Tårntjernet - home of 'Nøkken'

Tårntjernet is the biggest lake on Jomfruland.  

This idyllic forest lake is where Theodor Kittelsen got inspiration for his painting "Nøkken" (the Neck, the Nokk).

Nøkken is a mystical troll-like creature who according to Norwegian folklore lives in the lake. He has the ability to shapeshift, and often chooses to ascend from the lake as a beautiful white horse. When Nøkken takes on the shape of the horse, his aim is to lure innocent people up on his back so he can run back to the lake and bring them with him down to his kingdom at the bottom of the lake.

Nøkken has been featured as a character in several tales, stories movies, including Disneys 'Frost 2' , where Elsa encounters Nøkken  in the shape of a Water Horse.

The lake has been restored, and the trails are now accessible for wheelchair users.

Tårntjernet is absolutely worth a visit, maybe you will even catch a glimpse of the infamous Nøkken!