Bygland

Bygland has around 200 residents and is nestled by the scenic freshwater lake Byglandsfjorden. The lake winds its way throught the Setesdal valley for 34 kilometres and has always been the heart and lifeline of the villages surrounding.

Speaking of hearts, Bygland is also the administrational center of the municipality, with a variety of services. Kindergarten, schools, health care, a big sports hall, and an array of electrical car charging stations, to name a few.

Down by the waterside you’ll find Bygland Museum, a beautiful open-air museum with old farm buildings from the 17th century and onwards.

Also by the lake shore, there is a café called Stoga and a restaurant/pub named Bjoren Brygge. At the latter you can get hearty traditional food; there is no fast food in sight. In the summertime, concerts are held here – and the locals enjoy great music of all sorts.

«The great thing about this place is the short distance from the lake to the woods and the mountains. It’s easy to enjoy a range of outdoor activities without travelling far. Here I can go kayaking and hike the mountains the very same day if I feel like it,» she says. And she might do just that; Anne likes to swim in the lake, kayak, take a run in the woods, bike, go skiing and hike the mountains.

«It’s a lot to do here for outdoorsy people,» she laughs.

The surrounding woods, which cloak the steep valleys surrounding the lake, are a haven for hikers and a habitat for the southernmost wild reindeer herd in all of Europe. Anne herself stumbled upon three gazing reindeer during a bike ride, an encounter that delighted her.

«Yes, that happened to me. I had to blink twice, it was pretty cool,» she laughs.

In the late summer, we recommend taking a stroll in the woods and picking mushrooms and berries. According to the locals, the forest abounds with nature’s gifts.

But are there dangerous animals in the woods of Bygland? If you take a look at the municipality scutcheon, you’ll see a big lynx. The region has quite of lot of lynxes, but not to worry – they are not at all dangerous for people.

«No, no. We are not at all afraid of the lynx,» Anne states.

«It is extremely shy, and way more afraid of us. It is not even an issue here.»

There are great hunting opportunities in the woods around Bygland, and here it’s not uncommon for the teenagers to start early on, often with skeet shooting. Safety first!

In sum, Bygland is a good place to live if you want the safety of services nearby – but still wants to enjoy the quietness of nature and the outdoor way of living. (Let’s be honest, though – the library isn’t open at all odd hours, and the doctor’s office isn’t open every day. But a tiny bit of planning is all it takes.)

«It’s a great place for the kids,» Anne says.

The people of Bygland work in all sorts of jobs, but farming -most farmers raise sheep- and forest work dominates. But when work is done, the villagers take to the lake. Boat life, swimming and other water sports are popular leisure activities for the people of Bygland. If you prefer to find your own little slice of watery heaven, it’s not hard to come by – the lake is big enough for everyone.

Speaking of the young ones, what would they say about Bygland? Well, since Mother Nature is known as a great playground, the small kids would probably jump for joy. And if they want swings and a regular playground, there is that too.

Bygland offers several activities for older children and teens, with a popular youth club that has a weekly gathering with music, dancing and just hanging out, teenage style. There is also a municipal cultural school, for those who enjoy music and arts.

«The thing about this place is the way people volunteer,» Anne explains.