The Telemark Canal

The Telemark Canal, which stretches 105 kilometres from Skien to Dalen, can offer cultural history, bustling crowds, constantly changing landscape and lock passages just as they were over 100 years ago.

When the canal was completed in 1892 Europeans described it as the "eighth wonder" – with its 18 lock chambers it opened up a waterway from coast to mountain.

The two nostalgic canal boats M/S "Victoria" and M/S "Henrik Ibsen" sail in regular routes between Skien and Dalen from May to September. The somewhat newer M/S "Telemarken" regularly sails between Akkerhaugen and Lunde.

A range of Telemark's cultural treasure lie a stone's throw from the Telemark Canal: Morgedal – the cradle of skiing, the tourist centre of Vrådal, the stave churches at Heddal and Eidsborg, Rjukan with its war history, Ulefoss Manor House, Ibsen's birthplace in Skien, Norway's only porcelain factory - Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik and the fairytale Dalen Hotel with its dragons and spires.

Bø Sommarland

Norway's largest aqua park, and one of Europe's most beautiful. Bø Sommarland has one of the world's largest artificial waves for surfing and Norway's biggest water roller coaster.  

Vest-Telemark Museum at Eidsborg

The old Vindlaus Farm has been turned into a fascinating and diverse open-air museum. The museum is located in the midst of a lush and powerful cultural landscape, and shows you centuries long traditions in folk arts and crafts, with richly decorated works in silver, wood and textile.

Eidsborg Stave Church, one of Telemark's two stave churches, is situated next to the museum buildings. The church is still in use.

The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum

This museum at Vemork in Rjukan is a place where you can learn about the fantastic adventure of its genesis and see exhibitions about the industrial development in Norway, and in Rjukan in particular.

The museum is best known for its presentation of Rjukan's exciting wartime history. Vemork was the centre of one of the most important acts of sabotage committed during World War II, when Norwegian saboteurs prevented the Germans from developing a nuclear bomb from the heavy water that was produced there.

"Atomkappløpet" (the nuclear race) exhibition gives an exciting and extremely informative presentation of the four heavy water sabotage missions and the Allies' efforts to build a nuclear bomb.  

Heddal Stave Church

Norway's largest stave church built in the 1200s and still in use. Rose paintings from the 1600s, "bishop's chair" and incence vessels from mediavel times. Guided tours in English and an exhibition in the vicarage barn. Cafeteria serving hot and cold meals. Church services and quiet room. The church is situated just outside Notodden, close to the E134.

The Henrik Ibsen Museum in Skien

The dramatist Henrik Ibsen lived on the small farm of Venstøp from the age of 7 to 15. His childhood home is today a modern museum devoted to the writer. Here, the writings of Ibsen are presented through film, pictures, talking-heads and holograms.

In the depths of the barn, you may enter "Ibsen's top hat", allowing you to experience the genius of this writer's brain. You can enjoy all this within the confines of delightful listed buildings and a pleasant country garden.

Gaustatoppen Mountain

Gaustatoppen, which many claim to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, towers majestically above the town of Rjukan at an altitude of 1,883 metres. Around 30,000 people make the trip up to the summit every year to enjoy the fantastic views from the top. On a clear day, you can see one sixth of Norway from here. The Norwegian Trekking Association's old stone cabin at the summit serves drinks and food.

The best place to start off on a trek up to the top is from Stavsro (1,173 metres above sea level). The trail is well-marked with red Ts all the way up and it takes most people about two hours to reach the top.

Hardangervidda

The northern part of Telemark is dominated by Hardangervidda, one of Europe's largest mountain plateaus. It is also home to Northern Europe's largest stock of reindeer.

Jomfruland

Telemark has a beautiful coastline with thousands of islets and rocks. The island of Jomfruland outside Kragerø is very special. Jomfruland is a long, flat island forming a protective barrier between the other islands and the open Skagerrak Sea. Ferries make regular daily trips between the island and the mainland.

The island is a part of a glacial moraine stretching from the Baltic Sea through Sweden and along the Norwegian coast. A favourable climate and lush vegetation have attracted a great variety of birds: Some 60 to 70 species nest here.

Nature's beauty is visible every spring in a special way for the mass of visitors who come to the pancake-flat island to view the marvellous flowering of the wood anemone among mighty, magical oak trees.

You will also find nice sandy and pebbled beaches on the island.

Lakes in Telemark

Seven per cent of Telemark is covered by lakes, and in West-Telemark you can find idyllic lake landscapes with white beaches, islands and islets. Here you can fish, paddle, bathe and find your own little bay or islet. Lake Nisser in West-Telemark, between Vrådal and Treungen, is Telemark's longest lake and a paradise for nature lovers. The mountains around are famous for their many exciting climbing routes.