Editing Nissedal

{{short description|Municipality in Telemark, Norway}}
{{Infobox kommune
|name                   = Nissedal
|native_name            = 
|native_name_lang       = 
|other_name             = 
|former_name            = 
|image_skyline          = Norway_Telemarksvegen_2.jpg
|image_caption          = 
|idnumber               = 4030
|county                 = Telemark
|district               = [[Vest-Telemark]]
|capital                = [[Treungen]]
|established            = 1 Jan 1838
|preceded               = none
|demonym                = Nissedøl
|language               = Nynorsk
|coatofarms             = Nissedal_komm.svg
|flag                   = 
|webpage                = www.nissedal.kommune.no
|mayor                  = Ian Parry-Jones
|mayor_party            = [[Centre Party (Norway)|Sp]]
|mayor_as_of            = 2023
|area_rank              = 129
|area_total_km2         = 905.17
|area_land_km2          = 785.92
|area_water_km2         = 119.25
|area_water_percent     = 13.2
|population_as_of       = 2023
|population_rank        = 303
|population_total       = 1442
|population_density_km2 = 1.8
|population_increase    = 0.8
|coordinates            = {{coord|59|4|35|N|8|31|6|E|region:NO|display=inline,title}}
| utm_zone = 32V | utm_northing = 6548658 | utm_easting = 0472395 | geo_cat = adm2nd
}}

'''Nissedal''' is a rural [[Municipalities of Norway|municipality]] in [[Telemark]] region of [[Telemark]] [[Counties of Norway|county]], [[Norway]]. It is part of the [[Districts of Norway|traditional region]]s of [[Upper Telemark]] and [[Vest-Telemark]]. The administrative centre of the municipality is the village of [[Treungen]]. Other villages in Nissedal include [[Kyrkjebygda, Telemark|Kyrkjebygda]] and [[Felle, Norway|Felle]].<ref name="snl">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Nissedal |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Nissedal |date=2023-06-12 |editor-last=Nilsen |editor-first=Jan Erik |language=no |editor2-last=Lundbo |editor2-first=Sten |accessdate=2023-08-09}}</ref>

The {{convert|905|km2|adj=on}} 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's [[population density]] is {{convert|1.8|PD/km2}} and its population has increased by 0.8% over the previous 10-year period.<ref name="ssb pop">{{Cite web |last=Statistisk sentralbyrå |author-link=Statistics Norway |title=Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/06913/ |language=Norwegian}}</ref><ref name="ssb area">{{Cite web |last=Statistisk sentralbyrå |author-link=Statistics Norway |title=09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/09280/ |language=Norwegian}}</ref> Nissedal has 2,246 vacation homes, so the population swells during holidays and vacation times.<ref name="kommunefakta">{{Cite web |title=Kommunefakta |url=https://www.ssb.no/kommunefakta/kommune |website=[[Statistics Norway]]}}</ref>

Nissedal has been nicknamed the "Telemark Riviera" for its close proximity to [[Gautefall|Gautefall Alpine Center]] and for its many campgrounds and outdoor activities.<ref name="petitfute">{{Cite book |title=Norvège 2011-2012 |publisher=Le Petit Futé |year=2011 |isbn=9782746936089 |page=155 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="gonorway">{{Cite web |title=Nissedal |url=http://www.gonorway.no/norway/counties/telemark/nissedal/7635e8c99568fb0/index.html |website=www.gonorway.no}}</ref> There are a total of 1,750 lakes in Nissedal, including [[Nisser]], the seventh-largest lake in Norway, which Nissedal is named after.<ref name="NissedalKommune">{{Cite web |title=English - Nissedal kommune |url=http://nissedal.kommune.no/om-nissedal/english |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421030840/http://nissedal.kommune.no/om-nissedal/english |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref> [[Gautefall]], which is home to [[Telemark|Telemark County]]'s largest alpine center, lies adjacent to the municipality. For residents of the [[Oslo Fjord]] area, Gautefall is the nearest winter sport destination.<ref name="GFHytte">{{Cite web |title=Gautefall store hytter med basseng - Langrenn |url=https://gautefallhyttene.no/langrenn/ |website=GautefallHyttene.no}}</ref>

Nissedal's terrain is characterized by [[roche 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.<ref name="ØB123">{{Cite book |last=Berg |first=Øivind |title=Fra hav til hei - 123 turer i Aust-Agder, Nissedal og Fyresdal |publisher=Aust-Agder Turistforening |year=2016 |isbn=9788299887014 |language=no}}</ref>{{rp|182}} It is recognized as one of Norway’s best places for [[Mountaineering|mountain climbing]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-23 |title=Her blir det klatrefest - Klatring |url=https://www.friflyt.no/klatring/her-blir-det-klatrefest |website=friflyt.no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-03-15 |title=Klatrefest i Nissedal &#124; Klatrefestivalen |url=https://www.norsk-klatring.no/klatrefestivalen/klatrefest-i-nissedal |website=norsk-klatring.no}}</ref> Nissedal is home to [[Hægefjell]], one of Norway's most popular mountain climbing destinations.<ref name="VisitTelemark">{{Cite web |title=Nissedal - Telemark : Hægefjell topptur |url=http://www.visittelemark.com/downloads/dmsimgs/9B8DC72DE0770532C429FEA875ADDCF2AF2B318C.pdf |access-date=2020-11-01 |website=www.visittelemark.com |language=no }}</ref><ref name="Hægefjell">{{Cite web |title=Hægefjell - Nissedal kommune |url=http://www.nissedal.kommune.no/om-nissedal/kultur-og-idrett/idrett-og-friluftsliv/turloeyper/haegefjell |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423034025/http://www.nissedal.kommune.no/om-nissedal/kultur-og-idrett/idrett-og-friluftsliv/turloeyper/haegefjell |archive-date=2018-04-23 |access-date=2018-04-22}}</ref>

