Åmli municipality in Norway has approximately 1.850 inhabitants and covers a area of 1.130,6 km2. Close to civilisation yet unspoiled and virtually undiscovered, Åmli has beautiful valleys, endless stretches of forest and heath and idyllic lakes. Here, next to the border with Setesdal and Telemark, you are in the kingdom of the beaver. You can study them at close hand, the cleverly constructed dams and artistically planned nests.
The other animal life is also unusually varied and rich and will tempt even the most blase hunter or angler. There are marked trails and reasonably priced overnight accommodation in Tourist Association cabins. Those who spend a few days in Åmli will soon appreciate that both body and soul can benefit from getting back to nature.
ELVARHEIM MUSEUM
Collection devoted to Norway’s last fur hunter, Aslak Harstveit. (He is still alive but lives on a pension – not by hunting). Knives, scents of all the animals of the forest, and a separate beaver room.
ÅMFOSS BRIDGE
A beautiful and monumental bridge spanning the Nidelva river. The bridge is in use and is said to be one of the longest in Northern Europe.
INFORMATION CENTRE for HYDRO POWER
Guided tours of the exhibition, watercourse model and the power station.
HILLESTAD GALLERY
Art exhibitions, sale of handicrafts. Production of Tovdal jewellery. Refreshments. Play tower for children. Free admission. Open mid May – Dec.
ØY GALLERI and DESIGN
Sale of knitted garments in original designs. A charming gallery with pictures and handicrafts.
DØLEMO MARKET
Good old fashioned market with animals. Exhibitions, entertainment and sale and purchase of clocks and knives.
FLATLAND MEETING
The annual accordion and dance festival arranged by the Dragsuget accordion group in cooperation with Froland L/L and Flatend camping.
Skarvassbu to Øvre Ramse: Short route taking one and a half hours from county road no. 272. Marked route across heath terrain. Grunnetjønsbu to Skarvassbu: Five hour trip between the two tourist cabins across beautiful heath terrain. Grunnetjønsbu to Austenå: Three hour trip from county road No. 272. Marked trail to tourist association cabin. Vindilhytta to Grunnetjønsbu: Four hour walk between the two cabins. Healh terrain, passing abandoned farms. Tragefjellstigen: Combined nature and culture trail beginning at Elvarheim Museum and passing a total of 12 checkpoints.
SAFARI
Tours to the kingdom of the beaver. Organised tours every Tuesday.
CANOEING
Paddling trips in Lake Nelaug. Train from Arendal to Nelaug. Canoes and lifejackets for hire al Nelaug station.
FISHING
Char up to 1,5 kilos in Tovdal. Fishing for trout and char in Gjevden. Fishing permits can be bought at the Åmfoss Kafeteria in the centre of Åmli.