Setesdal Vesthei – Ryfylkeheiane Landscape Conservation Area

The Setesdal Vesthei – Ryfylkeheiane Landscape Conservation Area (SVR) protects the natural and cultural landscape that is the natural habitat of the southernmost population of wild reindeer in Europe. Wild reindeer are migratory animals that are very sensitive to disturbance. Much of the Setesdal Vesthei mountain area is a bedrock plateau with sparse vegetation.

The area constitutes the southern border for the most common species of game in Norway. Hydropower development and road construction have had a huge impact on the landscape. The cultural heritage here is related to the hunting of wild reindeer, cattle as well as sheep grazing and mining.

Approximately 1/3 of the conservation area is owned by the government, while the rest is in private possession. Conservation is no obstacle to traditional use and resource utilization, and the area is a source of food including trout, reindeer, mountain grouse and other small game. It is also important grazing land for sheep.

Ancient trails 
Historically, several of the ancient trails between the Setesdal Valley and the districts of Øvre Telemark and Ryfylke ran through this area and many of the current tourist paths follow the ancient roads. The Mountain Touring Association and Statskog (the Norwegian State-owned Land and Forest Company) keep the area accessible to people who want to enjoy the scenery and outdoor life.

Hiking is permitted in Setesdal Vesthei – Ryfylkeheiane area, except along reindeer migration routes and at calving places where hikers must follow marked paths, particularly during certain times of the year. Visitors are requested to be considerate at all times and not disturb the wildlife.

Important parts of the area are owned by the government. The property is run by Statskog. Statskog is an important participant in developing the area for outdoor life, hunting, fishing, etc. Statskog also offers training in wild reindeer hunting and sells fishing and hunting licences, cabin rental etc. For more information and online reservations, please visit http://www.inatur.no (in Norwegian and Swedish).

The remaining parts of the conservation area are privately owned. The right to go hunting and fishing follows the right of ownership. Several places the owners sell hunting and fishing licences. Some may also offer accommodation. Fishing licences often cover several lakes and waterways.

Administrative authority
Through national legislation, Setesdal Vesthei – Ryfylkeheiane has been permanently protected as a conservation area since 2000. Adjacent protected areas have been established either before or after that.

The municipalities have administrative authority and responsibility in the conservation area. In addition to the administration of the habitat, several stakeholders are involved in the administration of wild reindeer both within and outside the landscape conservation area.

The administrative authority has been delegated to each of the local municipalities. According to these regulations, one has formalized inter-authority cooperation to secure equality and interaction over the total conservation area.

Please find more information and maps on the Setesdal Vesthei – Ryfylkeheiane Landskapsvernområde website (in Norwegian) or contact Tarjei Haugen, project manager.