Summer in Vrådal is long, light and surprisingly warm. The days stretch well into the evening, the lake is just 150 metres away, and the sandy beach at Lindstø is reachable in a 300-metre stroll. If you're after peace and quiet, you'll find it here – if you're after activity, you'll find even more of that. Here are our recommendations for the most beautiful season in Telemark.
Fishing – Tight lines on lake Vråvatn
Vrådal is no secret among anglers. The lakes Vråvatn and Nisser are among the most fish-rich waters in Telemark – and both are easy to reach from the cabin. Vråvatn lies just 150 metres from the house; the larger Nisser stretches out to the south and is connected to the Vråvatn system by the historic locks of the Telemark Canal.
What to expect
In Vråvatn and Nisser you'll find brown trout, char, whitefish and perch. Trout typically weigh between 150 and 600 grams, but specimens over 8 kg are caught regularly. The best months are June and August/September – in midsummer the fish retreat to deeper, cooler water.
Fishing licence
You'll need a fishing licence (fiskekort) for most waters. It covers large parts of Vråvatn, the upper Nisser and many of the mountain lakes. Children under 16 fish for free, and there is no catch quota.
🎣 Where to buy a fishing licence: Online at inatur.no (search term: "Vrådal"), at the tourist office or at the Straand Hotel. Prices: 2-day licence from 50 NOK, 14-day from 100 NOK, season licence from 200 NOK. (Prices as of summer 2023 – please check locally for current rates.)
From the shore or from a boat
You can fish from the shore or hire a boat to reach the better spots out on the lake. Fishing from a boat really pays off in midsummer, when the fish move into deeper water. Boats are available locally – ask at the tourist office for current providers.
And even if the fish aren't biting: hours by the lake, surrounded by silence, forest and the occasional sea eagle overhead – that's an experience in itself. Please respect the local rules and fish responsibly so the stock stays healthy for future visitors.
Hiking & Nordic Walking
The mountains around Vrådal offer hikes for every level – from around 20 km of waymarked Nordic-walking routes on gentler terrain to demanding summit tours above 1,000 metres. Detailed maps and brochures are available in the holiday home.
🏔 Roholtfjellet
One of Vrådal's signature mountain massifs, with two summits, both above 1,000 m. Several waymarked routes lead up – some sections are very steep, so sure-footedness and sturdy boots are essential. Pack plenty of food and water.
🏔 Venelifjell
Venelifjell sits in Kviteseid/Vrådal, about 10 km southeast of the holiday home, and rises to 900 metres. It's a popular hiking area with routes for different ability levels, well-kept paths and beautiful views over the lakes and forests of Telemark. A classic day trip in summer; especially striking in autumn, when the high country glows red and gold.
🏔 Hægefjell
A mountain just over 1,000 m on the border between Kviteseid and Nissedal. A good starting point is the car park up at the cabin field by the ski centre. Note: the access road has a toll.
🥾 Fossøy and other routes
You'll find a complete, up-to-date overview of all the marked hiking routes around Vrådal on the usual hiking portals, as well as in the brochures kept in the holiday home.
🧭 Tip: The UT.no app (Norwegian Trekking Association) lists every marked route with GPS tracks and current trail reports – free of charge, in Norwegian only, but easy to navigate thanks to its symbols.
By the water – swimming, paddling, unwinding
Lake Vråvatn lies just 150 metres from the holiday home. The water is clear, the lake deep, and in July it can become pleasantly warm. Right by the house, getting in is easy but there's no sandy beach – if you're after an easy entry with children, head the 300 metres or so to the sandy beach at Lindstø, which slopes gently and is ideal for splashing about.
If you'd like to paddle, row or canoe, boats can be hired in Vrådal. The region is also a favourite with stand-up paddleboarders – on still summer days you'll glide across the lake as if on a mirror.
🏊 Water temperature: Vråvatn often reaches 18–22 °C at the surface in July and August. Below that it cools off quickly – a welcome refreshment on hot days.
M/S Fram – touring the lakes by vintage boat
The veteran boat M/S Fram was built in 1909 as a wooden tug and is today one of the oldest passenger vessels still in service in Norway. In summer she runs as an excursion boat on both Vråvatn and Nisser – the two lakes are linked by the historic locks.
A trip on the Fram is a particularly relaxed way to see the lake landscape of Telemark from the water. On board you'll feel the charm of bygone days – polished brass fittings, wooden deck, a cosy saloon. It's a perfect way to round out a visit to the Småstraum lock or a picnic by the shore.
