Lyngdal muncipality in Norway has approximately 8.000 inhabitants and covers a area of 391,0 km2. Centrally located and a varied supply of trade and services draw many visitors to Lyngdal. Today, Alleen is the centre of the municipality. In earlier times Agnefest was the centre. Schooling is well developed with one secondary school, an agricultural school, folkehøyskole (popular high school), and other private schools.
The municipality’s industry and commerce are characterised by varied industry featuring, among others, mechanical businesses and woodwork industry. Several variations of jobs are tied to fish receiving stations and to agriculture. There are many idyllic places in the municipality that is well worth a visit. Among them are Agnefest, Austad, Korshamn and Kvås. Some of the main villages in Lyngdal include Austad, Fleseland, Hæåk, Korshamn, Kvås, Skomrak, and Svenevik.
In Lyngdal you will find a varied landscape with lots of possibilities, take it easy or take a niore active holiday. Lyngdal Municipality has a fine location close to the sea, lakes and hills. Three fjords, all of which are more than 10 km in length, extend into the surrounding area. At the head of Rosfjorden and Lyngdalsfjorden are long, scenic sandy beaches and picturesque surroundings where sun worshippers and swimmers of all ages can enjoy themselves.
The Lygna river, runs through the main valley. The fishing in Lygna has a long tradition and still, today, fishing is popular. The fishing has improved since the river was treated with lime in 1993. The river is protected. The local hills are varied and invite pleasant hikes, drives, or walks along the many country roads. Idyllic white painted houses can be seen in several places in Lyngdal. The municipality’s coastline extends to over 90 km. There are popular excursion spots that can be reached from land and by boat.
KORSHAMN
Korshamn is situated 17 km from Lyngdal and is the southernmost fishing village in Norway. For several centuries, the large Northern European trading route went right by the front doors in Korshamn. There was great activity both here and on the surrounding islands. Today, Korshamn is a thriving community with a school and shop. The place has 170 permanent residents and is a popular travel destination. Korshamn offers accommodation, diving centre, and pleasure boat harbour, and it is possible to take part in deep-sea fishing tours.
Also, the place has a restaurant and an art gallery which is open during the summer season. Outside of Korshamn you will find the island Sutnøy, Kjøpsøy and Sæelør which are popular excursion spots and well worth a visit.
AGNEFEST
Agnefest is situated 3 km from Lyngdal at the head of Rosfjorden. Agnefest was mentioned as long ago as in 1771 as a place for discharge of grain. The place was a centre of coastal and foreign shipping and trading. Today, Agnefest is a port of call for coasters and is a fishing station. A large boat harbour for pleasure boats has been constructed. There are also beaches, restaurant and overnight accommodation nearby.
AUSTAD
Austad is situated between Lyngdal and Korshamn and is a small picturesque place. Austad’s current church was probably first used in 1803. Austad was the centre of what used to be the Austad Municipality. The municipal building which was built in 1868, today functions as a local assembly hall. The old wooden structures in Austad are worth a visit, and allow yourself time for a walk here.
KVÅS
Kvås is situated in the northern part of Lyngdal Municipality. The road RV 43 runs through Kvås along the river Lygna through a varied landscape with well run farms. Kvås was the centre of what used to be Kvås Municipality. Kvås Church was erected in 1835-36. Kvåsfossen waterfall is also located in Lygna river. Kvåsfossen is an attractive excursion spot for visitors. In Kvås there is good fishing as well as marked hiking paths. Accommodation is available at hill farms, cabins, and at Kvås Folkehøyskole.
KVÅSFOSSEN WATERFALL
Kvåsfossen belonged to non-local people up to 1922. When the owner did not manage to pay the taxes he owed to the council the waterfall was sold by a forced auction. The council bought the waterfall for NOK 600. Since then the council has been the owner of the waterfall.
The waterfall has a majestic fall of 36 metres and is a spectacular sight when there has been lots of rain or the snow is melting in the mountains. In the Kvåsfossen waterfall there are also a lot of potholes which appear when the water is low. Salmon and sea trout travel from the fjord and up the Lygna river. By the bottom of the waterfall they have to make a stop. The salmon and trout are not able to pass the mass of water that flows down the waterfall.
MARKØY LIGHTHOUSE
Markøy is just south of Sælør. In order to prevent mistaking Lindesnes with the Skagen lighthouse it was decided to give Lindesnes lighthouse two lighthouses – Lindesnes and Markøy. In 1822 the lighthouse was re-built to a closed coal-light on a rock tower. The ruins date the rock tower from 1822. The glass house itself has decayed. The lighthouse was abandoned in 1844 about the time when Lindesnes lighthouse was equipped with a new glass lens. Markøy is a bird sanctuary and it is not allowed to enter the sanctuary from 15th April to 15th July.
