Nissedal Municipality Nissedal kommune | |
|---|---|
 | |
 Flag | |
 Telemark within Norway | |
 Nissedal within Telemark | |
| Coordinates:59°4′35″N8°31′6″E / 59.07639°N 8.51833°E /59.07639; 8.51833 | |
| Country | Norway |
| County | Telemark |
| District | Vest-Telemark |
| Established | 1 Jan 1838 |
| • Created as | Formannskapsdistrikt |
| Administrative centre | Treungen |
| Government | |
| • Mayor(2023) | Ian Parry-Jones (Sp) |
| Area | |
• Total | 905.17 km2 (349.49 sq mi) |
| • Land | 785.92 km2 (303.45 sq mi) |
| • Water | 119.25 km2 (46.04 sq mi) 13.2% |
| • Rank | #129 in Norway |
| Population (2023) | |
• Total | 1,442 |
| • Rank | #303 in Norway |
| • Density | 1.8/km2 (5/sq mi) |
| • Change(10 years) |  +0.8% |
| Demonym | Nissedøl[1] |
| Official language | |
| • Norwegian form | Nynorsk |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| ISO 3166 code | NO-4030[3] |
| Website | Official website |
Nissedal is a ruralmunicipality inTelemark region ofTelemarkcounty,Norway. It is part of thetraditional regions ofUpper Telemark andVest-Telemark. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village ofTreungen. Other villages in Nissedal includeKyrkjebygda andFelle.[4]
The 905-square-kilometre (349 sq mi) municipality is the 129th largest by area of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Nissedal is the 303rd most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 1,442. The municipality'spopulation density is 1.8 inhabitants per square kilometre (4.7/sq mi) and its population has increased by 0.8% over the previous 10-year period.[5][6] Nissedal has 2,246 vacation homes, so the population swells during holidays and vacation times.[7]
Nissedal has been nicknamed the "Telemark Riviera" for its close proximity toGautefall Alpine Center and for its many campgrounds and outdoor activities.[8][9] There are a total of 1,750 lakes in Nissedal, includingNisser, the seventh-largest lake in Norway, which Nissedal is named after.[10]Gautefall, which is home toTelemark County's largest alpine center, lies adjacent to the municipality. For residents of theOslo Fjord area, Gautefall is the nearest winter sport destination.[11]
Nissedal's terrain is characterized byroche moutonnée rock formations, mountains, valleys, forests, wetlands, and lakes. Nissedal is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as paddling, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, skiing, boating, and more.[12]: 182 It is recognized as one of Norway’s best places formountain climbing.[13][14] Nissedal is home toHægefjell, one of Norway's most popular mountain climbing destinations.[15][16]
Nissedal was originally a part of theKviteseidparish until Nissedal established its own parish in 1810.[17]: 82 Theparish of Nissedal was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (seeformannskapsdistrikt law). During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of theSchei Committee. On 1 January 1962, the Espestøl area (population: 7) ofÅmli Municipality inAust-Agder county was transferred to Nissedal Municipality inTelemark county. Then again on 1 January 1965, the unpopulated Espestøl, Reinefoss, and Espestølstykket areas ofÅmli Municipality inAust-Agder county was transferred to Nissedal Municipality inTelemark county. The borders have not changed since that time.[18]
The municipality (originally theparish) is named after the Nissedalen valley (Old Norse:Nizidalr) since the firstNissedal Church was built in the valley. Nissedal was first mentioned in a written source in the 1300s under the nameNizudal. The current written form first emerged in the 1400s.[19]: 4 The first element of the municipal name comes from the local lakeNisser, which was historically spelledNizir. The first element is the lake name comes from the local riverNið, the old name for the riverNidelva. The last element of the lake name issær which means "inland sea" or "large lake". Thus it is "the inland sea that feeds the river Nidelva". The last element of the municipal name isdalr which means "valley" or "dale".[20][21][22]
Today, the name Nissedal refers to three geographical areas: 1) the municipality of Nissedal, 2) the Nissedal parish in theChurch of Norway which includes the villages on both sides of the lakeNisser, and 3) the villages of Nordbygda and Kyrkjebygda that are jointly referred to as "Nissedal village".[17]: 82
Thecoat of arms was granted on 30 October 1992. The officialblazon is"Or, threenisse hatsgules" (Norwegian:På gull grunn tre raude nisseluer, 2-1). This means the arms have afield (background) has atincture ofOr which means it is commonly colored yellow, but if it is made out of metal, then gold is used. Thecharge is a set of threenisseluer, traditional redwoolen hats often associated with thenisse, which were commonly worn until the late 19th century by farmers and common folk. It is acanting arms, since the nameNissedal has been "translated" into avisual pun with the three woolen hats, in spite of the name having nothing to do with thefolkloric nisse. The arms were designed by Halvor Holtskog Jr. The municipal flag has the same design as the coat of arms.[23][24][25]
TheChurch of Norway has one parish (sokn) within the municipality of Nissedal. It is part of theØvre Telemark prosti (deanery) in theDiocese of Agder og Telemark.
