Few natural sights near Kristiansand pack as much drama and folklore into one stop as the Reiår waterfall (Reiårsfossen). Cascading down a towering cliff in the Evje and Hornnes area of Setesdal, about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Kristiansand, this multi-tiered waterfall is a classic Southern Norway outing: easy to reach, photogenic in every season, and wrapped in local legend. The falls are especially impressive in spring and early summer, when snowmelt turns the ravine into a thunderous spectacle visible right from the valley floor.
History and myth mingle at Reiår waterfall. Local lore tells of a young man named Reiår who sought to prove his bravery and win the hand of his beloved by riding his horse along a perilous ledge beside the torrent. Whether fact or fable, the story lends a romantic edge to the viewpoint and explains the waterfall’s name. The surrounding Setesdal valley has long been a corridor of travel and trade, and the falls themselves were landmarks for farmers, timber workers, and later the first motoring tourists heading north from The Cathedral City (Domkirkebyen), another nickname for Kristiansand used for centuries.
For today’s visitors, Reiår waterfall is refreshingly accessible. From Kristiansand, follow the E39 and then the National Road 9 (Riksvei 9) north through the scenic Otra river valley to the small centers of Evje and Hornnes. Well-marked signs point to viewpoints and picnic areas, and you can see the falls from several pullouts without a strenuous hike. Short trails lead closer to the base for those who want the rush of spray and better photo angles; sturdy shoes are recommended as rocks can be slick, and paths may be muddy after rain.
A practical bonus is the family-friendly setup around Evje and Hornnes (Evje og Hornnes), a popular outdoor hub. Combine the waterfall with nearby activities like gemstone panning at The Mineral Park (Mineralparken), rafting on The Otra River (Otra), or walking the leafy riverside paths. In summer, several cafés and petrol stations in Evje provide supplies, restrooms, and maps. If you’re visiting in winter, check road conditions and daylight hours; the falls often form mesmerizing ice curtains, but access can be icy and sunset comes early.
Photographers will find Reiår waterfall rewarding throughout the day. Morning light often softens the cliff textures, while late afternoon sun can ignite the spray into a golden haze. After rainfall, the volume surges, and in late spring multiple side streams appear, creating a layered cascade. Bring a wide-angle lens for the full height and a neutral density filter for silky long exposures. Even with a smartphone, the contrasts of white water against dark rock make for dramatic images.
What makes Reiår waterfall relevant to Kristiansand visitors is how neatly it fits into a day trip that feels far from the city yet is simple to plan. You can depart after breakfast, stop at The Old Fortress (Kristiansands festning) or The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga) for a quick look on your way out, cruise up the valley, picnic by the falls, add a short walk or museum visit, and be back in town for dinner on the waterfront. It’s a snapshot of Southern Norway’s wild side—untainted, storied, and close at hand.
Before you go, check local tourism sites for any trail updates or seasonal events, pack layers and a rain shell (weather shifts quickly inland), and respect safety barriers near viewpoints. Whether you come for the legend of Reiår, the thunder of falling water, or the easy blend of nature and culture, Reiår waterfall delivers one of the region’s most memorable stops.