The Telemark Canal was etched in the mountains well over 100 years ago, and when the canal was completed in 1892 the rest of Europe called it "the eight wonder of the world".
Five hundred men worked for five years, blasting their way through the mountains. With a total of 18 locks chambers, the route was cleared from Skien to the ancient Norwegian village of Dalen, a sailing difference of 72 metres. The canal became known as "the fast route" between eastern and western Norway and was also the most important transport route between upper and lower Telemark for people, domestic animals, goods and timber. Today it is the tourists from near and far who come to experience this unique watercourse which still remains almost as it was for over a hundred years ago. The stone walls of the locks, the enormous lock gates and even the actual opening and closing mechanism - everything is authentic.

You can travel the canal with the MS Viktoria or the MS Henrik Ibsen, which sail between Skien and Dalen during the summer season. The MS Telemark sails daily from Akkerhaugen to Lunde during the summer season.