⛴ Sailing times: M/S Fram runs to a fixed schedule during the summer season. Check current times and book through the Vrådal tourist office or directly on the operator's website.
Museums & culture – Telemark up close
The region around Vrådal is surprisingly rich in museums and cultural sites. Most of them only open during the summer season; a few are accessible year-round.
In Vrådal itself
Småstraum Lock Museum
At the Småstraum lock, only a few kilometres from the holiday home. The exhibition tells the story of lock-keeping and shipping on Vråvatn and Nisser at the start of the 20th century, as well as the timber floating that once moved through these lakes.
Galleri Samvirke
Exhibition space run by the Fyresdal and Vrådal painters' association, with several rotating shows each year.
Telemark – nearby
Kviteseid Open-Air Museum (Kviteseid bygdetun)
One of the oldest open-air museums in Norway – twelve buildings from various farms in the area, including the old Kviteseid church. It sits at the foot of the switchbacks heading towards Kviteseid.
Åmdals Verk gruver – copper mine
From 1691 to 1945 copper ore was mined here – more than a million tonnes of rock yielding around 8,000 tonnes of copper. Today the workings can be visited as a museum mine.
Norsk skieventyr Morgedal – ski museum
Morgedal is regarded as the "cradle of skiing". It was the home of Sondre Norheim, who laid the foundations of modern ski bindings. The museum charts the development of skiing, the South Pole expedition and the Olympic flame.
Eidsborg Stave Church
One of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway, built in the 13th century. The grounds also house the West Telemark Museum, with traditional dress, tools and the cultural history of the region.
Grimdalstunet
Museum dedicated to the celebrated Norwegian sculptor Anne Grimdalen (1897–1971), who in 1938 won the competition for the western façade of Oslo City Hall. The site also includes an open-air museum with buildings from the 17th to the 19th century, a café and a gallery.
Worth a longer day trip
Heddal Stave Church – the largest in Norway
The largest surviving stave church in the country, an imposing 13th-century building with elaborate carvings and wall paintings.
Vemork Industrial Museum – UNESCO World Heritage Site
This is where, during the Second World War, German forces tried to produce heavy water for atomic weapons. A daring sabotage operation by Norwegian resistance fighters made that impossible. A visit you'll remember.
Kongsberg Silver Mines
Discovered in the 17th century and at one time among the most important silver mines in Europe. Guided tours through tunnels, shafts and historic workings – a fascinating slice of Norwegian mining history.
💡 Most museums only open during the summer season (May to September) and have limited winter hours. Please check current opening times on the relevant websites before you visit.
Day trips – coastal gems on the Skagerrak
If you ever fancy a breath of sea air: the Norwegian Skagerrak coast is roughly two to three hours' drive from Vrådal. Strung along the coast are charming small towns and island worlds that make excellent day trips.
Kragerø
A picturesque coastal town of bays, islands and skerries, with a rich maritime history and a lively old quarter. Lovely for strolling, art galleries and the view of the water.
Risør
Famous for its charming district of white wooden houses, cobbled streets and a postcard-perfect harbour. One of the best-preserved small towns on the south coast.
Tvedestrand
A former trading town with old timber houses, narrow lanes and a historic centre. Easy-going, off the main tourist track and lovely for a wander.
Lyngør
A car-free island community of more than 70 islands and skerries – pristine nature, traditional wooden houses, absolute peace. Reachable only by boat, which makes the trip an experience in itself.
Arendal
A lively coastal town with a historic harbour quarter, colourful timber houses, museums and an active cultural scene. Easily fills a whole day.
Grimstad
A compact coastal town with handsome architecture and a maritime feel. Also known as the birthplace and early haunt of Henrik Ibsen – his house can be visited.
Jomfruland
A small island off the coast at Kragerø, designated a national park, with unspoilt beaches and a rich birdlife. Perfect for anyone keen to escape the bustle. Reachable only by ferry.
🚗 The coastal towns listed are about 2–3 hours' drive from Vrådal. As a day trip you can comfortably combine one or two of them. Tip: for Lyngør and Jomfruland, check the ferry timetables in advance – sailings are not hourly.
Want to see more?
Our photo gallery has more than 30 shots of Vrådal and the surrounding area – from Vråvatn and Roholtfjellet to Eidsborg stave church.
To the gallery →When the days seem endless…
Long, bright days, a lake just steps away, and a sandy beach around the corner. Whether you’re looking for peace or activity – you’ll find both here.
Book your summer stay →