Nissedal between cycling routes and rocky landscapes

Lake Nisser is 35 kilometres long and 250 metres deep. Several sandy beaches and smoothly polished rock surfaces line the lake; steep, smoothly polished rock faces rise there to 700 to 800 metres above sea level. From Langfjell, the view of Lake Nisser changes from day to day, depending on whether the wind is calm or blowing. Shores, rock, and changing views of the lake give the landscape different accents; cycling routes, summit hikes, and cultural sites reveal other sides of Nissedal.

Cycling routes with different profiles

A connected network of routes set up for cycling covers a total of 74 kilometres on seven routes in Nissedal. Several sections can be combined into longer tours. The cycling route on the old Treungen railway line has its own character: it follows the historic railway between Åmli and Treungen, has very little elevation gain, and runs mostly on its own car-free track. Along the way, the route passes cultural heritage sites associated with railway operations and log driving on the Nidelva.

Heimdalsheia has 100 kilometres of cycling routes with boardwalks and sturdy suspension bridges; the area lies between Gautefall and Heimdal. The cycling options described thus range from the old railway route to routes with boardwalks and suspension bridges. You can weigh up which route length or character suits your plans based on these specific details.

Lake Nisser and experiences on the water

The Arendalsvassdraget has marked paddling routes from Lake Nisser to the coast. Starting points include locations by Lake Nisser, Tjørull, and Haugsjåsund camping. Fishing is another option: in Nissedal, you can fish in 1,750 bodies of water, including Lake Nisser and Tjørull. The fish species mentioned include large trout, perch, Arctic char, and whitefish.

In southern Nissedal, Jettegrytene has natural water slides, waterfalls, and diving platforms among numerous potholes. In central Nissedal, the waterside meeting place has a water trampoline, ping-pong tables, a hammock, and a barbecue. The two places offer different experiences: Jettegrytene is shaped by its natural formations, while the central meeting place brings together the amenities mentioned by the water.

Summits, forest trails, and climbing routes

Hægefjell is one of the highest peaks in Nissedal municipality and is used for climbing and bouldering. There are around 50 climbing routes there, covering all grades of difficulty. The ascent starts at the Fjone ferry on County Road 41. It first follows a gravel road for about 40 minutes, then continues along a well-marked and signposted forest trail.

Another hike leads to Skuggenatten. The moderately difficult, steep trail starts in Treungen by FV41; three hours are indicated for the round trip. From there, you can enjoy views of Nissedal and Treungen. The 5.1-kilometre Folkesti is a circular route starting at Nissedal Church. It leads through old forest, past former smallholdings, and over Torgrimsfjell, with views of Lake Nisser. The routes described therefore differ both in their course and in their stated times and distances.

Museum and railway history

The Z-Museum in Treungen presents more than 80 themed exhibitions. Topics include rare cars, the development of the telephone, and hats and headwear. Together with the cultural heritage sites along the cycling route on the old Treungen railway line, the museum offers another perspective on the region: indoor exhibits sit alongside traces of railway operations and log driving on the Nidelva.

Getting your bearings on the route

The Fjone ferry, MF Nissen, carries passengers and cars across the Fjonesundet, which is just over 500 metres wide, from Fjone to Framnes. It connects the east and west sides of Lake Nisser and is part of County Road 3380, which joins National Road 41, Telemarksvegen. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Treungen, Nissedal, Tokke, Nome, Sauherad, Notodden, Bø, Kragerø.

For the main travel overview: Telemark.