Hægefjell Nissedal

About

Trip length: 11 km round trip / 4 hours
Difficulty: medium demanding trip
Season: May – August

Hægefjell in Nissedal is a popular area for both hikers and mountaineers from all over Europe. Though, you must be in pretty good shape as the trail is very steep. The view, on the other hand, is just pure magic.

The unique mountainous area in Nissedal was discovered by Norwegian and German climbers in the late 80's. Majestic Hægefjell has in the last 20 years become one of the most popular mountains in Norway for climbers, with approx. 50 different routes in all levels of difficulty.

In fact, one of the most famous routes in Europe for beginner climbers can be found here: Via Lara. Along the first part of the hiking trail there are some huge rocks that are used for climbing or bouldering, as it is called when you climb on rocks without any ropes or harnesses.

Description of the hike
The experience starts already at Fjone ferry, next to fylkesvei 41. Follow the gravel road for approx. 40 minutes, then turn right onto the well-marked and signposted forest path. You’re now in a beautiful old forest, with a vibrant green moss-covered forest floor. It feels almost like a fairytale where you would expect elves and trolls to pop out at any moment. The road ahead is steep at first, before flattening out into hilly marsh areas. The last section of the hike before you reach the top is also quite steep.

When you have reached the mountain, you will see all the bare areas, which make the mountains in Nissedal so special. This section of the hike is very steep, but it’s not too hard to walk up to the cairn at the top. Now you can enjoy the view over Nisser, Vrådal and the mountains towards Fyresdal. If you want to continue, there is a marked hiking trail towards Vrådal (5km).

History of the area
It’s believed that Hægefjell is named after a girl called Hæge. She was a herder in the north hills and one day the fog came so close that she could barely see her own feet. So, she walked on to a bare part of the mountain where she gave the cows salt to calm them down. However, the sheep and goats also pushed forward to get their share, and thus they pushed Hæge over the edge and to her death.

This is the most told story about Hægefjell, but the correct understanding is probably "The holy mountain". As Hægefjell stands out in several ways; high, free and very impressive.

Directions
1. You can drive to the destination from Vrådal and Trungen. If you come along RV 41, take the sign for Fjone (approx. 20 km from Vrådal and 20 km from Treungen) and take the cable ferry, Fjoneferga, over Nisser. The ferry runs every hour from June 15 to August 20.

2. You can also drive to Fjone from the center of Treungen. Follow Fjonevegen, FV354, for 21 km. From the school in Fjone, follow the route towards Hægefjell, the exit is clearly marked. This is a private road, so remember to pay tolls. Follow the gravel road until you reach the car park at the foot of the mountain. In the parking lot there is an information board with a map of the hiking route.