Drangedal municipality has approximately 4.150 inhabitants and covers a area of 1.062,8 km2. In the centre of the municipality lies the Toke lake surrounded by woodland, plains and mountains 60 to 900 metres above sea level. The many lakes, tarns and rivers create an idyllic setting for the area. The Sørlandsbanen railway line goes through the municipality, and the Prestestranda centre is situated near the Drangedal station.

Drangedal has always had the reputation of being the forestry centre of Telemark. This is still thc case. Many farms combine agriculture and forestry, and some keep domestic animals. Drangedal also has a range of smaller industries which offer a wide variety of employment. As suitable for year round recreation and the expansive beauty of the countryside have both led to a recent rise in tourism. Gautefall is one of Telemark’s largest investments in tourism and offers a wide variety of events and activities.

DRANGEDAL RURAL MUSEUM

There are now 18 buildings erected around the courtyard area, dating from the 18th and 19th century, with a large and small farmhouse, cotter’s cottages, mountain dairies and forest cabins. The area adjoins a large open-air area with an athletics ground, rifle range and meeting-place. Children under 12 years are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

HØYDALEN MINE

A quarry open to mineral hunters.

GRÅTOPP PLASSEN

Hallvard Gråtopp was a lord of the manor, born in about 1400 at Vrålstad in Drangedal. He is famous as the leader of Telemark’s great farmers’ revolt in 1438. A monument to his memory has been raised at his home of Vrålstad.

KJEÅSBRUA

The Kjeåsbrua is situated in the centre of Drangedal and is one of the largest stone archway bridges in Norway. It was completed in 1927 for the opening of the southern railway line to Kragerø.

SHOPPING ARCADES

The Handelsbuene, situated in the centre of Drangedal, were built in the 1870s. The town’s first shop was probably here, and thc arcades were also used as a warehouse for goods shipped on Lake Toke.

AMAZONITTEN

Mineral and sale of handicraft just north of Tørdal Church. Produce their own jewellery, specialities are amazonite from Høydalen Mines and Norway’s national stone thulite.

TØRDAL HANDICRAFT SHOP

Local artists sell their hand made products here, with everything from hand – painted porcelain, woven / sewn articles, traditional floral painting, stone work, paintings / prints, knives, silver work, carved wooden items, crochet work, Hardanger embroidery etc. You can buy gifts and have something delicious to eat here as well. The shop is open every day during the summer.

GAUTEFALLHEIA

Guided sightseeing tours are available to exciting destinations, both locally and farther afield. Walk to Himmelrike in Gautefallheia (Himmelrike looks like an amphitheatre), or go for a boat trip to beautiful Nisser or on the heavenly Telemark canal. See the waterfall Kjerringfossen. Take a trip to a traditional silversmith and “Nisse loft” in Nissedal, or look for precious stones and minerals in the Høydalen Mines in Tørdal.

FISHING

Drangedal has prepared a separate fishing brochure which shows where you can go fishing in the municipalities. This gives an excellent view of the fishing lakes which are open to the public. Drangedal has erected information boards and adapted fishing grounds, making it easy for you to find your way to the fishing waters.

GOLF

Golfclubs in Telemark.