==General information==
Nissedal was originally a part of the [[Kviteseid]] [[prestegjeld|parish]] until Nissedal established its own parish in 1810.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|82}} The [[prestegjeld|parish]] of Nissedal was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see [[formannskapsdistrikt]] law). During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the [[Schei Committee]]. On 1 January 1962, the Espestøl area (population: 7) of [[Åmli Municipality]] in [[Aust-Agder]] county was transferred to Nissedal Municipality in [[Telemark]] county. Then again on 1 January 1965, the unpopulated Espestøl, Reinefoss, and Espestølstykket areas of [[Åmli Municipality]] in [[Aust-Agder]] county was transferred to Nissedal Municipality in [[Telemark]] county. The borders have not changed since that time.<ref name="Dag">{{Cite book |last=Jukvam |first=Dag |year=1999 |title=Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen |url=http://www.ssb.no/emner/00/90/rapp_9913/rapp_9913.pdf |publisher=[[Statistics Norway|Statistisk sentralbyrå]] |language=no |isbn=9788253746845}}</ref>

=== Etymology ===
[[Image:F C Lund morsbonde 01.jpg|thumb|left|165px|A man in a traditional red hat by F. C. Lund.]]
The municipality (originally the [[prestegjeld|parish]]) is named after the Nissedalen valley ({{langx|non|Nizidalr}}) since the first [[Nissedal Church]] was built in the valley. Nissedal was first mentioned in a written source in the 1300s under the name ''Nizudal''. The current written form first emerged in the 1400s.<ref name="OTTur">{{Cite book |last=Tveit |first=Olav Jakob |url=https://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2018082307092 |title=Turguide Nissedal |publisher=Friluftsrådet Sør |year=2016 |isbn=9788299853774 |language=nn}}</ref>{{rp|4}} The first element of the municipal name comes from the local lake [[Nisser]], which was historically spelled ''Nizir''. The first element is the lake name comes from the local river {{lang|non|Nið}}, the old name for the river [[Nidelva (Agder)|Nidelva]]. The last element of the lake name is {{wikt-lang|non|sær}} 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 is {{wikt-lang|non|dalr}} which means "[[valley]]" or "dale".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rygh |first=Oluf |url=https://www.nb.no/items/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2006120600018 |title=Norske gaardnavne: Bratsbergs amt |date=1914 |publisher=W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri |edition=7 |location=Kristiania, Norge |pages=372–373 |language=no |authorlink=Oluf Rygh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cleasby |first1=Richard |title=Icelandic-English Dictionary |last2=Vigfusson |first2=Gudbrand |publisher=Clarendon Press |year=1874 |location=Oxford |page=95}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Stemshaug |first=Ola |title=Norsk stadnamngransking |publisher=Samlaget |year=1973 |isbn=8252101607 |page=117 |language=no}}</ref>

Today, the name Nissedal refers to three geographical areas: 1) the municipality of Nissedal, 2) the Nissedal parish in the [[Church of Norway]] which includes the villages on both sides of the lake [[Nisser]], and 3) the villages of Nordbygda and Kyrkjebygda that are jointly referred to as "Nissedal village".<ref name="OTNisser">{{Cite book |last=Tveit |first=Olav Jakob |url=https://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2020112748519 |title=Nisser med bygdene rundt Vrådal - Nissedal - Treungen |publisher=Bokbyen Forlag |year=2017 |isbn=9788283160505 |location=Tvedestrand, Norge |language=nn}}</ref>{{rp|82}}

=== Coat of arms ===
The [[coat of arms]] was granted on 30 October 1992. The official [[blazon]] is ''"[[Or (heraldry)|Or]], three [[Nisse (folklore)|nisse]] hats [[gules]]"'' ({{langx|no|På gull grunn tre raude nisseluer, 2-1}}). This means the arms have a [[field (heraldry)|field]] (background) has a [[tincture (heraldry)|tincture]] of [[Or (heraldry)|Or]] which means it is commonly colored yellow, but if it is made out of metal, then gold is used. The [[charge (heraldry)|charge]] is a set of three ''nisseluer'', traditional red [[wool]]en hats often associated with the [[Nisse (folklore)|nisse]], which were commonly worn until the late 19th century by farmers and common folk. It is a [[canting arms]], since the name ''Nissedal'' has been "translated" into a [[visual pun]] with the three woolen hats, in spite of the name having nothing to do with the [[folklore|folkloric]] nisse. The arms were designed by Halvor Holtskog Jr. The municipal flag has the same design as the coat of arms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Nissedal |access-date=2023-08-09 |publisher=Heraldry of the World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Nissedal, Telemark |url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/no-08-30.html |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=Flags of the World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1993-01-09 |title=Godkjenning av våpen og flagg |url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/LF/forskrift/1992-10-30-826 |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=Lovdata.no |publisher=Norges kommunal- og arbeidsdepartementet |language=no}}</ref>

===Churches===
The [[Church of Norway]] has one parish ({{lang|no|sokn}}) within the municipality of Nissedal. It is part of the [[Øvre Telemark prosti]] ([[deanery]]) in the [[Diocese of Agder og Telemark]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ style="font-size:medium"|'''''Churches in Nissedal'''''
!Parish ({{lang|no|sokn}})!!Church name!!Location of the church!!Year built
|-
|rowspan="3"|Nissedal||[[Nissedal Church]]||[[Kyrkjebygda, Telemark|Kyrkjebygda]]||1764
|-
|[[Treungen Church]]||[[Treungen]]||1863
|-
|[[Felle Chapel]]||[[Felle, Norway|Felle]]||1970
|}