KJØPSØY
The island is situated west of Sælør. The island is a public area containing tour trails in a varied terrain. The Compass rose (rock carving) at the pilots outlook “Fløyet” is dated to about 1550 and is one of the oldest along the coast. Here you will find wharves, sea house, toilet and an open cabin. The visitors are asked to put the boats on anchor at the harbour to give room for as many boats as possible. Bonfires are prohibited, but there are grillplaces to make use of.
SUTNØY
Sutnøy is situated between Korshamn and the Rosfjord at the south end of the sea road. The island is a public area and the Lyngdal Boat Association is situated here. You will find a spacious harbour with a beautiful beach for small children. BarB-Qs along with tables and benches are situated around the harbour. This makes a perfect place to stay overnight, as it is well sheltered. The island has a distinctive culture landscape. In the valley on the island the houses used to be side by side. Today all wooden buildings are gone. Only the concrete bases are left. This gives a certain character to the island.
GUEST HARBOURS
The Korshamn Guest Harbour is a sheltered harbour with several anchoring places, a public house, local shop, fuel water and toilets are found here. You will also find a guest harbour at the end of the Rosfjord, at Agnefest. Here you will find-shower facilities, WC, shop selling fishing tackle, boat equipment and kiosk. 1 km from bathing beach, camp site, hotel and restaurant.
BOAT HIRE
It is possible to hire boats from 14′ to 16′, or should you wish, you can hire a fishing-boat with skipper. What’s better than to take a relaxing fishing-trip on the sea with friends or family? The tourist office can order the boats for you.
HAUSVIK FORT
Hausvikodden, a point situated out on the east side of the of the Rosfjord. Fortifications from the second World War containing canons, a cabin where prisoners were kept, tunnels and trenches / gun emplacements. This is also a very nice tour area and a perfect place for fishmg from the shore.
KLOKKERGÅRDEN BYGDETUN
Here you will find Norway’s smallest post office “Veggja Poståpneri”. The post house was established 1st November 1932 in what used to be the Kvås Municipality and closed down 31st May 1996. It is only 13,48 m2, and Norway’s smallest post office. Here you can buy envelopes and post your letters and postcards.
On BYGDETUNET a country courtyard, you also find a school museum which contains local collections of articles from the rural district, a missionary museum with a fully equipped vicar´s office from the middle of the 1800s, a small assembly hall and-an exhibition of items from the mission fields etc. You will also find a restored barn. On the ground floor you find an information centre. Here you can pick up information about Lyngdai, an illuminated exhibition of pictures, text and maps.
You can also see items from the “Flisevraket” wreck which-is situated outside Sælør, and a lot of other items from the local rural district. A TV screen gives you a set of pictures from Lyngdal´s scenic nature, and other places worth seeing in and around Lyngdal. BYGDETUNET is also a gathering place for Lyngdal crafts association. Open all summer or by appointment.
THE LYNGDAL COW
In the middle of the 1800s Lyngdal became known within the Norwegian agricultural community because of its local cattle breed – Lyngdalsfeet. The Lyngdal Cow was suggested as a motif when the possibility of erecting a sculpture next to Lyngdal town hall was discussed. Furthermore, the Lyngdal Cow decorates the municipal emblem.
CHURCHES
Church services are performed in the different churches on a regular basis. Sometime church concerts are arranged as well. The tourist office has an overview of these events. The churches will open by appointment outside these occasions.
LYNGDAL CHURCH
Log built cruciform church with galleries on two levels around the nave. It was consecrated in 1848. Capacity is approximately 1300 people. The church bells are from 1748 and 1789, respectively. They originate from the old stone church that was demolished in 1846.
Several beautiful burial mounds are located next to Lyngdal Chruch. Palle Storm’s Statue of King Olav the Saint Haraldsson that visited Sælør in 1028 is located south in the park. The monument was unveiled by King Olav V the 4th September 1983.
KVÅS CHURCH
Kvås church is built on old church land. How old this land really is, nobody knows for certain. The parish probably had its own chuch just before the Black Death devastation in 1349. It is not clear whether the church base always has existed on this exact spot. The present church was built in 1835, and was consecrated the 8th May 1836. The church is log built and has a capacity of approximately 800 people. During the 1880s several alterabons were made to the church. The chalice and breadbox are from the 1600s, the church bell was recast and is from 1771.
AUSTAD CHURCH
Austad church was built in 1801 – 02 and probably was first used in 1803. It is a log built cruciform church seating 678 people. Henrik Svennevik originally decorated the church. During restoration in 1930 some of this was uncovered after it had been overpainted in 1872.