| Parish (sokn) | Church name | Location of the church | Year built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissedal | Nissedal Church | Kyrkjebygda | 1764 |
| Treungen Church | Treungen | 1863 | |
| Felle Chapel | Felle | 1970 |
Nissedal has been populated for over 10,000 years.[19]: 40 It was likely one of the first areas in Telemark to be inhabited, likely by people migrating from the south and southwest after theIce Age. Most artifacts retrieved in Nissedal are dated to theIron Age. However, older traces such ascairns,arrowheads, and stone axes have also been retrieved. Two ancient rock paintings can still be seen on the western shore ofLake Nisser, including paintings at Kvithamar by Fjone and at Trontveit further south.Bronze Age artifacts include swords and keys, while there are large burial mounds found in Fjone ("Kjempehaugane").[19]: 4 The ancient burial mounds have a diameter of 15–20 meters and are dated to the Iron Age.[19]: 40
One of the earliest areas to be populated in Nissedal was the cave Holmevasshelleren, approximately 40 metres (130 ft) from the lake Holmevatn at Kyrkjebygdheia. Archeological discoveries have dated prehistoric settlements at Holmevasshelleren toNeolithic times, 3800 BCE-6000 BCE. The cave is 18 metres (59 ft) long, 4 metres (13 ft) high, and 3 metres (9.8 ft) deep.[26]: 157 [12]: 192
Ancientrock paintings from theBronze Age can be seen at various sites in Nissedal, including by a steep mountain by Trontveit farm on the western side of the lakeNisser. Such paintings are also found by Kvithamar further north.[4] The rock art site at Kvithammaren ("The White Crag") is named for the site where it is painted, namely a white niche in the mountainside, roughly 3–4 metres (9.8–13.1 ft) above the surface of Nisser Lake, at the foot of a 50-metre (160 ft) high cliff. It is easily visible from distance and may have been seen as openings in Earth and a link to the underworld. The other rock painting by Nisser Lake is known asOvnen ("The Oven") and is located at the foot of a 20-metre (66 ft) highescarpment which originally jutted up in front of the panel. This painting depicts a row of human figures, an animal pictograph, and a pattern of zigzag lines. A local clergyman visited the paintings in the early 1800s and claimed the human figures at Ovnen to have been drawn by a monk in the memory of a bridal procession that drowned. Their colloquial name,Munkeskrifta ("The Monk’s Drawings"), is a reference to this.[27] The paintings at Ovnen are naturally filled iniron oxides.[12]: 203
An ancient archeological monument from the Bronze Age, dating to 1800 BCE-500 BCE, can also be seen by Stolsvasslonene. It is asolar symbol of asun wheel which is 40-centimeter in diameter.[26]: 192–194 [12]: 186 It can be reached by hiking theDNT trail between Uvdalen and Gautefall. It is likely an ancient symbol of fertility and possibly related to the nearby lake.[19]: 38 [28]: 111
Heigeitilen, aboundary marker on the border between the three historic parishes ofTørdal, Nissedal, andTreungen, was first mentioned in written sources in 1792. It is likely an ancient marker and can be reached from the Heigeitilløypa trail (Heigeitilstien). It is aMilky Quartz mineral rock.[12]: 192 [26]: 163 [17]: 112