==History==
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2100_Nisser_from_Treungen_south.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Lake [[Nisser]] during winter.]]
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2089_Treungen_sundmoen_steinsenter.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Sundmoen Stone Center.]]
[[File:Bjønntjønndammen_Bjønntjønn_Nissedal.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Bjønntjønndammen]]
Nissedal has been populated for over 10,000 years.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|40}} It was likely one of the first areas in Telemark to be inhabited, likely by people migrating from the south and southwest after the [[Last Glacial Period|Ice Age]]. Most artifacts retrieved in Nissedal are dated to the [[Iron Age]]. However, older traces such as [[cairn]]s, [[arrowheads]], and stone axes have also been retrieved. Two ancient rock paintings can still be seen on the western shore of [[Nisser|Lake 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").<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|4}} The ancient burial mounds have a diameter of 15–20 meters and are dated to the Iron Age.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|40}}

One of the earliest areas to be populated in Nissedal was the cave Holmevasshelleren, approximately {{convert|40|m}} from the lake Holmevatn at Kyrkjebygdheia. Archeological discoveries have dated prehistoric settlements at Holmevasshelleren to [[Neolithic]] times, 3800 BCE-6000 BCE. The cave is {{convert|18|m}} long, {{convert|4|m}} high, and {{convert|3|m}} deep.<ref name="KPH40">{{Cite book |last=Haugene |first=Kjell Peder |url=https://issuu.com/gautefallfotoservice/docs/40tur_forsats-15_pluss_for_og_baksi |title=40 turer i Drangedal og Gautefall |publisher=Sento Forlag AS |year=2014 |isbn=9788299960502 |language=no}}</ref>{{rp|157}}<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|192}}

Ancient [[rock paintings]] from the [[Bronze Age]] can be seen at various sites in Nissedal, including by a steep mountain by Trontveit farm on the western side of the lake [[Nisser]]. Such paintings are also found by Kvithamar further north.<ref name="snl" /> 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 {{convert|3–4|m}} above the surface of Nisser Lake, at the foot of a {{convert|50|m|adj=on}} 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 as {{lang|no|Ovnen}} ("The Oven") and is located at the foot of a {{convert|20|m|adj=on}} high [[escarpment]] 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, {{lang|no|Munkeskrifta}} ("The Monk’s Drawings"), is a reference to this.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Lodoen |first1=Trond |title=The Rock Art of Norway |last2=Mandt |first2=Gro |publisher=Windgather Press |year=2010 |isbn=9781905119288 |pages=268–269}}</ref> The paintings at Ovnen are naturally filled in [[iron oxides]].<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|203}}

An ancient archeological monument from the Bronze Age, dating to 1800 BCE-500 BCE, can also be seen by Stolsvasslonene. It is a [[solar symbol]] of a [[Sun wheel (symbol)|sun wheel]] which is 40-centimeter in diameter.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|192–194}}<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|186}} It can be reached by hiking the [[Norwegian Trekking Association|DNT]] trail between Uvdalen and Gautefall. It is likely an ancient symbol of fertility and possibly related to the nearby lake.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|38}}<ref name="EFPåTur">{{Cite book |last=Finstad |first=Else Bjørg |title=På tur Gjerstadskogane - Gautefallheia |publisher=Havrefjell turlag |year=2010 |isbn=9788230316504 |location=Kragerø, Norge |language=no}}</ref>{{rp|111}}

''Heigeitilen'', a [[boundary marker]] on the border between the three historic parishes of [[Tørdal]], Nissedal, and [[Treungen]], 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 a [[Milky Quartz]] mineral rock.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|192}}<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|163}}<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|112}}

The Uvdalen valley has been populated since the [[Stone 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 and [[flint 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.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|198–200}} Uvdalen was once home to one of the largest farms in [[Treungen]].<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|186–188}}

Reinsvasshytta by the lake Reinsvatn was built in 1900 by Amboritius Olsen Lindvig and was Gautefallheia's first cabin.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|159 and 172}}

In the 20th century, a number of [[dam]]s 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.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|210–211}} Another dam was constructed by Holmevassosen at the lake Holmevatn at Kyrkjebygdheia in 1965.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heigeitilløypa i Nissedal kommune |url=https://www.ut.no//turforslag/114826/heigeitillypa-i-nissedal-kommune |website=UT.no |language=no}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2098_Treungen_telemark_treindustri_as.JPG|250px|thumb|right|Telemark Treindustri AS.]]
Important industries in Nissedal are farming, forestry, fur farming, power supply and tourism.<ref name="NissedalKommune" /><ref name="snl" /> Forestry has been the most important industry in Nissedal since the 1600s.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|83}} Berry collection was an important industry in the 1920s and 1930s, when berries were exported from Nissedal to [[Great Britain]].<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|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.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|83}}

[[Hydropower]] remains an important industry in Nissedal. Aust-Agder Kraftverk has produced electricity here since 1919. [[Agder Energi]] has five stations in Treungen and [[Skagerak Energi]] has facilities in Fjone.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|83}}

Two grocery stores are located in [[Treungen]]: [[SPAR (retailer)|SPAR]] and [[Coop Prix]].

==Culture==
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2075_Treungen_rv41_Tveiraasen_531m_Skaalfjell_525m.JPG|thumb|left|Road in [[Treungen]].]]
The ''Treungenfestival'' is an annual music festival attracting over 12,000 visitors per year.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|46}}

Z Museum is located in [[Treungen]] 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.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|46}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Z-Museum |url=https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/z-museum/11033/ |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=VisitNorway.com}}</ref>