KORSHAMN CHAPEL
By a Royal proclamation on May 22nd, 1906 it was given permission to consecrate the already erected chapel for use as church functions and sermons. The chapel has 250 seats, and in the basement there is a kitchen and a small assembly hall. The chapel will be opened by appointment.
THE FJORDS
The Grønsfjord stretches inwards on the west side of Lindesnes, and at Jåsund it joins the Lenefjord. The Jåsund is a unique sound where the bottom of the fjord on the inside suddenly plunges from a couple of metres to nearly 200 metres in depth. The Lenefjord, called after the farms at the end of the fjord, is well known for its spectacular green colour.
In the winter the Lenefjord looks like any other fjord along the Norwegian coast – long and deep, with clear, dark water. However, in early summer the fjord performs a notable feat – during a couple of weeks the fjord puts on an intense light green colour. This green colour is caused by a growth of a special, not harmful brown algae at the top 10 to 15 cm of the water.
West for the Lenefjord you will find the third fjord in Lyngdal, the Lyngdalsfjord. This is a threshold-fjord. The fjord has an ample supply of fresh water and not much salty water. The fjord is 116 metres deep at the deepest point. At the threshold it is only 6 metre deep. At the end of the Lyngdalsfjord you will find the beautiful Kvavik beach Kvaviksanden, which is a very popular sailboarding area.
THE SÆLØR ISLAND
On the west side of the Grønsfjord, at the mouth of Korshamn you will find Sælør on the south side of the waterway. The currents, wind and weather conditions around Lindesnes have made the experience of “rounding the headland” into a very dangerous area sometimes. This condition is an important explanation of why Sælør’s importance as a sheltered harbour throughout history. There have been a lot of Norwegian kings and chiefs who have taken shelter here. The first one we know about is Olav Haraldsson, the Saint King, who stayed the winter here in 1028. The last person to visit the islands was king Olav V.
The lighthouses at Lindesnes and Marøy is tied closely to Sælør. The lighthouse inspector for the Twin lighthouses (Tvillingfyrene) lived here for many years. After the time of the pirates there was a navigation school at Sælør. This school was run up to the middle of the 1800s. On the island you find church ruins, a compass rose (rock carving) and a churchyard. 3 middle ages wrecks have been found in the area. In this area diving is prohibited.
NATIONAL RESERVE AREAS
Lyngdal has several nature reserves. Protected dissiduous forests can be found at Nakkestad, Gitlevåg, and Rinnansteigen at Lauvtjønn, Kvellandsfossen waterfall and at Skoland. At the mouth of Lyngdalselva river you will find a protected marshland where 30 different marshland fowl can be observed. Further information on this subject can be obtained from the service-department in Lyngdal Council or with the county mayor’s, department of environment.
CYCLING
Cycling on one of the many country roads is a nice day out and the experiences are many and varied. At Lyngdalssletta there are not many hills be encountered, but on the country roads you will find that you need to cycle up some hills. You can buy a detailed map of the country roads at the Tourist Office. On this map you can find all the country roads and where they lead. The tourist office will also be able to give you useful advice. If you wish to cycle west or east then you can find folders and maps describing these roads issued by the Norwegian Road Authorities which can be bought at the tourist office.
SWIMMING
Lyngdal is well known for its nice and quiet shallow sandy beaches. Within Rosfjord you will find the beautiful Rosfjord beach. Earlier it was well known as the finest bathing beach on the south coast.
The beach Kvaviksanden, which is situated at the end of the Lyngdalsfjord is 1000 metre long, and one of the longest beaches on the south coast of Norway. Here the water is shallow and perfect for young children. Both at Kvavik and Rosfjord your will find boats for hire, kiosk, car parking and toilet facilities. You will also find playgrounds for small children at the nearby campsites. Other popular bathing places: Undelandsvatnet lake, Breiva at Møskeland, Hunsfoss at Åtland and Sutnøy.
MINIGOLF and TENNIS
If you want to play mini golf or tennis you will find this at Rosfjord Strandhotel and Family Camping. This sport is popular with both children and adults. Lots of activities both spring, summer and autumn.
FISHING
Korshamn is situated 17 km from Lyngdal and is the southernmost fishing village in Norway. Korshamn offers accommodation, diving centre, and pleasure boat harbour, and it is possible to take part in deep-sea fishing tours. In the Kvåse waterfall there are also a lot of potholes which appear when the water is low. Salmon and sea trout travel from the fjord and up the river Lygna. The river Lygna, runs through the main valley. The fishing in Lygna has a long tradition and still, today, fishing is popular. The river is protected.
GOLF
Only 1/2 hour´s drive from Lyngdal centre you will also find a 9-hole golf course.