Trollholene

Useful Information

Location:	Kilegrend, Fyresdal, West Telemark. Øynuten rund, southern end of Fyresvatnet, eastern Setesdalsheiene. RS41 from Kristiansand to Kviteseid, turn off on RS355 at Tjønnefoss. At Kilegrend folow signs Grendehus/skule.
Open:	No restrictions. [2010]
Fee:	free. [2010]
Classification:	erosional cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	Fyresdal Turistinformasjon, Tel: +47-35041455, Fax: +47-35042471. E-mail:
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History

Description

Trollholene is actually not a cave, its a huge dolly tub, the remains of melting water from the glaciers of the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago. They are a series of abris, overhanging rocks, some three to eight meters high and up to four meters deep. The middle cave looks like a huge chamber and is big enough for about 50 persons. Since 1911 it is used for so-called cave masses. This tradition was reactivated after a pause in 1988 and since then there are regular masses. The wooden cancellus is located at the entrance of the cave and has a Christian cross. Cave and the amphitheater in front of it are big enough for about 130 persons to attent the mass. The place, located at the southern flank of the Øynuten, 60 m above the lake Krokane, offers a nice view on the lake.

On the opposite side of the small island, at Øyne (eyes) there are more caves of this kind. Those caves are less popular and not signposted. Thay are locate above the road from the campground Øyne and the Glomfoss sawmill.

The caves of Øynuten rund (Øynuten island) are accessible by a nature and culture trail starting from Kilegrend. The start is at the school of Kilegrend, the trail is signed and with explanatory signs in Norwegian and German. Most of it is on forestry roads, which connect the farms of the island along the shore.