An additional museum, Sputnik Museum, is located nearby on the property of country music singer [[Sputnik (singer)|Sputnik]] (Knut T. Storbukås) in [[Bostrak]]. He was awarded Artist of the Year in 1990 by ''[[Dagbladet]]'' and is listed in the [[Guinness 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sputnik museet - Museum in Drangedal |url=https://www.visittelemark.no/ting-a-gjore/sputnik-museet-p4897193 |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=VisitTelemark.com |language=no}}</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2324_rv41_Tveitsund.JPG|thumb|right|Village center in Treungen.]]
Nissedal Municipality is responsible for [[primary education]] (through 10th grade), outpatient [[Health care|health services]], [[old age|senior citizen]] services, [[welfare spending|welfare]] and other [[Social work|social services]], [[zoning]], [[economic development]], and municipal [[road]]s and utilities. The municipality is governed by a [[Municipal council (Norway)|municipal council]] of [[Direct election|directly elected]] representatives. The [[mayor]] is [[Indirect election|indirectly elected]] by a vote of the municipal council.<ref name="ks">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=kommunestyre |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/kommunestyre |date=2022-09-20 |editor-last=Hansen |editor-first=Tore |language=Norwegian |editor2-last=Vabo |editor2-first=Signy Irene |accessdate=2022-10-14}}</ref> The municipality is under the jurisdiction of the [[Telemark District Court]] and the [[Agder Court of Appeal]].

===Municipal council===
The [[Municipal council (Norway)|municipal council]] {{lang|no|(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 political [[Political party|party]]. 
{{div col}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2023
|end                       = 2027
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2023 - Telemark |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2023/ko/telemark/nissedal#seats |access-date=2024-01-30 |publisher=[[Valgdirektoratet]]}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = 
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 5
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 1
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2019
|end                       = 2023
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Vestfold og Telemark |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2019/ko/vestfold%20og%20telemark/nissedal#seats |access-date=2023-01-15 |publisher=[[Valgdirektoratet]]}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 7
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Senterpartiet             = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2015
|end                       = 2019
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2015 - Telemark |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2015/ko/telemark/nissedal#seats |publisher=[[Valgdirektoratet]]}}</ref><ref name="ssb valg">{{Cite web |title=Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/04813/ |publisher=Statistics Norway |language=Norwegian}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 7
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 1
|Høyre                     = 1
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2011
|end                       = 2015
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Telemark |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2011/ko/telemark/nissedal#seats |publisher=[[Valgdirektoratet]]}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 5
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 2
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2007
|end                       = 2011
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" />
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 6
|Høyre                     = 1
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 2003
|end                       = 2007
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" />
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 17
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 4
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 2
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 3
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1999
|end                       = 2003
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" /><ref>{{Cite book |date=2000 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1999 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/publikasjoner/pdf/nos_c621/nos_c621.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253748531 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Høyre                     = 3
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1995
|end                       = 1999
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1996 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1995 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_c342.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253743351 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 8
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 6
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1991
|end                       = 1995
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1993 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1991 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_c057.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253737939 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Høyre                     = 1
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 7
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1987
|end                       = 1991
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1988 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1987 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b765.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253726325 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 10
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1983
|end                       = 1987
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1984 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1983 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b450.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253720378 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Senterpartiet             = 2
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 2
|Venstre                   = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1979
|end                       = 1983
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1979 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1979 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b093.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253710836 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 10
|Høyre                     = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 6
|Senterpartiet             = 2
|Venstre                   = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1975
|end                       = 1979
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1977 |title=Kommunevalgene 1975 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a769.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253705646 |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Høyre                     = 1
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 6
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|Venstre                   = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1971
|end                       = 1975
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1973 |title=Kommunevalgene 1972 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a457.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253701144 |location=Oslo, Norge |volume=I}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|Venstre                   = 3
|Local_Lists               = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1967
|end                       = 1971
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=Kommunevalgene 1967 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a214.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge |volume=I}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 8
|Høyre                     = 1
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 3
|Venstre                   = 4
|Local_Lists               = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|start                     = 1963
|end                       = 1967
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1964 |title=Kommunevalgene 1963 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xii_138.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 10
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|Venstre                   = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1959
|end                       = 1963
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1960 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xii_022.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 10
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Senterpartiet             = 3
|Venstre                   = 5
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1955
|end                       = 1959
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1957 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xi_252.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 21
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 11
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 8
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1951
|end                       = 1955
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1952 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xi_120.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 24
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 13
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 11
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1947
|end                       = 1951
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1948 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_x_165.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 24
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 11
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|DRF/V                     = 11
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1945
|end                       = 1947
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1947 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_x_133.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 24
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 8
|V/DRF                     = 4
|Local_Lists               = 12
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Nissedal
|herad                     = yes
|start                     = 1937
|end                       = 1941* 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1938 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_ix_133.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|nynorsk                   = yes
|Total                     = 24
|Senterpartiet             = 2
|Venstre                   = 4
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 12
|Sp/V                      = 6
|}}
{{div col end}}

===Mayors===
{{incomplete list|date=August 2023}}
The [[Mayor#Scandinavia|mayors]] ({{langx|nn|ordførar}}) of Nissedal (incomplete list):
*1995-2007: Øyvind Tveit ([[Christian Democratic Party (Norway)|KrF]])
*2007-2011: Anne-Nora Oma Dahle ([[Centre Party (Norway)|Sp]])
*2011–2023: Halvor Homme ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*2023-present: Ian Parry-Jones ([[Centre Party (Norway)|Sp]])<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-12 |title=Ian Parry-Jones blir ny ordførar i Nissedal |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/ian-parry-jones-blir-ny-ordforar-i-nissedal-1.16554199 |access-date=2024-01-30 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Nisser.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Nisser]] is the largest lake in Telemark County, and one of 1,750 lakes in Nissedal.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|83}}<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|182}}<ref name="NissedalKommune" /><ref name="gonorway" />]]
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2323_storaana_river_Tveitsund_bru_Skuggenatten_706m.JPG|250px|thumb|right|The river Storåna and Skuggenatten mountain.]]
Nissedal is a municipality covering an area of {{convert|905.17|km2}} in [[Telemark|Telemark County]].<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|41}} The municipality is bordered by the municipalities of [[Fyresdal]] to the west, [[Kviteseid]] to the north, [[Drangedal]] to the east (also in Telemark) and it is bordered by [[Gjerstad]], [[Vegårshei]], and [[Åmli]] municipalities to the south (in [[Agder]] county).<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|182}} It is centered on the less rugged eastern shore of the large lake [[Nisser]].<ref name="petitfute" /> [[Nisser|Nisser Lake]], which is approximately {{convert|40|km}} in length and {{convert|250|m}} deep,<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|11}} is the largest in the county and the seventh-largest lake in Norway.<ref name="gonorway" />