The Uvdalen valley has been populated since theStone Age. Protected from the wind by the mountain Heitfjell, the area was likely inhabited for hundreds of years. Archeological surveys here have retrieved various artifacts from the Stone Age, including arrowheads andflint tools. The first written record of inhabitants in Uvdalen dates to 1574, while the last permanent inhabitants left the valley in 1910. The 1733 census indicates that Bjørn Alvson and his wife Torbjørg lived on a farm here with nine cows, 42 sheep, 16 goats, and two horses, among other animals. The 1865 census showed a total population of 24 in Uvdalen.[26]: 198–200 Uvdalen was once home to one of the largest farms inTreungen.[12]: 186–188
Reinsvasshytta by the lake Reinsvatn was built in 1900 by Amboritius Olsen Lindvig and was Gautefallheia's first cabin.[26]: 159 and 172
In the 20th century, a number ofdams were constructed at various lakes throughout Nissedal. Constructed by Sveinung Solli in 1900, the dam Bjønntjønndammen above the Bjønntjønnfossen waterfall was in use until the 1960s. It is located by Bjønntjønn ("Bear Lake") in the valley known as Bjønntjønndalen. The dam by nearby Mjåvatn, Mjåvassdammen, was also constructed around the year 1900 and was in use until the late 1960s.[26]: 210–211 Another dam was constructed by Holmevassosen at the lake Holmevatn at Kyrkjebygdheia in 1965.[29]
Important industries in Nissedal are farming, forestry, fur farming, power supply and tourism.[10][4] Forestry has been the most important industry in Nissedal since the 1600s.[17]: 83 Berry collection was an important industry in the 1920s and 1930s, when berries were exported from Nissedal toGreat Britain.[17]: 247
In recent years, tourism and the construction of vacation homes have become an important industry and largely replaced the fur farming industry. There were 2200 vacation homes in Nissedal in 2016, compared to a permanent population of 1476 inhabitants.[17]: 83
Hydropower remains an important industry in Nissedal. Aust-Agder Kraftverk has produced electricity here since 1919.Agder Energi has five stations in Treungen andSkagerak Energi has facilities in Fjone.[17]: 83
Two grocery stores are located inTreungen:SPAR andCoop Prix.
TheTreungenfestival is an annual music festival attracting over 12,000 visitors per year.[19]: 46
Z Museum is located inTreungen and has exhibits of veteran cars and an over 1000-year-old wooden boat. The museum also has Norway's biggest collection of ancient telephones.[19]: 46 [30]
An additional museum, Sputnik Museum, is located nearby on the property of country music singerSputnik (Knut T. Storbukås) inBostrak. He was awarded Artist of the Year in 1990 byDagbladet and is listed in theGuinness Book of Records. His collection of over 36 silver, gold, diamond, and platinum records are among the exhibits at the museum. The museum is notable for having a rocket placed on its rooftop.[31]
Nissedal Municipality is responsible forprimary education (through 10th grade), outpatienthealth services,senior citizen services,welfare and othersocial services,zoning,economic development, and municipalroads and utilities. The municipality is governed by amunicipal council ofdirectly elected representatives. Themayor isindirectly elected by a vote of the municipal council.[32] The municipality is under the jurisdiction of theTelemark District Court and theAgder Court of Appeal.
Themunicipal council(Kommunestyre) of Nissedal is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four-year terms. The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by politicalparty.
