Hovden Fjellbad: From local waterpark to mountain destination

By Celina Tran | Photos: Torvald Gautland

In the heart of Setesdal, where the river Otra winds between pine forests and high mountain plateaus, lies the mountain village of Hovden. With around 3,000 cabins in the municipality and a steady rhythm of skiers, hikers and holidaymakers passing through, Hovden has long been known for its outdoor lifestyle. But last year, one attraction has redefined the destination: Hovden Fjellbad.

Hovden Badeland was among Norway’s first waterparks, with the original facility opening in 1990. For decades, it served as a beloved gathering place for cabin guests and locals alike until a fire ravaged the spa department in 2022.

“We were then stuck at a crossroad, contemplating what to do – continue as a waterpark or perhaps use the opportunity to try something new,” says general manager Torvald Gautland. “We decided that if we were rebuilding anyway, we might as well go big.”

In the following days, Gautland, who is a former baker and pastry chef with no architectural background, began to draw some simple sketches of an aqueduct stretching over the slopes.
“The architect said at the opening that it was such a wild idea he wouldn’t have suggested it himself, even if he had thought of it,” he laughs.

In the end, the fire became the catalyst for a destination project with expansions, redesigns, and an investment of a whooping NOK 160 million. On 27 September 2025, the expansion finally opened, carrying a new name with big ambitions: Hovden Fjellbad.

Today, Hovden Fjellbad offers everything from a 25-metre swimming pool with dedicated lanes for training, a diving tower at 1, 3 and 5 metres, a 70-metre waterslide with timing system, and a 65-metre obstacle river where guests float through rapids in large rings – and, of course, a new, swanky wellness area. Moreover, an integrated modern fitness centre makes the complex as much a training arena as a leisure facility.

Aqueduct exterior.

Swimming above the ski trail

Suspended above a cross-country ski trail is the famous aqueduct, an infinity pool stretching across the landscape. From the water, swimmers can look toward the peaks of Hovdenuten and Nos and down to the river Otra. “It’s fun to see people walking or skiing under you while you’re swimming,” Gautland says.

Not to worry, both Hovden itself and Hovden Fjellbad are year-round destinations. In winter, you can enjoy how steam rises into the crisp mountain air while headlamps flicker along the trail below. If that is too cold for you, no need to fret – there is a whole world of fun waiting inside.

For those with children, the family pool is kept at a comfortable 30 degrees, and there is a shallow splash pool for the littlest ones, allowing even the youngest visitors a safe introduction to water.

“If you’re looking to sit back and relax, however, the wellness department offers saunas, steam baths, a cold plunge and relaxation zones,” says Gautland. “After 1pm, the area is reserved for adults, and the lounge offers refreshing drinks and small bites.”

For sauna enthusiast, the Otra sauna stands near the riverbank, offering panoramic views of the flowing water and surrounding mountains. Here, you can step straight out from intense heat into the sharp mountain air.

Hovden Fjellbad: From local waterpark to mountain destination

A year-round mountain destination

Of course, Hovden Fjellbad does not stand alone, and visitors to the area can partake in a range of activities. Hovden is home to a well-developed ski centre, extensive alpine slopes and 160 kilometres of cross-country trails. “In snow-rich years, you can even continue skiing all the way into May,” says Gautland.

In the milder seasons, Hovdenuten offers sweeping views and exciting adventures. Hiking newbies might seek out Børtemannsbekken, and some routes are accessible for prams and wheelchairs. With plenty of untouched nature, those who want to see wild animals might spot reindeer and other creatures roaming the highlands, and fishing can easily be combined with day trips, too. “After hours outdoors, whether skiing, hiking or skating on the local rink, a dip in the warm pools provides the perfect ending to a day full of activity,” says Gautland.

Hovden Fjellbad: From local waterpark to mountain destination

Hovden Fjellbad has become a gathering place for all ages. Here, children test their courage from the diving tower, fitness enthusiasts complete interval sessions in the training pool, and parents relax in the wellness lounge while children race down the slide once more. Everything you might need is effortless and available. Forgotten goggles, floaties, or grabbed the wrong swimming trunks? No worries, Hovden Fjellbad has everything you need, including a lovely café for when the hours of fun leave you peckish!

If you are sick of the city, seeking a new adventure, or perhaps just need a few days to kick back and immerse in quiet nature, look to Hovden Fjellbad in Setedal. You will find a warm 32-degree aqueduct waiting for you with spectacular sights on all ends.