Nissedal is one of the municipalities with the most [[vacation homes]] in Norway. Nissedal is home to three times more cabins than residential homes as of 2018: 2,350 vacation cabins and 735 houses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hansen |first=Robert |date=2017-06-01 |title=Hytteboom i Nissedal |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/hytteboom-i-nissedal-1.13541466 |website=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref>

The only [[urban area]] in Nissedal is the village of [[Treungen]] (which includes [[Tveitsund]]), but the other notable villages include [[Felle, Norway|Felle]], Nordbygda, Fjone, and [[Kyrkjebygda, Telemark|Kyrkjebygda]].<ref name="snl" /> 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 river [[Nidelva]] begins, a river that flows by Haugsjåhund, [[Åmli]], and [[Arendal]] before discharging into the ocean near [[Arendal (town)|Arendal]]. Treungen is surrounded by tall mountains such as Baremlandsfjellet (Skuggenatten), Sollifjell, Husfjell, and Skålefjell.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|182}}

The [[Telemarksveien|Telemark Road]] ([[Norwegian National Road 41]]) passes through [[Treungen]] and [[Kyrkjebygda (Nissedal)|Kyrkjebygda]] on the east side of the lake.

The highest peak in the municipality is Førheinutane at {{convert|1049|m}}.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|154}}<ref name="snl" /><ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|33 and 41}}

===Nature preserves===
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2073_Storaana_river_Lislehei_433m_Vidmyrkollen_naturreservat.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Vidmyrkollen.]]
Solhomfjell and Kvenntjønnane are two nature preserves located on the border between [[Gjerstad]] and Nissedal municipalities.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|19}} In 1993, the {{convert|23400|daa|acre sqmi|adj=on|lk=on}} 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]] and [[Littleleaf linden]] trees. Another nearby preserve, Kvenntjønnane Nature Preserve, is located nearby on top of Mjeltenatten. This {{convert|12000|daa|acre sqmi|adj=on}} 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 on [[Gautefall]]heia, there are also trails here from the lakes Feletjønn and Bjønntjønn in Nissedal.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|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 as [[purple moor-grass]] and [[bog asphodel]].<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|41}}

==Climate==
Nissedal has a [[temperate oceanic climate]] (Cfb by the [[Köppen climate classification|Köppen-Geiger system]]). If {{convert|0|°C}} is used as winter threshold as in US, Nissedal has a humid continental climate. The all-time high temperature {{convert|31.8|°C}} has been recorded in all three summer months - June 1970, July 1991 and August 1975. The all-time low is {{convert|-34.6|°C}} recorded 9 February 1966.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vær og Vind - Høyest - lavest Tveitsund - Powered by Proweb |url=http://www.verogvind.net/showpage.asp?id=128 |website=VerOgVind.net |language=no}}</ref> 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. 
{{Weather box
|metric first = yes
|single line  = yes
|location     = [[Tveitsund]] 1991-2020 (252 m, extremes 1919-2021 includes earlier station)
|Jan record high C = 12.5 | Jan record low C = -27.5
|Feb record high C = 16.3 | Feb record low C = -34.6
|Mar record high C = 19.4 | Mar record low C = -26.6
|Apr record high C = 22.5 | Apr record low C = -15
|May record high C = 28.1 | May record low C = -4.8
|Jun record high C = 31.8 | Jun record low C = -1.3
|Jul record high C = 31.8 | Jul record low C = 1.9
|Aug record high C = 31.8 | Aug record low C = 1
|Sep record high C = 26.4 | Sep record low C = -3.9
|Oct record high C = 22.8 | Oct record low C = -11.2
|Nov record high C = 15.1 | Nov record low C = -17.3
|Dec record high C = 12.8 | Dec record low C = -23
|Jan high C = 1.2
|Feb high C = 1.8
|Mar high C = 5.4
|Apr high C = 10.1
|May high C = 15.5
|Jun high C = 19.5
|Jul high C = 21.7
|Aug high C = 20.3
|Sep high C = 15.7
|Oct high C = 9.6
|Nov high C = 4.8
|Dec high C = 1.9
<!-- Mean daily temperature -->
|Jan mean C=-2
|Feb mean C=-2.1
|Mar mean C=0.5
|Apr mean C=4.6
|May mean C=9.5
|Jun mean C=13.6
|Jul mean C=15.9
|Aug mean C=14.7
|Sep mean C=11
|Oct mean C=5.9
|Nov mean C=1.9
|Dec mean C=-1.1
|year mean C=
|Jan low C = -4.9
|Feb low C = -5.3
|Mar low C = -3.5
|Apr low C = 0.1
|May low C = 4
|Jun low C = 8.1
|Jul low C = 10.8
|Aug low C = 10.2
|Sep low C = 7.2
|Oct low C = 2.8
|Nov low C = -0.6
|Dec low C = -3.9
<!-- Total precipitation, this should include rain and snow. -->
|precipitation colour= green<!-- Enter "green" for green precipitation colours, remove this line for blue colouring. -->
|Jan precipitation mm=89.1
|Feb precipitation mm=56.7
|Mar precipitation mm=50.3
|Apr precipitation mm=49.5
|May precipitation mm=72.4
|Jun precipitation mm=79.1
|Jul precipitation mm=93.7
|Aug precipitation mm=110
|Sep precipitation mm=99
|Oct precipitation mm=114.1
|Nov precipitation mm=107.7
|Dec precipitation mm=85.8
|year precipitation mm=
|unit precipitation days = 1.0&nbsp;mm
|Jan precipitation days= 13
|Feb precipitation days= 10
|Mar precipitation days= 9
|Apr precipitation days= 9
|May precipitation days= 9
|Jun precipitation days= 10
|Jul precipitation days= 11
|Aug precipitation days= 11
|Sep precipitation days= 11
|Oct precipitation days= 12
|Nov precipitation days= 13
|Dec precipitation days= 12
<!-- Mandatory fields, source -->
|source 1= yr.no statistics Tveitsund<ref>{{Cite web |title=yr.no Tveitsund |url=https://www.yr.no/en/statistics/table/5-37230/Norway/Vestfold%20og%20Telemark/Nissedal/Tveitsund |access-date=13 February 2022}}</ref>
|source 2= NOAA-WMO averages 91-2020 Norway <ref>{{Cite web |title=NOAA WMO normals Norway 1991-2020 |url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Norway/CSV/?C=D;O=A}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2245_fjone_Husfjellet_522m.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Farm near Husfjell mountain.]]
Nissedal has the second-lowest population of all municipalities in [[Telemark]].<ref name="TR">{{Cite web |last=Reinholt |first=Tone L. |year=2016 |title=Nissedal best heile året: Informasjonsblad 2016 |url=https://issuu.com/wera2010/docs/informasjonsblad_2016_nissedal_komm |access-date=2020-10-16 |publisher=Nissedal kommune og Nissedal næringslag |language=no}}</ref>{{rp|14}} According to [[Statistics 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 of [[Church of Norway]] as of 2017, while 10.7 percent were members of another religious community.<ref name="kommunefakta" /> 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 the [[United States]] took place from 1840. Today, there are more people originating from Nissedal in the U.S. than in Norway.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|83}}

