Why live in Valle?

Valle municipality is in the heart of Setesdal. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Valle offers a peaceful lifestyle in harmony with nature. The municipality is rich in cultural heritage and traditions, providing a unique blend of tranquility and community spirit. The municipality has two village centres, Valle and Rysstad.

Living in Valle

Life in Valle moves at a peaceful pace, reflecting the municipality’s close connection to nature. Houses range from traditional farmsteads to modern family homes in and around the village centres of Valle and Rysstad, as well as in smaller hamlets such as Bø, Berg, Tveitebø, Homme, Helle, Brokke, Hovet and Uppstad.

Local amenities support a relaxed and fulfilling lifestyle, with access to essential services like health care, kindergartens and schools. A variety of local producers supply fresh ingredients, while the restaurants, farms and bakeries offer flavours rooted in Setesdal’s culinary heritage.

Valle is part of a region known for its folk traditions, including music, dance and handicrafts. Community gatherings, small concerts at the library (Sæbyggjen) and local events foster a strong sense of belonging that newcomers often find welcoming.

Activities in Valle

Valle offers a variety of attractions that highlight its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The municipality is surrounded by spectacular mountains and vast heaths, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and berry picking. Valle is deeply rooted in Setesdal culture, known for its strong traditions in music, dance, and craftsmanship. The municipality is part of the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, reflecting its vibrant folk traditions.

Key attractions include:

• Setesdalsmuseet: Located in Rysstad, this museum provides a journey through the culture, history, and traditions of Setesdal.
• Sæbyggjen: The library in Valle centre wich is a meeting place for people at any age, and where different kinds of events take place, such as exhibitions and small concerts.
• For picnics and swimming you can choose between different nice areas in the municipality, for example Honnevje in Valle and Marhyl in Rysstad.
• For hiking you can choose from many different trails provided by The Norwegian Trekking Association (in short DNT). You also have different options at Helle camping & via ferrata and Bratt friluftsliv, such as climbing, cycling and tours with guides.
• Brokke Alpinsenter: A family-friendly ski centre with a calm and homely atmosphere. The ski centre has a three-seater chairlift, a T-bar lift, a platter lift in the terrain park, and a dedicated children’s conveyor belt by the café, as well as 5 main slopes, a jib park, and terrain trails. The centre also has summer activity options, like a roller ski track, a pump track, mini golf course.
• You can find disc golf courses in both Rysstad and Valle
• The new Valle Cultural Centre will open in 2026, and wil house an activity hall with an amphitheatre, where among other things the village cinema shows films on a regular basis. The centre will also house the youth club, sports hall, a gym, swimming pool, sauna and a kitchen to use for large events.

Dining and local produce

Valle’s culinary scene celebrates locally sourced produce, traditional farming methods and warm hospitality. From farm shops to cafés, the municipality offers a varied taste of Setesdal’s food culture.

• Uppistog Gard is a charming farm located in Flateland in Valle. The farm is known for its production of goat cheese, kid meat, pork, and vegetables.
• Bjørgum gard is an organically certified farm which produces a variety of vegetables, keeps hens and bees. The farm is known for its unique chilli products, including the Salsita habanero.
• Skjenøyne gard: a local meat producer in Valle
• Olavs gard: a local meat producer in Valle
• Helle lefser og bakervarer: Different traditional food on order (e.g. soft potato bread and potato dumplings), cakes, pizza, and much more.
• Sølvgarden hotel: a hotel in Rysstad with a restaurant and bar, popular for its relaxed atmosphere and locally inspired menu

Study in Valle

Kindergartens:
Valle municipality has two kindergartens: Valle kindergarten and Hylestad kindergarten

Primary and lower secondary school
Valle school, located in Valle

Upper secondary school
“Setesdal vidaregåande skule-avdeling Valle” provides education in jewellery making, and is located next to the primary and lower secondary school. For other upper secondary school offerings, students may choose to commute to schools in neighbouring municipalities. 

Learning Norwegian
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.

Work in Valle

Valle’s job market balances traditional livelihoods with modern opportunities. The municipality is home to a range of workplaces, including:

• Valle nursing home
• Valle school
• Valle and Hylestad kindergartens
• Sølvgarden hotel og Feriesenter
• Different firms in the private sector
• The municipal administration has a business advisor who can help you if you want to start your own business in Valle.