Visit Landeskogen
A historic place in the heart of Setesdal, where art, history, and nature come together. Experience exhibitions and events in a building undergoing transformation – where new chapters are being written while history remains ever present.
Art, History, and Nature in Setesdal
Landeskogen Art Sanatorium is a place in transformation. Here, contemporary art, a rich cultural history, and the natural surroundings of the historic sanatorium in Grendi come together.
Through exhibitions, events, and new artistic initiatives, the building is gradually opening its doors to the public. Landeskogen is more than a place to visit – it is a place where new chapters are continually unfolding.
A Place in Transformation
For more than a century, Landeskogen has been a place for people in different stages of life. Originally built as a sanatorium, the site has since served many different purposes as society's needs have changed.
In 2025, a new chapter in Landeskogen's history began. The site is now being developed as an art sanatorium – a place for art, culture, learning, and new encounters.
This transformation is taking place step by step. Exhibitions, events, and new artistic initiatives are gradually opening the building to the public, while its history remains present in the rooms and surrounding landscape.
When you visit Landeskogen, you encounter both traces of its long history and new artistic expressions taking shape.
Experience Landeskogen
Exhibitions
In the historic rooms, changing exhibitions of contemporary art and printmaking are presented. Landeskogen invites both established and emerging artists to explore the unique atmosphere of the site.
Events
Throughout the year, openings, artist talks, lectures, concerts, and other activities are organised to create encounters between artists, audiences, and the place itself.
Art and Nature
Landeskogen is surrounded by forest and cultural landscapes, with views across the Setesdal landscape.
On the property is Bygland municipality’s day-trip cabin, Utsikten. A short, marked trail through the forest leads from Landeskogen to the cabin, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Byglandsfjorden and the surrounding area.
A visit to Landeskogen can therefore be combined with a short walk in nature – an encounter between art, history, and landscape.
A Historical Journey to Landeskogen
Travelling to Landeskogen has always been part of the story of the place.
When the sanatorium opened at the beginning of the 20th century, patients and visitors travelled to Setesdal using the modern means of transport of the time. The railway carried travellers up the valley to Byglandsfjord, and from there the journey continued by steamship across Byglandsfjorden before the final stage to Landeskogen.
Today, parts of this journey can still be experienced. During the summer season, you can travel on historic trains along the Setesdal Railway and by the steamship D/S Bjoren on Byglandsfjorden. The historic station area in Byglandsfjord recalls the time when railways and steamships were important connections through Setesdal.
The journey to Landeskogen is therefore not only about reaching a destination, but also about experiencing the landscape and history that surround the place.
Welcome to Landeskogen
Whether you come for an exhibition, an event, a walk in nature, or to experience the history, we welcome you to Landeskogen.
A place where historic rooms meet new expressions – and where a new chapter in Landeskogen’s history is already unfolding.