During the winter holiday season, Nissedal's population triples and occasionally quadruples.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|4}}

==Recreation==
[[File:Camping_at_Nisser_lake.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Camping at [[Nisser|Nisser Lake]].]]
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2115_fv514_Langfjell_686m.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Langfjell Mountain.]]
[[File:MF_«Nissen»_ankommer_Sundsodden.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The cable ferry MF «Nissen» (Fjoneferga) at Sundsodden. It is Norway's smallest cable ferry.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|138}}]]
[[File:Gautefall_-_Telemark_-_panoramio_(2).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Slopes at [[Gautefall|Gautefall Ski Center]].]]
Located adjacent to [[Gautefall]], [[Telemark|Telemark County]]’s largest alpine center,<ref name="GFHytte" /> Nissedal is primarily a winter destination. It is home to six [[cross-country skiing trail]]s (loipes), including trails connecting Nissedal and Gautefall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Langrenn / Vinter / Nissedal / Forside - Nissedal |url=http://www.nissedal.no/Vinter/Langrenn2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421030850/http://www.nissedal.no/Vinter/Langrenn2 |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref> Cross-country skiing trails are found throughout Nissedal, including at Kykjebygdheia, Fjone Høgfjell, Felle, Gautefallheia, and [[Vrådal]]. Opportunities for [[alpine skiing]], [[snowblading]], [[snowboarding]], [[Telemark skiing]], and [[mountain skiing]] are found at Vrådal Ski Center and [[Gautefall|Gautefall Alpine Center]].<ref name="TR" />{{rp|19}} Over 100 km (62 mi.) of marked cross country skiing trails are found at adjacent Gautefall.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Schmidt |first=Martin |title=Reise Know-How |publisher=Verlag Peter Rump |year=2020 |isbn=9783831746248 |page=138 |chapter=Norwegen}}</ref>

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, including [[Nisser|Nisser Lake]].<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|182}}<ref name="NissedalKommune" /> The sandy shores of Nisser Lake is used for sunbathing, while the lake is used for swimming, boating, fishing and more. [[Perch]], [[Trout]], [[Lavaret]] and [[Arctic char]] are some of the fish species found in the lake.<ref name="petitfute" /> At the last count in 1991, Nisser Lake was home to 3.9 million fish.<ref name="gonorway" /> The fishing license in Fjone gives access to 20 lakes used for fishing as well as use of recreational boats and various [[lean-to]] and [[lavvo]]s used for lodging. Lake Nisser is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|9}}

There are boat rentals by Nisser Lake, at Tjørull, and the river [[Nidelva]].<ref name="gonorway" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Fiske i Nisser / Fiske / Sommar / Nissedal / Forside - Nissedal |url=http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Fiske/Fiske-i-Nisser |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031814/http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Fiske/Fiske-i-Nisser |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref> A ferry, Fjoneferja (M/F "Nissen"), has been operating at Nisser Lake since 1947 and is Norway's smallest [[cable ferry]].<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |title=Fjoneferja / Båtliv / Sommar / Nissedal / Forside - Nissedal |url=http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Baatliv/Fjoneferja |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031933/http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Baatliv/Fjoneferja |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref><ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|44}} It is one of few remaining active cable ferries in Norway, and connects Sundesodden to Fjone.<ref name="gonorway" /> Rock carvings, burial mounds and other remains of ancient civilization have been discovered surrounding Nisser Lake.<ref name="NissedalKommune" />

Campgrounds include Sandnesodden, Vik (north of [[Kyrkjebygda, Telemark|Kykjebygda]]), and Nisser Hyttegrend and Camping.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|27 and 33}}

===Skiing===
Popular destinations for skiing include Fjone Høgfjell, Kyrkjebygdheia Skisenter, near Breilivatn at Kyrkjebygdheia, at Baksås, Nordbø Skileikanlegg, and Alpinbakken and Ljosløypa in [[Treungen]]. There are a total of {{convert|45|km}} of [[cross-country skiing trail]]s at [[Felle, Norway|Felle]] 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.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|6–7}}

