Planning a visit to Henseidvannet revolves around two distinct activities: fishing and the Postveien circular hike. Henneseid is one of three fishing permit areas managed by Drangedal JFF. For fishing days, permits and the facilities by the lake are important; for the hike, the main considerations are access, tolls and trail markings.
Fishing at Henseidvannet
Day permits for fishing in the waters near Henseid can be purchased at the barrier at Henseidmoen. Before travelling, check the current fishing permit regulations and whether permits can be purchased at the barrier.
Henseidvannet has a shelter, a barbecue area, a lavvu and boats. There is also a wheelchair-accessible toilet. The fishing facilities by the lake are easily accessible by wheelchair. This information relates to the facilities at Henseidvannet.
Postveien circular hike: access and trail
Near Henseid, turn off National Road 356 between Skien and Drangedal towards Henseidvann. From there, drive about 9 km to the end of Henseidvannet. There is a toll of NOK 30 for access, payable via Vipps. There is parking at the end, but the road must not be blocked. Check the current access and payment conditions before setting off.
The circular hike starts at the end of Henseidvannet and is signposted and marked in blue. Following signposted trails, it leads to Hulkaleiren, a scout camp established during the war. There is a small cabin and a rest area by Kroktjenn. Trail markings and conditions may change; check them before setting out, and check the condition of the cabin on site.
Forests and nature in Henneseid
The Henneseidfjellkløfta gorge divides the mountain into Søndre Henneseidfjell and Nordre Henneseidfjell. On rocky ground, there are birch-pasture forests and some nutrient-poor black alder swamp forest. There are also nutrient-poor cliffs with oceanic mosses and several types of spruce forest. Near the summits, there is stunted heather pine forest and, in places, more vigorous bilberry pine forest.
The Henneseid/Henneseidfjellet natural area covers 1,140 daa. An ecological survey from 2008 describes extensive areas of south- and west-facing, rocky, old and stunted oak-pine forest, characterised by heather and bilberry vegetation. Together with the different forest types in the Henneseidfjellkløfta gorge, this creates a varied landscape that extends beyond the lakeshores and the hiking trail.
Cultural attractions in the wider Drangedal destination
The wider Drangedal destination also offers its own cultural and historical attractions. Kjeåsbrua is a stone arch bridge in the centre of Drangedal, completed in 1927. In Prestestranda stands Drangedal kirke, a historic wooden cruciform church dating from 1775, with 280 seats. Drangedal bygdetun features 19 historic and locally characteristic buildings from different parts of Drangedal. These examples range from bridge and church architecture to historic buildings from the region.
Discover more destinations: Tørdal.
Go to the wider travel overview: Drangedal.
