Nasjonalt Villakssenter Kvåsfossen
Norway's most visited wild salmon centre
At Kvåsfossen in Lyngdal lies the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre – a building perched on the edge of the gorge, right above a 220-metre-long fish ladder inside the mountain. Here, nearly 10,000 visitors a year get up close with wild salmon, and almost half of them come from abroad.
Photo: Nasjonalt Villakssenter Kvåsfossen
Who are we?
The wild salmon's experience and knowledge centre is located by the river Lygna, right above a fish ladder built inside the mountain.
By the river Lygna lies the wild salmon's experience and knowledge centre. Beneath the centre, inside the mountain, runs the 220-metre-long fish ladder tunnel. Over 600 fish pass through the ladder each year.
The fish ladder offers a unique view straight into the river, an experience rarely found anywhere else. If you're lucky, you might spot salmon, sea trout and eel – at various life stages.
The centre is spectacularly located at Kvåsfossen, perched right on the edge of the gorge. Walk the "plank" and look straight down into the waterfall, learn about wild salmon in one of the exhibitions, enjoy the view with a cup of coffee, or take part in one of our activities. You can also buy fishing licences for sea trout and salmon fishing in the Lygna river at the centre.
The river Lygna is permanently protected from hydropower development, so water levels are governed entirely by natural rainfall. There are also some lovely hiking areas nearby.
In short
- The Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre Kvåsfossen is located by the river Lygna in Lyngdal municipality
- The centre features a 220-metre-long fish ladder built into the mountain
- Over 600 fish pass through the fish ladder each year
- Around 10,000 visitors come each year, 50% of whom are international tourists
- The centre sells fishing licences on behalf of two river owners' associations along the Lygna
The centre in numbers
Knowledge about wild salmon and the significance of the fish ladder
We share knowledge about the life of wild salmon, along with the challenges and threats they face. The story of wild salmon in southern Norway is told in a dedicated exhibition at the centre.
The fish ladder helps Atlantic salmon get past Kvåsfossen, effectively doubling the spawning area available to the species. At the same time, visitors get the chance to observe salmon behaviour at different life stages and across the river's various seasons.
Local engagement
We take part in many different networks, both professional and tourism-related. We also sell fishing licences on behalf of the two river owners' associations along the Lygna. Throughout the year, we welcome visits from school classes across Agder.
Our shop sells a range of locally produced products.
Work environment and tasks
The school summer holidays are the centre's high season – that's when we boost staffing to welcome guests properly. Our employees span all age groups, from newcomers to the workforce on their first summer job, through students, to those winding down their careers.
Our staff need to be reliable and confident when meeting any guest who visits the centre. Conversations can take place in different languages and with visitors of all ages. Happy guests give positive energy back to our employees!
We want to protect nature and its diversity – and take responsibility for economic, environmental and social challenges in a balanced way.
Contact person
Norsk villaksenter KvåsfossenVisitor centreKvåsveien 1500, 4588 Kvås – Lyngdal
The place · Lyngdal
Living in Lyngdal
We will, we dare
Places: Byremo, Konsmo, Korshamn and Lyngdal by
Read more about LyngdalMessages are sent through Freysta Portal. Membership is free.
Photo: LyngdalBy