Experience Norwegian Salmon – Face to Face

With its narrow passages, rapids, and cascades, the beautiful river Lygna flows from Lygnevannet in Hægebostad through Lyngdalen to its outlet in Kvavikfjorden in Lyngdal. Here you can experience Norwegian salmon – face to face.

The name of the river, Lygna, is said to be derived from the old Norwegian word “logn,” meaning calm or sheltered.

The idea of a salmon ladder in the Lygna River is said to be 100 years old. Except for a period in the 1970s and 1980s when acid rain emptied the river, wild salmon have flowed in from the sea, through the southern town of Lyngdal and up the rapids in the valley opposite, to the delight of so-called salmon lords and local fishermen. But at Kvåsfossen, there has been a halt. Here, under a meter-high, thundering foam, the salmon’s journey up the Lygna was prevented.

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Related: The Norwegian Queen of Samon Rivers
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Kvåsfossen and the legend of the troll Kvåsfossen has always been a landmark. The enormous “Kvåssteinen” forming the foundation for the current bridge is a spectacle in itself. At first glance, it looks like it could topple over at any moment, but it has rested securely for thousands of years.

The waterfall itself is a beautiful sight, but the real jewel is hidden inside the mountain beside the waterfall. Here you’ll find Norway’s longest salmon ladder in a tunnel. A 220-meter tunnel has been carved out to help the salmon pass the waterfall so that they can travel further upstream.

The salmon ladder was opened in 2014, and the visitor center was finished in mid-2017. Just a few hours after the opening, the first fish came swimming up. Since then, the ladder has guided salmon, trout, sea trout, and eels past the waterfall and up into the valleys above. The area made available to the salmon is estimated to provide at least two extra miles of romp space, possibly doubling the potential for the four fish species.

The permanently protected watercourse has always been a magnet for both young and old. The river truly comes to life during the salmon season. The largest salmon in Southern Norway in recent times was caught on a fly in Lygna in August 2008, weighing 17.6 kg. The dream of catching a big salmon, combined with inland fishing and small game hunting, provides enough excitement for those who love hunting and outdoor activities. The waterfall has a drop of 36 meters.
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Related: Salmon Fishing in Norway
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The visitor center of Nasjonalt Villakssenter – Kvåsfossen (National Wild Salmon Center – Kvåsfossen) is very informative with excellent facilities. The building is partly hanging over the river, and large windows make for spectacular views. A sitting area invites you to take a break and admire the beautiful nature. The more adventure-seeking guests can venture outside onto a small balcony that allows them to watch the river from above.

The building was designed by the architectural firm Rever & Drage, and offers, among other things, a moose exhibition, a café, and a SoMe-friendly view. The salmon staircase is located in the cave-like lower floor.

It is pretty spectacular to see the salmon through a glass wall in the tunnel. With a mix of awe and fear, you can also stand and look into the gorge and truly feel the power of the waterfall on your body.

Experience Norwegian Salmon – Face to Face, written by Tor Kjolberg
Feature image (top) © National Wild Salmon Center – Kvåsfossen.