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 5 | |
| Progress Party(Framstegspartiet) | 1 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 6 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 7 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 2 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 6 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 7 | |
| Progress Party(Framstegspartiet) | 1 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 5 | |
| Progress Party(Framstegspartiet) | 2 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 | |
| Progress Party(Framstegspartiet) | 2 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 4 | |
| Progress Party(Framstegspartiet) | 2 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Socialist Left Party(Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 17 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 3 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 8 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 7 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 10 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 5 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Socialist Left Party(Sosialistisk Venstreparti) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 10 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 2 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 9 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 6 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 9 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 4 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 3 | |
| Local List(s)(Lokale lister) | 1 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 8 | |
| Conservative Party(Høgre) | 1 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 4 | |
| Local List(s)(Lokale lister) | 2 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 10 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 4 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 4 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 10 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 3 | |
| Centre Party(Senterpartiet) | 3 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 5 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 11 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 2 | |
| Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties(Borgarlege Felleslister) | 8 | |
| Total number of members: | 21 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 13 | |
| Joint List(s) of Non-Socialist Parties(Borgarlege Felleslister) | 11 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 11 | |
| Christian Democratic Party(Kristeleg Folkeparti) | 2 | |
| Joint list of theLiberal Party(Venstre) and theRadical People's Party(Radikale Folkepartiet) | 11 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 8 | |
| Joint list of theLiberal Party(Venstre) and theRadical People's Party(Radikale Folkepartiet) | 4 | |
| Local List(s)(Lokale lister) | 12 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Party name(in Nynorsk) | Number of representatives | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour Party(Arbeidarpartiet) | 12 | |
| Farmers' Party(Bondepartiet) | 2 | |
| Liberal Party(Venstre) | 4 | |
| Joint list of theFarmers' Party (Bondepartiet) and theLiberal Party (Venstre) | 6 | |
| Total number of members: | 24 | |
| Note: Due to theGerman occupation of Norway duringWorld War II, no elections were held for new municipal councils until after the war ended in 1945. | ||
 |
Themayors (Nynorsk:ordførar) of Nissedal (incomplete list):
Nissedal is a municipality covering an area of 905.17 square kilometres (349.49 sq mi) inTelemark County.[19]: 41 The municipality is bordered by the municipalities ofFyresdal to the west,Kviteseid to the north,Drangedal to the east (also in Telemark) and it is bordered byGjerstad,Vegårshei, andÅmli municipalities to the south (inAgder county).[12]: 182 It is centered on the less rugged eastern shore of the large lakeNisser.[8]Nisser Lake, which is approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) in length and 250 metres (820 ft) deep,[19]: 11 is the largest in the county and the seventh-largest lake in Norway.[9]
Nissedal is one of the municipalities with the mostvacation homes in Norway. Nissedal is home to three times more cabins than residential homes as of 2018: 2,350 vacation cabins and 735 houses.[55]
The onlyurban area in Nissedal is the village ofTreungen (which includesTveitsund), but the other notable villages includeFelle, Nordbygda, Fjone, andKyrkjebygda.[4] While the village of Treungen is by far the largest settlement (with a population of about 500), Felle with 100 residents is the second-largest settlement in Nissedal. Treungen is located by the southernmost part of the lake Nisser. Treungen lies where the riverNidelva begins, a river that flows by Haugsjåhund,Åmli, andArendal before discharging into the ocean nearArendal. Treungen is surrounded by tall mountains such as Baremlandsfjellet (Skuggenatten), Sollifjell, Husfjell, and Skålefjell.[12]: 182
TheTelemark Road (Norwegian National Road 41) passes throughTreungen andKyrkjebygda on the east side of the lake.
The highest peak in the municipality is Førheinutane at 1,049 metres (3,442 ft).[17]: 154 [4][19]: 33 and 41
Solhomfjell and Kvenntjønnane are two nature preserves located on the border betweenGjerstad and Nissedal municipalities.[19]: 19 In 1993, the 23,400-decare (5,800-acre; 9.0 sq mi) Solhomfjell Nature Preserve was established near the valley Uvdalen. This preserve was expanded in 2005 and includes plateaus,roche moutonnée rock formations, valleys, swamps, along with forests of Wych-elm,Oak andLittleleaf linden trees. Another nearby preserve, Kvenntjønnane Nature Preserve, is located nearby on top of Mjeltenatten. This 12,000-decare (3,000-acre; 4.6 sq mi) preserve was established in 2009 with the purpose of protecting the untouched nature with its wide biological diversity of various types of nature, ecosystems, and species. Although the main trailhead for these preserves is located at Felehovet onGautefallheia, there are also trails here from the lakes Feletjønn and Bjønntjønn in Nissedal.[26]: 188–201
Other nature preserves in Nissedal include Lytingsdalen (established in 1989), Vidmyr (1975), and Heitfjell (2005). Lytingsdalen Nature Preserve was established to protect its untouched landscape and its wildlife and flora. Several pine trees at Lytingsdalen are over 500 years old. Vidmyr was established to protect its marsh-type landscape of suboceanic character. The flora here includes species such aspurple moor-grass andbog asphodel.[19]: 41
Nissedal has atemperate oceanic climate (Cfb by theKöppen-Geiger system). If 0 °C (32 °F) is used as winter threshold as in US, Nissedal has a humid continental climate. The all-time high temperature 31.8 °C (89.2 °F) has been recorded in all three summer months - June 1970, July 1991 and August 1975. The all-time low is −34.6 °C (−30.3 °F) recorded 9 February 1966.[56] Precipitation is fairly evenly spread out over the year, with significant precipitation also in the driest months. The wettest months are August - November, and the driest months are February - April. The Tveitsund weather station has been recording since 1944.
