villrein, Ose Matmarknad, Otra Musikkfest, Gamaveka Extreme, Bach To The Roots and others which highlight traditional music, food, and arts.
• Museums and heritage: Visit the Setesdal Museum in Rysstad and their 13 sections around the valley, or explore the historic churches for a taste of local history and culture.

The region also boasts a lively craft scene, with locals skilled in traditional Norwegian arts, such as wood carving, rose painting (traditional Norwegian decorative painting), bunad sewing (crafting traditional Norwegian costumes) and silversmithing.

Study in the Setesdal region

Primary and secondary education

Education in the Setesdal region is managed at two levels: municipalities oversee kindergartens and primary schools (grades 1–10), while county authorities manage upper secondary schools (grades 11–13). The region’s schools offer both academic and vocational programs, with a focus on supporting the local economy.

Upper secondary education in Setesdal

• Setesdal Upper Secondary School, with campuses in Valle, Hovden, and Hornnes, offers a range of academic and vocational programs, including general studies, health and childhood development, building and construction technology, and gold and silversmithing.
• Hovden Skigymnas combines general studies with elite training in alpine, freestyle, and cross-country skiing, attracting student-athletes from across Norway.
• Setesdal Folkehøgskule, Valle 
• Evje Folkehøgskule, Evje
• KVS Bygland i Bygland

Higher education

Residents of Setesdal can access higher education through district-friendly programs offered by institutions like the University of Agder. These initiatives are designed to fit alongside work, enabling locals to pursue studies without relocating. Programs often include professional development courses in fields like healthcare and social education, tailored to meet regional needs and support lifelong learning.

Learning Norwegian

• Bykle Municipality: Norwegian language training is offered through the adult education program. The Volunteer Center provides a free language café. Visit the municipality's website for more information.
• Valle Municipality: Norwegian language training is offered through the adult education program. The municipality organizes a free language café. Visit the municipality's website for more information.
• Bygland Municipality: Norwegian language training is offered through the adult education program in Evje. The Volunteer Center provides a free language café. Visit the municipality's website for more information.
• Evje and Hornnes Municipality: Norwegian language training is offered through the adult education program. The Volunteer Center provides a free language café. Visit the municipality's website for more information.
• Åseral Municipality: Norwegian language training is offered through the adult education program in Evje. The Volunteer Center provides a free language café. Visit the municipality's website for more information.

Work in the Setesdal region

Key industries and job opportunities in Setesdal

Tourism and hospitality

Tourism is one of the region's largest industries, supported by Setesdal’s stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and year-round attractions. Popular destinations such as Hovden, Valle and Åseral are hubs for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking, fishing, rafting, cycling and a lot of other opportunities.

• Roles: Hotel and lodge staff, ski instructors, rafting guides, restaurant workers, tourist guides and outdoor activity guides.
• Seasonal opportunities: Festivals and cultural events provide additional jobs, while eco-tourism initiatives create roles for those interested in sustainability and outdoor recreation.

Energy production

Hydropower is a cornerstone of Setesdal’s economy, with companies like Å Energi AS and Otra Kraft DA generating renewable energy for both local and national needs.

• Roles: Careers in engineering, project management, and environmental stewardship.
• Additional opportunities: Jobs in operations, maintenance, and renewable energy technology research and innovation.

Agriculture and forestry

Agriculture and forestry continue to play a vital role in Setesdal’s economy. Farms across the region produce dairy, meat, and crops, while forestry operations support logging and wood processing.

• Roles: Farming, forestry management, manufacturing, and sustainable land-use planning.

Traditional crafts

Setesdal is renowned for its traditional crafts, including silversmithing, textile production, and woodworking. These crafts serve as both cultural treasures and economic drivers.

• Roles: Employment in artisanry, design, and small-scale manufacturing.
• Cultural value: Programs to preserve and modernize these crafts ensure their continued relevance, creating opportunities in niche markets and tourism.

Support and innovation ecosystems

Setesdal boasts strong networks to support businesses and job seekers. Organizations like Setesdal Regional Council and Driv Agder promote regional development and entrepreneurship.

Municipal highlights - key industries:

Bykle

Hydropower, tourism and construction.

Valle

Evje and Hornnes

Bygland

Åseral

A region for every career path

Setesdal combines traditional industries with modern innovation, making it an ideal location for job seekers and entrepreneurs. With a commitment to sustainability, diverse job opportunities, and supportive community networks, the region fosters meaningful and rewarding careers.