Gjerstad is the kind of Norwegian countryside many travelers imagine but rarely take the time to find. Tucked between deep forests, clear lakes, and the Skagerrak coast just to the south, this small municipality offers a slow and very local slice of southern Norway. You get simple pleasures done well, like quiet hiking trails, swimming piers on still water, berry picking in late summer, and wood-clad churches that still anchor village life. It is close enough to white-painted coastal towns like Risør and Kragerø for seaside day trips, yet far enough inland that evenings feel calm and starry.
If you are deciding whether to add Gjerstad to your itinerary, here is the short answer. Come for nature and breathing room, not for nightlife or big museums. You will find easy walking and cycling, family-friendly swimming spots, freshwater fishing, and a few low-key local events in summer. With a rental car or the regional train, Gjerstad also works very well as a base for exploring the Sørlandet coast without paying peak coastal accommodation prices.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of Gjerstad and how to make the most of a visit.
Where Is Gjerstad and Why Visit
Gjerstad sits in Agder county, right where the south coast meets the forested uplands. The E18 highway runs through the municipality, which keeps it convenient, while the surrounding landscape remains green and quiet. Think rolling hills of spruce and pine, lakes strung together like beads, and farms with traditional red barns.
Travelers come to Gjerstad when they want an easy nature break. It is ideal if you enjoy light hikes, paddling on glassy water, or simply mixing a coastal holiday with forest time. Nearby, the coastal towns of Risør, Kragerø, and Tvedestrand add culture, cafés, and galleries to the mix, so you will not lack things to do.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the sweet spot. June to August is swimming season in local lakes, with long days and warm evenings. July is busiest on the coast, but Gjerstad stays relaxed. Early autumn, especially mid-September, brings crisp air, mushrooms in the woods, and excellent colors. Winter is quiet. After fresh snow, locals ski on forest roads and tracks, and cabin time becomes the main activity. Spring arrives softly with greening hillsides and very few visitors.
Getting to Gjerstad
By car. The E18 connects Gjerstad to Oslo in the east and Kristiansand in the west. Exit at Brokelandsheia for services, then branch onto local roads to reach lakes and trailheads. Driving is straightforward year-round. In winter, check conditions and give yourself extra time.
By train. The Sørlandsbanen (the Southern Railway line) stops at Gjerstad Station. Trains are comfortable, and the ride from Oslo or Kristiansand is scenic and efficient. From the station, prearranged taxis or a rental car make life easier if you plan to explore beyond the village.
By bus. Regional buses serve communities along the E18. They are a budget-friendly way to move between Gjerstad and nearby towns like Risør, Tvedestrand, and Kragerø.
By air. The nearest practical airports for most travelers are Sandefjord Torp and Kristiansand Kjevik. From either airport, continue by rental car, train, or bus.
Getting Around
A car gives you the most freedom, especially for lakes, trailheads, and small hamlets. Cycling is lovely on the quieter side roads if you are comfortable with rolling terrain. In summer, buses cover main corridors, but they do not reach every trail or swimming place. If you rely on public transport, cluster activities near the station area and along the E18 corridor, and add a local taxi for the last stretch.
Top Things to Do in Gjerstad
Walk forest trails without the crowds
Gjerstad’s paths are typically waymarked and lead to viewpoints, hilltops, or small lakes. Expect soft forest floors, blueberries in late summer, and birdsong for company. Routes are usually family friendly, with modest elevation gain.
Swim at lakes and piers
You will find small, well-kept bathing places with floating piers and simple facilities on several of the larger lakes. Go early on warm days and bring a picnic. The water warms faster than you might expect.
Try a paddle on the local waterway
Gjerstadvassdraget, the local watercourse, links lakes and slow rivers. It is one of the easiest ways to experience serene southern Norway, with calm stretches suitable for beginners. Expect short portages between lakes, quiet coves, and chances to spot beaver lodges at dusk. Always wear a life jacket.
Visit a wooden church and farm landscapes
Rural churchyards tell long stories here. Combine a visit to the church with a loop through surrounding farms, where you will see traditional storehouses on stilts and meadows edged by stone fences.
Join a summer market or local event
Summer weekends often bring fairs and small markets, especially around Brokelandsheia. You will find local honey, cured meats, woodcraft, and sometimes vintage tools and textiles. It is an easy way to meet locals and taste regional products.
Hiking Routes You Will Enjoy
Family loop to a viewpoint. Look for local marked trails that climb gently to low summits with open bedrock at the top. These routes deliver wide views without heavy effort. Pack a thermos of coffee and let the kids lead the way.
Lake-to-lake ramble. Follow waymarked paths that skirt shorelines and cross small bridges. The terrain is varied but never extreme. Expect frequent spots perfect for a swim or a snack.
