Gjerstad municipality n Norway has approximately 2.500 inhabitants and covers a area of 322,1 km2. Like a blue ribbon runs the waterscourses and lakes through all of Gjerstad. Alongside them there are a wide range of well marked paths and trails, these are of course marked with blue markings. Gjerstad is really a valley, and at the end of the valley lies the reminds of an early industry, the Eikeland Ironworks.

The iron is also the reason why Gjerstad is famous for its beautiful handmade knifes. Today you can buy one at Holmen Gård, situated at the upper part of the valley. Holmen Gård is owned by the Norwegian Handicrafl Assosiation, and here there are held exibitions and courses during most of the year.

HOLMEN FARM

The Norwegian Handicraft Association course centre in a 200 year old building, housing a permanent exhibition of knives, various handicraft exhibitions, craft shop and cate.

HORGA PLACE of SACRIFICE

Outdoor place of sacrifice from the pre-Christian Age. Was destroyed by Olav Trygvasson’s men during the introduction of Christianity to Gjerstad. Horga lies 2-300 metres from Holmen Gård.

EIKELANDS IRONWORKS

Old preserved and listed ironworks. Privately owned, but can be enjoyed from a short distance. A good area for walking.

TROLLS GALLERY

Anders Bakken sells paintings, water colours, drawings and trolls all produced by himself. Open by arrangement.

GJERSTAD WATERCOURSE

Well marked trails varying in length from 2 km to 13 km.

THE GJERSTAD FORESTS

Seven different walks through evergreen country, varying in length from 5 km to 16 km.

RØED-HOLTE 0STERHOLT FOREST

Nine kilometres long, running partly along a forest road and partly along a path. Car park at Hegdsbråte. Route description from Info Sør: at the E 18, Rv 418 towards Gjerstad, turn off at the old bridge at Sundebru, drive towards Holte and turn off at Lille Østerholt Saga (ask in the vicinity). Hegdsbråte is around 1 km from Lille Østerholt Saga.

Attractions en route: The Vestlandske Hovedvei (The West Country Main Road), the old traffic artery, views of Svartevannet, the Åsland watercourse, diversions towards Røendknuten with a view to the north of Gjerstadbygda.

KNIFE MARKET

Gjerstad Knife Club’s annual get-together. Sale, judging of the most beautiful knife and most attractive stand.

FISHING

Trout, eel, perch and char fishing. Fishing permits available from many places in the municipality.