The Nærbutikken is located in Nissedal (5 km away). It’s a small supermarket with an excellent range of products, including organic items. The shop is open 24/7. Outside opening hours, you can use your debit card to enter and all the lights will come on, just as if you were a VIP. You pay at the self-scan checkout. As well as groceries, you can also buy simple tools, books, magazines, walking maps and the like: Nærbutikken Nissedal. There is a small petrol station richt next to it.
In Vrådal (18 km) there are various shops, including a souvenir shop, a silversmith’s, the Joker supermarket and a petrol station. You’ll also find the Straand Hotel, dating from 1864, which also has a restaurant.
In Treungen (25 km) there are two supermarkets: the Spar and the Coop. There is a restaurant, Den Gamle Bru, run by Erik and Yvonne Kievit, a Thai takeaway food truck and a café that also sells trinkets. There are two petrol stations (one with a gatekjøkken – where you can get pizza and snacks) and a large charging station for electric cars. It’s a lovely little village where you can relax by the water.
If you fancy a more extensive shopping trip, Kviteseid (28 km) is an option. There you’ll find the Kiwi supermarket, a petrol station and a number of shops, such as an office supplies shop and fashion boutiques. There are also a few cafés and an ice-cream parlour.
Seljord (45 km) is larger and has several supermarkets and a shopping centre featuring, amongst other things, a Vinmonopolet (the state-run shop for wine and spirits – you can’t buy wine or spirits in the supermarket, but you can buy beer) and a chemist’s. There’s a bakery where you can also enjoy coffee and tasty treats. You’ll also find Europris, a shop with a wide range of household goods, foodstuffs and so on. There are also two petrol stations.
Drangedal (54 km) has plenty of supermarkets (Meny, Coop, Spar, Bunnpris, Joker), the Vinmonopolet, a DIY store and more.
In Bø (75 km), you’ll find an even wider range of shops. Among other things, there’s an outdoor sports outlet, a large shopping centre and a bakery where you can also enjoy a coffee and a slice of cake. You’ll also find several supermarkets, a Europris, DIY stores, etc. It’s a university town and one of the larger ‘towns’ in Telemark. The Bø Sommerland water park is also located here.
Please bear in mind that outside the peak summer or winter seasons, some shops and restaurants may be closed. Also, during the peak season, some shops have extended opening hours, such as on Sundays.
If you’re really looking for more restaurants and shops, you’ll need to head down to the coast to Kragerø, Arendal, Grimstad or Lillesand.