There are many activities and events for all ages in Gjesdal. You can find information here:

• Friskus – activities and events in Gjesdal
• Gjesdalbuen (Gjesdal's local newspaper)
• Facebook groups and local pages
• Leisure activities for children and youth

There are services in Gjesdal that make it easier for more people to take part in leisure activities.

• Fritidskort: gives children from families with low income free access to a range of cultural activities and experiences. Read more here.
• Tilrettelagt fritid: adapted leisure activities for people with different needs, so that more people have the opportunity to participate. Read more here. 

If you are unsure what options are available, you can contact the activities advisor or Frivilligsentralen for help. 

Veveriet is a former textile factory in Gjesdal. Today, it is an important meeting place for culture, activities and community life. At Veveriet, you can find the library, Kafé Nielsen, the youth center (Ungdomshuset) and other multifunctional rooms. Veveriet is for everyone in Gjesdal. You can join existing activities, or help create new ones. Do you want to start a film or knitting club, or do you need a place for your organisation to meet? Veveriet can help make it happen. Rooms at Veveriet can be booked through BOOKUP - utleieobjekter. You need to create a user account to book a room. 

Kafé Nielsen is normally open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:30. Lunch is served from 11:00 to 13:00, as long as food is available.

Ungdomshuset is the youth center at Veveriet. It is a safe and welcoming place where youth can meet, relax and take part in activities. You can read more here. 

The library (Biblioteket) in Gjesdal is a free and welcoming place for everyone. At the library, you can:

• borrow books, e-books and audiobooks in Norwegian and other languages
• find books to help you learn Norwegian. These books are marked “lær norsk” and have their own shelf. 
• read newspapers and magazines
• use a computer and access the internet
• print documents for a small fee
• borrow games, consoles and board games
• take part in events and activities

You need a library card to borrow books and other items. If you need books in your own language, the library may be able to help you order them. The library also offers study and reading spaces, a seed library called “frøbibliotek”, and Folkeverkstedet, a creative space where you can make and create. You can read more about Gjesdal's library here. 

Gjesdal offers activities during school holidays, such as summer, autumn, and winter holidays. Some activities are for children and families, while others are for youth. Read more about holiday activities here.

There are many ways to meet people and get involved in the local community.

• The Volunteer Centre, called Frivilligsentralen, offers activities and opportunities to participate: Gjesdal frivilligsentral
• Gjesdalvenn helps connect people and build networks: Gjesdalvenn - Gjesdal kommune
• BidraLab offers opportunities to get involved, share ideas, and take part in activities:
  • Bidra Lab | Facebook
  • BidraLab – fellesskap, læring og glede på tvers av kulturer

Not everyone’s experience of settling in Norway is the same. Some people find it easy to feel included, while others may experience language barriers, loneliness, or uncertainty about where to belong. Joining activities, volunteering, using local meeting places, and asking for help can make it easier to build a network over time.

Gjesdal is known for its beautiful nature and great opportunities for outdoor activities. There are many places to explore, whether you want a short walk or a longer trip. You can find inspiration and information here:

• Hiking routes in Gjesdal 
• Day trip cabins (dagsturhytter)
• Brekko (skiing and hiking)

You can borrow outdoor equipment for free through Frilager.

Outdoor safety

Nature in Norway is safe to explore, but it is important to be prepared. Before going outdoors:

• dress for the weather and wear suitable shoes 
• bring water and a charged phone 
• check the weather forecast. However, keep in mind that the weather can change quickly. 

There are also several rules and recommendations you should be aware of when spending time outdoors. This includes topics such as fire safety, dog leash rules (båndtvang), mountain safety, and swimming safety. You can find more information about outdoor safety here:

• The Norwegian Mountain Code - Røde Kors
• Turvett - Gjesdal kommune