At the southern end of Byglandsfjord, where the long, narrow lake narrows before flowing south as the Otra river, Neset Camping has built a reputation as one of the best campsites in Setesdal. The four-star rating reflects a genuine investment in quality: the site is well maintained, thoughtfully laid out, and positioned right on the lake shore with direct access to the water. The barrel sauna is one of the amenities that sets it apart from a basic campsite, adding a dimension of comfort and ritual to the outdoor experience.
The Barrel Sauna
The sauna barrel is a compact, cylindrical unit — a format that heats quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for the campsite context where guests may want a session at short notice without a long wait. The barrel sits within reach of the lake, meaning the cold plunge is the natural one: straight into Byglandsfjord, which draws considerable warmth by midsummer. For families camping at Neset, the sauna is a natural end to a long day of swimming, paddleboarding, or exploring the valley on foot or by bicycle.
The campsite also has rowing boats and canoes for hire, and the sheltered southern end of Byglandsfjord is calm enough for beginners. Children find the combination of lake activities and sauna an entirely satisfying day out, and the budget price point means it is accessible to a wide range of visitors.
Byglandsfjord and the Lower Setesdal
Bygland municipality occupies the lower part of Setesdal, where the valley is broader and greener than the high plateaus further north. Byglandsfjord village sits at the lake’s southern tip, and the area has a gentle, pastoral quality that contrasts with the more dramatic mountain scenery of Bykle and Valle. The Setesdal Mineral Park is a short drive away, and the valley road south leads back to Kristiansand in under an hour.
For campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Setesdal without the full mountain commitment, Neset is an ideal base — comfortable enough to be a proper break, wild enough to feel genuinely close to nature.