| Climate data forTveitsund 1991-2020 (252 m, extremes 1919-2021 includes earlier station) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 12.5 (54.5) | 16.3 (61.3) | 19.4 (66.9) | 22.5 (72.5) | 28.1 (82.6) | 31.8 (89.2) | 31.8 (89.2) | 31.8 (89.2) | 26.4 (79.5) | 22.8 (73.0) | 15.1 (59.2) | 12.8 (55.0) | 31.8 (89.2) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 1.2 (34.2) | 1.8 (35.2) | 5.4 (41.7) | 10.1 (50.2) | 15.5 (59.9) | 19.5 (67.1) | 21.7 (71.1) | 20.3 (68.5) | 15.7 (60.3) | 9.6 (49.3) | 4.8 (40.6) | 1.9 (35.4) | 10.6 (51.1) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −2 (28) | −2.1 (28.2) | 0.5 (32.9) | 4.6 (40.3) | 9.5 (49.1) | 13.6 (56.5) | 15.9 (60.6) | 14.7 (58.5) | 11 (52) | 5.9 (42.6) | 1.9 (35.4) | −1.1 (30.0) | 6.0 (42.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −4.9 (23.2) | −5.3 (22.5) | −3.5 (25.7) | 0.1 (32.2) | 4 (39) | 8.1 (46.6) | 10.8 (51.4) | 10.2 (50.4) | 7.2 (45.0) | 2.8 (37.0) | −0.6 (30.9) | −3.9 (25.0) | 2.1 (35.7) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −27.5 (−17.5) | −34.6 (−30.3) | −26.6 (−15.9) | −15 (5) | −4.8 (23.4) | −1.3 (29.7) | 1.9 (35.4) | 1 (34) | −3.9 (25.0) | −11.2 (11.8) | −17.3 (0.9) | −23 (−9) | −34.6 (−30.3) |
| Averageprecipitation mm (inches) | 89.1 (3.51) | 56.7 (2.23) | 50.3 (1.98) | 49.5 (1.95) | 72.4 (2.85) | 79.1 (3.11) | 93.7 (3.69) | 110 (4.3) | 99 (3.9) | 114.1 (4.49) | 107.7 (4.24) | 85.8 (3.38) | 1,007.4 (39.63) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 1.0 mm) | 13 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 130 |
| Source 1: yr.no statistics Tveitsund[57] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: NOAA-WMO averages 91-2020 Norway[58] | |||||||||||||
Nissedal has the second-lowest population of all municipalities inTelemark.[59]: 14 According toStatistics Norway, Nissedal was home to 1,489 inhabitants in 2017, but had 2,246 cabins. 28.2 percent of local residents lived on agricultural- or forestry properties. 74.3 percent were members ofChurch of Norway as of 2017, while 10.7 percent were members of another religious community.[7] The largest immigrant groups in 2018 (first and second generation) were from the Netherlands (35 people), Syria (22), Poland (21) and Denmark (16).
