The Ultimate Family Adventure Guide: Exploring Hjartdal, Tuddal, and Sauland

Let the magnificent Norwegian nature take your breath away! Recharge your body and mind with loved ones in the stunning villages of Hjartdal, Tuddal, and Sauland, nestled in the heart of Telemark.

This region is equally beautiful across all four seasons, offering year-round adventures. Kids can explore the wilderness through forest walks, skiing, or swimming. Discover thrilling Troll Safaris, ancient cultural treasures, and meet friendly farm animals at charming, rustic visitor farms.

Embrace the Magic of Winter: Cross-Country Skiing in Telemark

In this northern part of Telemark, the landscape is picture-perfect all year. When the snow falls, strap on your cross-country skis and glide through the stunning winter scenery on a network of superb trails.

The cross-country ski trails offer varying levels of difficulty, with some routes perfectly tailored for younger children. Select the trail that best suits your family's skill level for a fantastic day out.

Find more information on ski trails and trail maps here.

Nature's Own Water Park: Hiking, Biking, and The Kjæringstein Trail

Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal seasons for hiking and biking, and Hjartdal municipality offers a variety of incredible opportunities. The selection of family-friendly hiking trails is varied, including easy routes for children and more challenging treks for experienced hikers.

Family Favorite: The River Path and Omnesfossen Waterfall

One of the best-suited routes for families with children is the circular route along the Elvestien (River Path) in Sauland, near Omnesfossen waterfall. This easy walk takes about 30 minutes.

During the summer, explore the beautiful wildflowers and stop for a refreshing swim at Omnesfossen waterfall after your walk. Nature has created its own little water park here, where big and small enthusiasts can swim and play in "natural water slides" smoothed by the ice age thousands of years ago.

Discover the Award-Winning Kjæringstein Trail (Kjæringsteinløypa)

Don't miss the popular Kjæringstein trail in Tuddal. Thanks to dedicated volunteer work, this 4 km loop around Kovstulvann lake is now an amazing universally designed trail. It offers a beautiful natural experience accessible to everyone: families with strollers, wheelchair users, and cyclists. 

• Enjoy the magical surroundings.
• Take a break at one of several designated rest areas.
• Plan a delicious outdoor picnic at the lean-to (gapahuk) on the north side, which is free to use.
• Try your luck at fishing from the designated fishing spot (remember to buy a fishing license).
• In winter, the Kjæringstein Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing.

Before leaving, be sure to see the famous Kjæringsteinen (The Old Woman's Stone) that gives the trail its name. It's a popular photo stop located near Nøtingen, just before the entrance to Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.

Become a Troll Detective: The Troll Safari in Tuddal

Take the children on a fun Troll Safari around the beautiful Bjårvatn lake in Tuddal. This cultural trail is suitable for the whole family, including bikes and strollers, and feels like stepping into a classic Norwegian fairy tale about trolls and forest spirits.

Start the marked trail just above the parking lot at Fossehalli in Tuddal. Tell excited children the story of the five Tuddal Trolls who lived on their respective mountain peaks and threw large boulders at each other and the church when the church bells rang.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the Tuddal Trolls lurking on the mountain peaks: "Sjuke-Knut" on Njuke, "Fluks" on Flugonfjell, "Lurv" on Lønnås, and "Hakjespett" on Hovdeåsen. You might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Nøkken (The Water Spirit) hiding under the Rinde bridge!

Take a well-deserved break at one of the beautiful rest areas. As the path continues through Tuddal center, you’ll find the beautiful Tuddal Church, the cultural gem Tuddal Bygdetun open air museum, and several great dining options.

Find out more about food and dining options in the region here.

Explore Local Culture, Food, and Traditions

Tuddal Bygdetun open air museum

A visit to Tuddal Bygdetun open air museum is an educational and exciting experience for all ages, offering insight into local culture and history. The 13 farm buildings showcase what a typical Tuddal farm looked like in the 18th and 19th centuries. In July, visitors can take guided tours and learn about Tuddal’s rich cultural heritage.

The open air museum is part of the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum and can be visited year-round. The museum building houses exciting exhibitions, a kiosk, and hosts annual concerts and cultural events featuring local musicians.

Traditional Farm Life: Nordbø Gard and Stule

Experience traditional mountain farming life (seterliv) at Nordbø Gard og Stule in the beautiful Hjartdalsbygda. Children can explore and learn how traditional food is produced. The cows graze freely on the summer farm (Bjorndal stule), and the milk is transformed through true craftsmanship into delicious cheese, butter, and prim (a sweet brown cheese spread).

Tip: Be sure to buy some local products from the Norbø Gard farm shop to take home!

Tjønnås Ecological farm

Tjønnås Ecological farm, located 15 minutes from Saulandstunet, looks like it's taken straight out of a national romantic painting. They offer accommodation and exciting cultural experiences.

Farm Experience: Children can enjoy gathering ingredients for their meals, like fresh eggs from free-range hens and berries from the forest.
Local Cuisine: Food is prepared with great care, using organic, locally sourced ingredients in traditional ways.
Hospitality: Meet the warm and welcoming hosts. Tjønnås Økogård welcomes groups of up to 10 people from Thursday to Sunday all year round.

Hjartdal Bygdemølle

For a dose of cultural enrichment and a summer swim stop, visit Hjartdal Bygdemølle (village mill). At Egderud waterfall in Hjartdal, grain has been ground the traditional way since the 1700s (now using electricity instead of waterpower).

Museum: Take a guided tour of the mill's exhibition, "From Soil to Table," and see the quernstones grinding the grain into flour. You can even buy some flour for baking at home!
Bathing Area: The area around the mill is set up for swimming at Egderudfossen, with a beautiful stone-paved picnic area. A stair bridge called "Myllistigen" offers a stunning view of the waterfall and the mill.

Plan Your Stay and Create Family Memories

Let yourself be tempted by the beautiful nature and exciting culture. Hjartdal, Tuddal, and Sauland, with their proximity to several of Telemark's most famous attractions, offer adults and children the chance to experience both relaxation, the adrenaline rush of exploration, and the sense of achievement that comes with learning new things.

Accommodation options include rustic farms, campsites, or cabins like Hovstul hytter. Start planning your family's next adventure and create lasting memories together!

See more accommodation options here.
Read more about unique cultural experiences in Hjartdal, Tuddal, and Sauland here.