After several days of travelling around Norway, we deliberately decided to leave the busy tourist spots for a while. We were looking for peace, fewer people and more nature. That’s exactly what we found at Lake Birtevatn, which lies in the Setesdalsheiene mountains.
It’s a very picturesque area – the lake is surrounded by mountains, dense forests and other smaller bodies of water. We reached it via paved roads 3384 and 3386, which wind up beautiful forested climbs from the town of Fyresdal, situated by the well-known Lake Fyresvatnet.
A peaceful cottage area away from mass tourism
The whole area is known as a popular spot for locals’ cottages. You’ll find many smaller and larger weekend houses here, but nothing feels crowded or intrusive. The buildings are scattered across a wide area and their architecture naturally blends with the landscape.
From a hiking perspective the region is very varied – it offers short walks as well as full-day hikes. It’s possible to swim in the surrounding lakes without problems, which is a great experience in summer, even though the water was about 15 °C. The whole area literally radiated peace and quiet, which we enjoyed very much.
Ascent to Kviptefjell
Our main goal was the nearby peak Kviptefjell (903 m a.s.l.). The route starts at a parking area on the Kviptevegen road, at a spot where a barrier will stop you if you continue by car. There is a phone number on it, but nobody answered us – no matter, the trailhead is about 420 metres from there.
We put on full shoes, take provisions for us and for Iba and set off. After a short stretch along the road we turn sharply right onto a narrow forest path. It sometimes runs through small meadows and marshes, where you should expect slightly soggy ground. However, the higher the route climbs, the drier and more pleasant the terrain becomes.
After gaining about 150 vertical metres we gradually emerge from the forest zone. Views open up over the surrounding landscape and it’s clear that the local lakes form an extensive water system through which water flows from the highest parts of the Setesdalsheiene range. The route turns sharply left and climbs onto an already open ridge. In these sections the ascent is the steepest, but the terrain evens out very quickly and the entire ridge reveals itself in all its beauty.
We ascend at an easy pace up to the summit of Kviptefjell. The joy at the top was made greater by the fact that we were completely alone. No crowds, just wind, silence and wide views over the Norwegian wilderness from a comfortable height of around 900 m a.s.l.
The route continues along the ridge, which bends in an arc above Lake Kviptetjønn. It gradually descends into an indistinct saddle, from where it’s only a short detour to Lake Blakstjønn. We couldn’t resist and headed to the water. Both Ibo and I swam here.
The return leads through the forest back to the Kviptevegen road. The route again approaches Lake Kviptetjønn, which we had on our left for most of the time. The final metres before joining the road are sometimes waterlogged, but wooden walkways across the marshes make progress much easier. Finally, we return to our car comfortably and full of pleasant experiences.
Conclusion
The ascent itself is not technically demanding. It’s an easy ridge hike that follows undemanding terrain. The whole circuit takes about 4 hours and the route is also ideal for a medium-sized or large dog. Since it’s a technically simple hike, no special equipment is required – neither for you nor for the dog.
Basic facts about the hike
- Summit: Kviptefjell (903 m a.s.l.)
- Mountain range: Setesdalsheiene
- Location: Fyresdal area, southern Norway
- Route type: circuit / ridge hike
- Time: approx. 4 hours
- Difficulty: easy
- Terrain: forest paths, meadows, marshes, open ridge
- Suitable for dogs: yes (medium and large dogs)
- Best season: late spring – summer – autumn