===Mountain climbing===
[[File:Nissedal_IMG_2264_geology_Ufshomfjellet_541m.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Ufshomfjellet]]
Nissedal is one of Norway's most popular destinations for [[mountain climbing]]. Roughly twenty mountains are regularly used for climbing and Hægefjell is the most hiked mountain in Nissedal.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|156}} Other attractions include mountains such as Ånundsbufjellet, Langfjell, Skålfjell and Baremslandsfjellet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hægefjell Nissedal |url=https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/h%c3%a6gefjell-nissedal/7369/ |website=VisitNorway.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hægefjell Nissedal - Hiking in Nissedal, Nissedal |url=https://www.visittelemark.com/things-to-do/haegefjell-nissedal-p530943 |website=Visit Telemark}}</ref> 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 series ''[[71 Degrees North]]'' in 2010, has around 50 different hiking trails. It has an elevation of  {{convert|1021|m}}.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|204}}<ref name="VisitTelemark" /><ref name="Hægefjell" /> From Hægefjell are views of Lake [[Nisser]] and [[Vrådal]] in the northeast, Nordbygda and [[Kyrkjebygda]] in the southeast, [[Fyresdal]] and [[Setesdalsheiene]] in the west, and as far as [[Seljord]] and [[Gaustatoppen]] in the north.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|205}} The most popular trail on Hægefjell Mountain is Via Lara.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|158}}

===Hiking trails===
Nissedal is home to a wide range of [[cross-country skiing trail]]s and hiking trails, including 39 peak trails.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Informasjon om Topptur Nissedal - NISSEDAL KOMMUNE |url=https://www.nissedal.kommune.no/informasjon-om-topptur-nissedal.527043.nn.html |website=www.nissedal.kommune.no}}</ref> Some of these include Havrefjell, Grønlifjell, Reinvassnuten, Skornetten, Hægefjell, and Skuggenatten in [[Treungen]]. While the trail to the mountain Havrefjell also has trailheads by Bjønntjønn Lake and [[Gautefall|Gautefall Alpine Center]], the closest trail is found in the village of Felle.<ref>{{Cite web |title=38. Havrefjell (363 moh.) - NISSEDAL KOMMUNE |url=https://www.nissedal.kommune.no/38-havrefjell.492959.nn.html |website=www.nissedal.kommune.no}}</ref>

A large number of trailheads are found near the lake Bjønntjønn, including trails maintained by the [[Norwegian Trekking Association]] leading to Felehovet, Mjåvassdammen, Havrefjell, and Reinvassnuten. There are also trails from Bjønntjønn to [[Gautefall|Gautefall 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 ancient [[boundary marker]] Heigeitilen.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|190–192}}

===Mountain biking===
Over {{convert|100|km}} of mountain bike trails are located in Nissedal. Some popular trailheads are found at Felehovet and Heimdal.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|17}} The area between Heimdalsheia and Gautefallheia is particularly popular for [[mountain biking]]. In 2010, Canvas Hotel was established at Heimdal and is constructed as a Mongolian [[Yurt]]. 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 series ''[[71 Degrees North]]''. The hotel has a [[Maldives|Maldivian]] dock with its own fireplace situated in the nearby lake Øytjønnane.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|216}}

An additional biking trail follows the old train tracks between [[Treungen]] and [[Åmli]].<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|19}}

===Swimming===
Lake Nisser is the lake with the most sandy beaches of any lake in Norway.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|145}} Sandy beaches are found by several lakes, including Sandnesodden at [[Nisser]], which is the longest sandy beach in Nissedal. A campground is located on this beach. Other beaches include Sommarsletta in [[Treungen]], Haugsjåsund, Tjønnfoss, Heimdøl, Skavannsgrova, Årekrokane, Røyrodden, Åraksøya (islet), Raudnes, Sandvikland, Sauodden, Furelund, Midtvann, Sandnes, and Bjønntjønn.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|24–27}}<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|145}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bade / Sommar / Nissedal / Forside - Nissedal |url=http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Bade2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031312/http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Bade2 |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref> Tjørull is another place used for fishing, kayaking and camping.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Padle på Tjørull / Båtliv / Sommar / Nissedal / Forside - Nissedal |url=http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Baatliv/Padle-paa-Tjoerull |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421031932/http://www.nissedal.no/Sommar/Baatliv/Padle-paa-Tjoerull |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref><ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|198–199}} It is Nissedal's second-largest lake (only Nisser is larger).<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|163 and 224}}

Another attraction is the Nissedal Potholes (Jettegrytene). Carved during the Ice Age, the [[giant's kettle]] functions as a water park during summer months.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Potholes |url=https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/potholes/9970/ |website=www.visitnorway.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Potholes - Scenic attractions in Nissedal, Nissedal |url=https://www.visittelemark.com/things-to-do/potholes-p544563 |website=Visit Telemark}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jettekult! Bli med til naturlig badeland |url=https://www.vg.no/i/xRl3EX |website=www.vg.no|date=4 August 2012 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="TR" />{{rp|12}}