Nissedal reached its highest population in the year 1850 when 1,800 people resided in Nissedal. Large-scale emigration to theUnited States took place from 1840. Today, there are more people originating from Nissedal in the U.S. than in Norway.[17]: 83
During the winter holiday season, Nissedal's population triples and occasionally quadruples.[19]: 4
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Located adjacent toGautefall,Telemark County’s largest alpine center,[11] Nissedal is primarily a winter destination. It is home to sixcross-country skiing trails (loipes), including trails connecting Nissedal and Gautefall.[60] Cross-country skiing trails are found throughout Nissedal, including at Kykjebygdheia, Fjone Høgfjell, Felle, Gautefallheia, andVrådal. Opportunities foralpine skiing,snowblading,snowboarding,Telemark skiing, andmountain skiing are found at Vrådal Ski Center andGautefall Alpine Center.[59]: 19 Over 100 km (62 mi.) of marked cross country skiing trails are found at adjacent Gautefall.[61]
Summer activities include fishing, swimming, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and more. Many of Nissedal's 1,750 lakes are used for fishing, includingNisser Lake.[12]: 182 [10] The sandy shores of Nisser Lake is used for sunbathing, while the lake is used for swimming, boating, fishing and more.Perch,Trout,Lavaret andArctic char are some of the fish species found in the lake.[8] At the last count in 1991, Nisser Lake was home to 3.9 million fish.[9] The fishing license in Fjone gives access to 20 lakes used for fishing as well as use of recreational boats and variouslean-to andlavvos used for lodging. Lake Nisser is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.[19]: 9
There are boat rentals by Nisser Lake, at Tjørull, and the riverNidelva.[9][62] A ferry, Fjoneferja (M/F "Nissen"), has been operating at Nisser Lake since 1947 and is Norway's smallestcable ferry.[63][19]: 44 It is one of few remaining active cable ferries in Norway, and connects Sundesodden to Fjone.[9] Rock carvings, burial mounds and other remains of ancient civilization have been discovered surrounding Nisser Lake.[10]
Campgrounds include Sandnesodden, Vik (north ofKykjebygda), and Nisser Hyttegrend and Camping.[19]: 27 and 33
Popular destinations for skiing include Fjone Høgfjell, Kyrkjebygdheia Skisenter, near Breilivatn at Kyrkjebygdheia, at Baksås, Nordbø Skileikanlegg, and Alpinbakken and Ljosløypa inTreungen. There are a total of 45 kilometres (28 mi) ofcross-country skiing trails atFelle with trails leading over mountains such as Havrefjell and Vedlausfjell. Vrådal Alpine and Ski Center is used for both cross country skiing and alpine skiing. This center lies in-between Vråvatn and Nisser.[19]: 6–7
Nissedal is one of Norway's most popular destinations formountain climbing. Roughly twenty mountains are regularly used for climbing and Hægefjell is the most hiked mountain in Nissedal.[17]: 156 Other attractions include mountains such as Ånundsbufjellet, Langfjell, Skålfjell and Baremslandsfjellet.[64][65] Hægefjell has since the late 1980s become one of the most popular sites for mountain climbing in Norway. The mountain, which has been featured in the TV series71 Degrees North in 2010, has around 50 different hiking trails. It has an elevation of 1,021 metres (3,350 ft).[12]: 204 [15][16] From Hægefjell are views of LakeNisser andVrådal in the northeast, Nordbygda andKyrkjebygda in the southeast,Fyresdal andSetesdalsheiene in the west, and as far asSeljord andGaustatoppen in the north.[12]: 205 The most popular trail on Hægefjell Mountain is Via Lara.[17]: 158
Nissedal is home to a wide range ofcross-country skiing trails and hiking trails, including 39 peak trails.[66] Some of these include Havrefjell, Grønlifjell, Reinvassnuten, Skornetten, Hægefjell, and Skuggenatten inTreungen. While the trail to the mountain Havrefjell also has trailheads by Bjønntjønn Lake andGautefall Alpine Center, the closest trail is found in the village of Felle.[67]
