Nissedal: Nisser, Cliffs and Trails
Accommodation in Nissedal
Nissedal combines the large Lake Nisser with cliffs, peaks and an unusual variety of trails. At Lake Nisser, you will find several sandy beaches and smooth, polished rock surfaces; steep, smooth rock faces rise there to 700 to 800 metres above sea level. The lake itself is 35 kilometres long and 250 metres deep. This offers a range of experiences, from activities by the water to excursions in higher-altitude landscapes.
Hiking Trails and Climbing Routes
For a hike along a clearly defined route, consider the Folkesti trail over Torgrimsfjell. The 5.1-kilometre circular trail starts at the church in Nissedal, passes through ancient forest and former smallholdings, and crosses Torgrimsfjell. From there, you can enjoy views of Lake Nisser. The former farms make the landscape’s past use part of the experience along the way.
Another hike leads to Skuggenatten. The moderately difficult, steep trail starts in Treungen on the FV41. The round trip takes three hours, and along the way you can enjoy views across Nissedal and Treungen. Hægefjell is another highlight: Its summit is one of the highest in Nissedal municipality and is used for climbing and bouldering. There are around 50 climbing routes of all difficulty levels. The ascent starts at the Fjoneferja ferry on County Road 41. First, the trail follows a gravel road for about 40 minutes, then continues along a well-marked and signposted forest path.
Cycling on Railway Lines and High-Elevation Trails
Nissedal’s cycling network covers a total of 74 kilometres across seven routes. It is interconnected and designed for cycling, with several sections that can be combined into longer rides. The old Treungenbanen has a distinctive character: This cycle route follows the historic railway line between Åmli and Treungen, passing cultural heritage sites associated with the railway and timber floating on the Nidelva. The route has very little incline and runs mostly on its own car-free track.
On Heimdalsheia, there are 100 kilometres of cycling trails with solid boardwalks and sturdy suspension bridges. The area lies between Gautefall and Heimdal. Information about the different routes offers various points of reference for planning your trip, such as the almost flat railway track, sections that can be combined within the 74-kilometre network, or the boardwalks and suspension bridges on Heimdalsheia.
Water Routes, Fishing and Rock Pools
The Arendalsvassdraget has marked paddling routes from Lake Nisser to the coast. Starting points include Nisser, Tjørull and Haugsjåsund camping. Fishing is another activity to enjoy: In Nissedal, you can fish in 1,750 bodies of water, including Lake Nisser and Tjørull. Fish species include trout, perch, Arctic char and vendace.
In southern Nissedal lies Jettegrytene, an area with numerous glacial potholes. There are natural slides, waterfalls and diving platforms among the rock pools. If you would rather plan a quieter moment by the water, you will find a meeting place in the centre of Nissedal with a water trampoline, table tennis tables, a hammock and a barbecue.
Culture and Getting Your Bearings Locally
In Treungen, the Z-Museum presents more than 80 themed exhibitions. Topics on display include rare cars, the development of the telephone, and hats and headwear. A visit to the museum therefore complements outdoor discoveries with stories of technology and everyday life.
For travel between the shores of Lake Nisser, the Fjoneferja, the MF Nissen, is a distinctive link: It carries passengers and cars across the more than 500-metre-wide Fjonesundet from Fjone to Framnes. The ferry connects the eastern and western shores of Lake Nisser and is part of County Road 3380, which connects to National Road 41, the Telemarksvegen. Alongside its hiking, cycling and water-based experiences, Nissedal offers a variety of travel highlights. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether you would like to focus mainly on hiking, climbing, cycling, paddling or culture.
For the broader travel overview: Telemark.
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