The "child wanderer" trail at Heddan Gjestegard

Every year from 1830 until 1910 children from Vest Agder's poor communities left for Kristiansand and the bigger farms in Aust Agder for work. The children, who were from 7 to15 years old had to walk the long distance of 150 to 200 kilometers. They were away for the summer, from April until November The wages were 20-40 kroner plus room and board. The income was of great importance to the economic situation of their families.

The path they walked spring and autumn, "the child wanderer path", started in Årlia in Kvinesdal and ended by the church in Landvik close to Grimstad. The 139 km path is marked and divided into 7 sections through 9 communities in both counties.

Experience the first 3 sections of the path with Heddan Gjestegard as base.

Day 1 Årlia – Snartemo
Kl 9.00 Arrival at Heddan Gjestegard for transport to Årlia
Kl 9.30 Walking Årlia – Snartemo 11 Km
Kl 15.00 Arrival at Snartemo for transport back to Heddan Gjestegard
Kl 19.00 Dinner at Heddan Gjestegard

Day 2 Snartemo – Konsmo
Kl 8.00 Breakfast and preparation of a lunch package
Kl 9.00 Transport to Snartemo
Kl 9.30 Walking Snartemo - Konsmo 18 Km
Kl 15.00 Arrival at Konsmo for transport back to Heddan Gjestegard
Kl 19.00 Dinner at Heddan Gjestegard

Day 3 Konsmo – Marnardal
Kl 8.00 Breakfast and preparation of a lunch package
Kl 9.00 Transport to Konsmo
Kl 10.00 Walking Konsmo – Marnardal 14 Km
Kl 16.48 Train from Marnardal to Snartemo and transport back to Heddan Gjestegard

Price pr person Nok 2 740.-
Included: 2 nights in a double room with breakfast, 2 dinners and 2 lunch packages. Transportation to and from Snartemo and Konsmo. Train tickets are not included. Surcharge for a double room Nok 300.-.

Price pr person section 1 with 1 night halfboard and transport from Nok 1 270.-
Price pr person section 1 and 2 with 1 night halfboard and transport from Nok 1 590.-

If you choose one section or the entire path, it’s a lifetime experience.
Along the path geocaching is possible, see www.gcinfo.no.