A large number of trailheads are found near the lake Bjønntjønn, including trails maintained by theNorwegian Trekking Association leading to Felehovet, Mjåvassdammen, Havrefjell, and Reinvassnuten. There are also trails from Bjønntjønn toGautefall Tourist Hotel and lakes such as Øverlandsvatnet and Østre Breivatn. The trail Heigeitilløypa, which has its trailhead at Gautefall Biathlon, leads to Jørundskårheia, Gråndalsfjell mountain, and Djupvatn Lake, before reaching the seter Holmvasstøylen by Holmvatn Lake at Kyrkjebygdheia. A dirt road leads from the lake down to the village center in Kyrkjebygda. Heigeitilløypa trail is named for the ancientboundary marker Heigeitilen.[12]: 190–192
Over 100 kilometres (62 mi) of mountain bike trails are located in Nissedal. Some popular trailheads are found at Felehovet and Heimdal.[19]: 17 The area between Heimdalsheia and Gautefallheia is particularly popular formountain biking. In 2010, Canvas Hotel was established at Heimdal and is constructed as a MongolianYurt. The hotel was established for mountain bikers and is situated far into the wilderness and connected to the many biking trails. The hotel was established by Jan Fasting, the person behind the TV series71 Degrees North. The hotel has aMaldivian dock with its own fireplace situated in the nearby lake Øytjønnane.[17]: 216
An additional biking trail follows the old train tracks betweenTreungen andÅmli.[19]: 19
Lake Nisser is the lake with the most sandy beaches of any lake in Norway.[17]: 145 Sandy beaches are found by several lakes, including Sandnesodden atNisser, which is the longest sandy beach in Nissedal. A campground is located on this beach. Other beaches include Sommarsletta inTreungen, Haugsjåsund, Tjønnfoss, Heimdøl, Skavannsgrova, Årekrokane, Røyrodden, Åraksøya (islet), Raudnes, Sandvikland, Sauodden, Furelund, Midtvann, Sandnes, and Bjønntjønn.[19]: 24–27 [17]: 145 [68] Tjørull is another place used for fishing, kayaking and camping.[69][12]: 198–199 It is Nissedal's second-largest lake (only Nisser is larger).[17]: 163 and 224
Another attraction is the Nissedal Potholes (Jettegrytene). Carved during the Ice Age, thegiant's kettle functions as a water park during summer months.[70][71][72] The potholes are located at Eikhom and is a tourist destination during summers. The area is used for picnicking, swimming, and there are areas to slide down the riverbed as well as mountain ledges suited for jumping. After the river here was dammed for the production of power, the potholes were revealed and have since been a popular bathing destination.[59]: 12
In 2014 two reindeer were photographed, apparently roaming in the municipality.[76] Reindeer are often observed near Fjone.[17]: 137
More commonly encountered wildlife includes theMountain hare,European badger,European beaver,Roe deer,Red deer,Elk,Red fox,European hedgehog,Wolverine,Short-tailed weasel,European otter,European pine marten andNorway lemming.[77] More rare but occasionally encountered are theGray wolf,[78]Eurasian lynx andBrown bear.[28]: 12 [17]: 88 [79] Avifauna includes raptors such as various species of owls, eagles, falcons, and hawks, including theWestern Osprey.[12]: 198
Brown bears were common throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, and a number of place names derives from this, including Bjønntjønn, Bjortjønn, Bjørnåsen, Bjønndalsåsen, Bjønndalane, Bjorvatnet, and Bjønnsteinen. The last bear to be shot inTørdal was by Bjønnsteinen in February 1911.[26]: 11 [80] Olav Tverrstøyl ofÅmli shot a total of eight bears at Horgevika. The last bear to be shot in this area was by Landtaksdammen in 1920 by Jon Kraakenes of Vrådal.[17]: 89 The last certified observation of bears in Nissedal happened in the summer of 2000 at Lauvlunden.[17]: 88 The last documented person to be killed by bear in Nissedal was Hæge Kyrkjebø in July 1832.[26]: 194 [28]: 125
A felling license is required by the municipality for wildlife such asMoose,Red deer,Roe deer, andMountain reindeer.[81] Hunting is particularly popular among Nissedal's southern border toGjerstad where small game, deer and beavers are regularly hunted.[19]: 21 Rabbit hunting is common in Ljosvassteigen on the border to Gjerstad andVegårshei. Gjerstadskogene by Solhomfjell is a popular destination for those hunting birds, rabbits, beavers, and deer.[19]: 22
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