Welcome to the region of adventures!
Telemark stretches all the way from the Hardanger mountain plateau, through lush valleys, ending up in the charming archipelago and coast, about midway between Oslo and Kristiansand!
The region is above all an adventurous region with many stories to tell. More folk tales have been collected here than anywhere else in Norway.
Daydream of times gone by under the multi-tiered roof of Heddal Stave Church …
... or dream about history in modern surroundings. Treat yourself to a zen moment at the Soria Moria Sauna in Dalen Valley.
To complete the luxury, spoil yourself with a tasty meal just a few meters away, on the terrace at historical Dalen Hotel, known as the "fairytale hotel". Kings from four countries have spent the night here before you!
Maybe you are into hiking adventures, as well? Then you will love all the hiking opportunities in Telemark, such as this climb to one of the country's widest vista, at the Gaustatoppen mountain. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of mainland Norway from up here!
The trip is moderately demanding, so if you want to skip the walk, you can actulally ride the Gaustabanen cable car! It takes you all the way to the top in 15 minutes, deep inside the mountain on rails from the Cold War.
In the same area, you can hike Sabotørstien (the Sabotage trail) to Vemork power station in Rjukan. The trail is the same one that was used by the heroes of one of the most dramatic sabotage missions of World War II, which prevented the development of nuclear weapons at the time.
Rjukan is great as a base for an active holiday! Try bungee jumping, climbing parks, or bike all the way up to the Hardangervidda plateau, and have a break at the Mårbu Mountain Pasture and Lodge.
You can also take the Krossobanen cable car up to the mountain. The cable car was built in 1928 and was a gift from Norsk Hydro to the people who lived in Rjukan, so they could get up to see the sun during the winter.
Hardangervidda is Northern Europe's largest high mountain plateau, and offers lots of possibilities for a real escape into the wild.
Want to travel like the first tourists did, by cruising the 105 km long trip from Dalen to Skien? The Telemark Canal is an impressive attraction, hailed as "the eight wonder of the world" when it was built.
Admire the green landscape reflected in the canal and hear the water roar as the locks lift your boat.
One of the boats is actually named after the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen, who grew up in Skien.
His childhood home is now open to the public as the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Expect an interesting and fun mix of historical and modern experiences. Don't miss the new Peer Gynt escape room!
Weee... splash!
An easy way to feel your stomach drop is to ride the water slides at Bø Sommarland.
Not far away from Bø, in the small village of Seljord, mysterious stories have been told throughout the ages about the "Seljord sea worm/monster" who is supposed to live in the lake there. Maybe you can spot it from the observation tower that is built there, only for that purpose?
Bø, Seljord and Gvarv, lay like pearls on a string, and in Gvarv, you can taste some award-winning local cheese, enjoy Norway's best eplemost (apple juice), and sip exquisite wine from the world's northernmost vineyard in the fruit village at Gvarv!
You should also try farmer Kari’s recipe for a delicious apple cake from the Fruit Village! Or what about some tasty Norwegian Gløgg?
The Fruit Village is not the only place to taste local treasures. The secret behind Telemark's rich culinary traditions is its fertile cultural landscape, from the coast to the mountains. There are many historical sites serving culinary traditions, such as the Nutheim Gjestgiveri or the Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.
Luckily, much of Norwegian history and culture has been preserved and can be experienced in Telemark. Make sure to stop at Rygnestadtunet in Valle, where you can view buildings dated back to the early 13th century...
... or hike up to the small Rui farm in Dalen and learn the cute story about the two last sisters who lived there.
In the same area, you can also walk the other popular hike, Lårdalstigen, and get rewarded with nice views on top.
Let it all sink in on a glamping trip where you spend the night in a yurt by a magical lake in a forest.
Do you dream of mythical creatures like trolls and huldra? In that case, you’ll find your dream accommodation on a traditional farm. Unless you prefer to stay in a wine barrel or a treetop cabin!
Telemark also stretches all the way down to the beautiful archipelago along the coast.
Dip your toes into the water on the pier in the summer town Kragerø, with charming white houses that are very characteristic for this part of Norway. From here, you can take a small ferry out to the summer paradise island, Jomfruland National Park.
Which wonders will you explore first?