Trip to the lake Svarttjenn - Helle

About

Take a trip up to the lake Svarttjenn in Helle and get better known with the interesting story of "Svarttjenn Ice Harvesting Company". The trip up to Svarttjenn is suitable for the whole family and is an nice experience in all 4 seasons.

Helle is situated on the shore of Hellefjorden, approximately 7 km from the city centre. Initially, this was a small industrial community, but since 1930 there has been no activity at the 350-year-old timber factory 'Helle Saug og Mølle'. In addition, Helle has been known for producing natural ice! At one point in time, Helle had three ice factories.

From the Skarbo Cultural Center (Skarbo Kultursenter), the old Skarbo school, there is a path up to the lake Svarttjenn (the trip takes about 25 minutes).Here you can see remains of the foundations of the ice runs, that transported the natural ice from Svarttjenn down to the fjord and to the shipping port. A small outdoor museum shows old objects and you can read and learn more about the exciting history of  the "Svarttjenn Ice Harvesting Company". Maybe Norway's largest ice storehouse was situated here?

Canoe / Kayak Rentals

At Svarttjenn you can rent canoes and kayaks for 50 NOK per day by calling the phonenumber on the building to gain access! You will then receive a code to the key-box to open the door of the building. Inside the building there are three canoes, oars and life jackets. At the back of the "museum building" you will find the kayaks. You pay by bank transfer to an account.

(At Svarttjenn there is also a bathing ladder and picnic table.)

Fishing in Svarttjenn

In Svarttjenn there are good fishing opportunities because the Helle & Skarbo charity organisation cultivates the fish stock and releases trout almost every year. For fishing you need to pay only 100 NOK for a fishing license! (Children and youngsters under the age of 16 can fish for free). Transfer the amount to the bankaccount of the Helle & Skarbo charity organisation 2655.60.54486 with the note: Fishing license Svarttjenn. 
(Remember to take with you the receipt from the bank transfer as an evidence of your payment)

It is only allowed to fish with a rod and ice fishing in winter with a hand line! Net fishing is strictly forbidden! 

Viewpoint Leiken

Not far from Svarttjenn you will find a fantastic viewpoint called, Leiken. The highest point is at 130 metres above sea level. A hiking map for Kragerø can be found here and a map section of the area Svarttjenn/Leiken here. For some nice pictures from Leiken take a look here. 

Grill Cabin

Located nearby the Coastal Path and the path that goes up to Svarttjenn there is a Grill Cabin. Enjoy a bonfire (When it is allowed to light a fire, because sometimes in summer it is forbidden!) Feel free to use the firewood which you´ll find in the shed next to the Grill Cabin.

(Please remember not to leave any waste on your visit so others can have the same wonderful experience as you got.)

This place is used by the pre-school and hikers on their trip along the coastal path.  A small folder for the coastal path route Fossing - Helle with a map can be found here.