Forest road ski and hike network. Many gravel and forest roads double as ski tracks in winter and mellow hiking routes in summer. These are great for those who want a predictable surface and a steady pace.
Safety note. Check weather, tell someone your plan, and carry a simple kit with water, snacks, an extra layer, and a map on your phone plus a battery pack. In summer, tick checks are wise after walking through tall grass.
Lakes, Fishing, and Paddling
Fishing. Lakes in Gjerstad commonly hold trout and perch. You need a local fishing license, which is easy to buy online or at local shops. Evening and early morning are best, and a small packable rod will serve you well.
Canoe and kayak. The calm, interconnected lakes make Gjerstad a fine place for a first canoe trip. Choose a day loop if you are new to portages, or plan an overnight by pairing two or three lakes. Many rest spots are simple and beautiful, with flat rock shelves by the water. Follow Leave No Trace principles, especially with campfires.
Swimming. Family bathing areas usually have a shallow entry and a floating dock. The water is clean, and the bottom is often sand or smooth stones. Bring water shoes if you have tender feet.
Family-Friendly Ideas
- Nature treasure hunt. Give kids a list to find in the forest, like a feather, a pine cone, or three different leaves. It turns any short walk into an adventure.
- Berry picking. July and August mean wild blueberries on the forest floor. In late summer you may find lingonberries. Only pick what you know.
- Easy cycling. Choose quiet gravel roads and stop often for swims.
- Farm visits and animals. Small local farms sometimes open for visits during summer markets. Ask around at tourist information points in nearby towns.
Where to Eat and Shop
Gjerstad is small, so plan meals with a mix of local cafés and self-catering. Supermarkets around Brokelandsheia are convenient for stocking a cabin kitchen. In summer, look for pop-up stalls selling strawberries, potatoes, or eggs by the roadside. For a broader choice of restaurants, drive to Risør or Kragerø for seafood and waterfront dinners, then come back to your quiet base.
Places to Stay
Cabins by the lake. Classic Norwegian cabins are the best fit for Gjerstad. Many are simple, with a wood stove, a jetty for morning swims, and a grill. Book well ahead for July.
Holiday homes and guesthouses. A handful of small lodgings sit close to main roads and lakes, and they make good touring bases if you plan lots of day trips.
Camping. Look for lakeside campgrounds with basic facilities and easy access to swimming. Wild camping is legal under the Right to Roam, as long as you follow the rules, but campground access to hot showers is worth the small fee.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Right to Roam. Norway’s allemannsretten lets you walk and camp respectfully on uncultivated land. Keep 150 meters from houses, stay no more than two nights in the same spot on lowland farms, and leave no trace.
- Ticks and mosquitoes. Use repellent in summer, wear long light layers in the evening, and check your skin after walks.
- Card is king. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, though it is smart to carry a little cash for small countryside purchases.
- Sunday shopping. Many shops are closed or run shortened hours on Sundays. Stock up on Saturday if you plan to self-cater.
- Weather changes fast. Even in July, bring a light rain jacket and a warm layer. The forest keeps shade and cool air, especially by water.
Easy Day Trips From Gjerstad
Risør. A beautiful wooden-house town with narrow streets, small galleries, and a maritime feel. Swim from town piers, eat ice cream by the harbor, and wander the white-painted lanes.
Kragerø. Ferries and water taxis connect to an island-dotted archipelago. Spend a day hopping between swimming rocks and cafés.
Tvedestrand. A book town with steep streets and second-hand bookstores. Lovely for a slow morning and a coffee on the waterfront.
Vegårshei and Åmli. Inland neighbors with bigger lakes, longer forest routes, and chances to spot beavers on guided evening paddles.
A Simple 2-Day Gjerstad Itinerary
Day 1, lakes and viewpoints.
Morning, arrive by train or car and check into your cabin. Stock up at Brokelandsheia, then head for a gentle hill trail with a marked viewpoint. Lunch on the summit rock, followed by an afternoon swim at a lakeside bathing place. In the evening, try a short walk along the shore with a travel rod for a cast or two.
Day 2, paddle and coast.
Rent a canoe locally or bring your own and set out on a calm lake section of the Gjerstadvassdraget. Plan a loop with one short portage and a picnic stop. After a late lunch, drive down to Risør for a coastal stroll and dinner, returning to your cabin for a quiet night under tall pines.
Who Gjerstad Suits Best
Gjerstad is perfect for travelers who like small places with big nature. If you value easy access to forests and lakes, simple outdoor days, and nights that end around a fire pit, this is your corner of Agder. Pair it with a coastal town for a balanced week, or use it as a calm base for a few slow summer days between busier stops on a longer Norway trip.