==Places of interest==
[[File:Nissedal_church.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Nissedal Church was erected in 1764.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kulturminnesøk |url=https://kulturminnesok.no/minne/?queryString=https://data.kulturminne.no/askeladden/lokalitet/85135 |website=kulturminnesok.no}}</ref>]] 
* '''[[Gautefall]]''', largest ski resort in Telemark County.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Langrenn |url=http://www.gautefallhyttene.no/Langrenn/content-44.html |access-date=2020-11-01 |website=Gautefall store hytter med basseng |language=no}}</ref>
* '''[[Nisser|Nisser Lake]]''', 7th-largest lake in Norway.<ref name="gonorway" />
* '''[[Treungen]]''', village and administrative center for Nissedal.
* '''Nissedal Potholes''', [[Giant's kettle|potholes]] functioning as a water park during summer.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|24}}
* '''Fjoneferja''', Norway's smallest [[cable ferry]], connecting the west- and east sides of Nisser Lake.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|138}}<ref name="auto2" /> 
* '''Skuggenatten''', mountain peak and Treungen landmark.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|200}} It is one of Nissedal's most visited mountains.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|30}}
* '''Hægefjell''', 1021 meter (3350&nbsp;ft.) high mountain with fifty hiking trails. One of Norway's most popular sites for mountain climbing. Featured in the TV series ''[[71 Degrees North]]''.<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|204}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hægefjell Nissedal - Vandring in Nissedal, Nissedal - Telemark |url=https://www.visittelemark.no/opplev-telemark/haegefjell-nissedal-p530943 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421094433/https://www.visittelemark.no/opplev-telemark/haegefjell-nissedal-p530943 |archive-date=2018-04-21 |access-date=2018-04-20}}</ref>
* '''Heimdalsheia''', the site with the largest continuous slopes of naked rocks (svaberg) in Northern Europe.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|216}}
* '''Kvithamar''' and '''Trontveit''', ancient [[rock paintings]] by Lake Nisser.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|40}}

==Wildlife==
In 2014 two reindeer were photographed, apparently roaming in the municipality.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aarnes |first=Even Skårberg |date=July 19, 2014 |title=Reinsdyr på nye trakter |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/reinsdyr-pa-nye-trakter-1.11837877 |website=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> Reindeer are often observed near Fjone.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|137}}

More commonly encountered wildlife includes the [[Mountain hare]], [[European badger]], [[European beaver]], [[Roe deer]], [[Red deer]], [[Elk]], [[Red fox]], [[European hedgehog]], [[Wolverine]], [[Stoat|Short-tailed weasel]], [[European otter]], [[European pine marten]] and [[Norway lemming]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Table of Contents - BjønntjønnHyttegrend |url=http://fotovision.no/PublicationsNew/Bjonntjonn/files/assets/basic-html/index.html#page8 |access-date=2020-11-01 |website=Fotovision |date=19 April 2020 |page=8 |language=no}}</ref> More rare but occasionally encountered are the [[Gray wolf]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Skjelbred |first=Gry Eirin |date=2016-01-09 |title=Ulven i Nissedal er friskmeldt |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/ulven-i-nissedal-er-friskmeldt-1.12741314 |website=[[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation]]}}</ref> [[Eurasian lynx]] and [[Brown bear]].<ref name="EFPåTur" />{{rp|12}}<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|88}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-09 |title=15 sauer drept av gaupe i sommer |url=https://www.ta.no/nyheter/article5695559.ece?ns_campaign=article&amp;ns_mchannel=recommend_button&amp;ns_source=facebook&amp;ns_linkname=facebook&amp;ns_fee=0 |website=TA.no}}</ref> Avifauna includes raptors such as various species of owls, eagles, falcons, and hawks, including the [[Western Osprey]].<ref name="ØB123" />{{rp|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 in [[Tørdal]] was by Bjønnsteinen in February 1911.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|11}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=40 turer med kart og historier |url=https://www.kv.no/nyheter/40-turer-med-kart-og-historier/s/2-2.3405-1.8388485 |access-date=2020-10-29 |website=Kragerø Blad|date=19 April 2014 }}</ref> Olav Tverrstøyl of [[Åmli]] 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.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|89}} The last certified observation of bears in Nissedal happened in the summer of 2000 at Lauvlunden.<ref name="OTNisser" />{{rp|88}} The last documented person to be killed by bear in Nissedal was Hæge Kyrkjebø in July 1832.<ref name="KPH40" />{{rp|194}}<ref name="EFPåTur" />{{rp|125}}

A felling license is required by the municipality for wildlife such as [[Moose]], [[Red deer]], [[Roe deer]], and [[Mountain reindeer]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fellingsløyve - NISSEDAL KOMMUNE |url=https://www.nissedal.kommune.no/fellingsloeyve.505738.nn.html |website=www.nissedal.kommune.no}}</ref> Hunting is particularly popular among Nissedal's southern border to [[Gjerstad]] where small game, deer and beavers are regularly hunted.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|21}} [[Rabbit hunting]] is common in Ljosvassteigen on the border to Gjerstad and [[Vegårshei]]. Gjerstadskogene by Solhomfjell is a popular destination for those hunting birds, rabbits, beavers, and deer.<ref name="OTTur" />{{rp|22}}

== Notable people ==
[[File:Dagny Tande Lid.jpg|140px|thumb|Dagny Tande Lid, 1979]]
* [[Jacob Gløersen]] (1852-1912), a painter of unsentimental images of Norwegian peasants
* [[Paul Tjøstolsen Sunde]] (1896-1958), a parliamentarian from the Labour Party from 1945-1953
* [[Torkell Tande]] (1901-2001), a priest/provost, parliamentarian for the [[Liberal Party (Norway)|Liberal Party]] 1954-1969
* [[Dagny Tande Lid]] (1903-1998), a painter, illustrator, and poet
* Johannes Setekleiv (1927-2017), a medical researcher, professor ([[neuropharmacology]]) at [[University of Oslo]] (UiO)
* [[Eldrid Nordbø]] (born 1942), a parliamentarian, Minister of Trade and Shipping from 1990–91
* [[Sigvald Oppebøen Hansen]] (born 1950), a parliamentarian for the Labour Party from 1993-2013

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|}}
*[http://ssb.no/kommunefakta/nissedal Municipal fact sheet] from [[Statistics Norway]] {{in lang|no}}

{{Telemark}}
{{Authority control}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}

[[Category:Nissedal| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Telemark]]
[[Category:1838 establishments in Norway]]