Folkestien ved Bøelva

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Route directions:

From the roundabout in Bø, follow state road 350 toward Notodden. After approximately 1,5 kilometres, turn right after crossing the Folkestad Bridge where a parking lot is located. PS! The Folk Path starts on the right hand side of the parking lot. The Culture Path, which heads toward Otherholt, starts on the left hand side (you have to cross the main road).

THE CULTURE PATH

The Culture Path starts at the left hand side of the road.

PS! Be careful when crossing the road. The Culture Path is an old road along the Bø River that leads to Hellos. This area provides you with great opportunities for fishing. By Hellos you can also head down to Berghølen, which is a nice spot for a swim.

From Hellos the path goes straight ahead towards the Haugesag Bridge, otherwise you can make a right turn and follow the path towards Eika. This is the old town road. After passing a meadow, the road leads you to a farm road. Further ahead turn left and follow the road down to the Haugesag Bridge. The last part of this road passes old barrows and signs of settlement from the Iron Age.

From the Haugesag Bridge, follow the road toward Bø Museum. Before reaching the Bø Museum one passes the wild and beautiful Oterholt Waterfall. By crossing the bridge you enter the islet of Kvennøya, the old mill site with four reconstructed buildings. The Bø Museum is open during summertime. Here you find a gift shop and a café serving traditional foods.

THE FOLK PATH

The Folk Path is located between Folkestad Bridge and Gåra Bridge. A couple of hundred meters before reaching the Gåra Bridge, one option is to follow the path to the left. After passing a playground in the forest, the path leads you to another road. Turn to the right and the road leads you to the ruins of the old Gåra Church. Follow the road further down to the main road again and turn right towards Gåra Bridge. The trail on the other side of the bridge leads to Vaskeberga and Sandevadet, both “old” swimming spots that are still used today.

Information boards along the path will provide you with information about the different species of animals and plants in the area.