Take a trip on 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.
Have fun at 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.
Go cycling
Telemark has a varied programme for cyclists, both in the high mountains, along the Telemark Canal and along the coast. Choose between five different cycle packages in summer. Prices start at NOK 780.
Play golf
The 18-hole Kragerø Golf Park opened in 2003. It is a part of a big resort with tennis courts, a playground, swimming pools, holiday houses and a large spa hotel. The golf course is owned and run by Kragerø Golf AS. The golf course is in forest, and fairway and greens are of the best quality.
Travel with the boat "M/S Fram" in Vrådal
The old tugboat "M/S Fram" travels in regular routes on the lakes Nisser and Vråvatn. Experience the fascinationg island landscape on Nisser, Telemark's largest inland lake. There are locks between Nisser and Vråvatn. "M/S Fram" is based at Straand Sommerland where you will find beaches, a climbing tower, boat hire, a volleyball course, a horse centre, and a restaurant.
Drive and walk
Carwalks are an option for people who wish to combine their car trips with interesting and well-planned walks that are of a reasonable length. Both the car trips and the walks have their own route guides with sketch maps and information about the routes.
In the municipality of Vinje there is a car trip with four associated walks that start from Mjonøy, from the centre of Åmot, from Urdbøurdi in Arabygdi and from the centre of Rauland. You can buy sketch maps and tour descriptions at Telemark's tourist information offices for NOK 10 each.
Explore 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.
Visit Skien Fritidspark
Skien Fritidspark is one of Norway's largest multipurpose leisure parks for sports, family activities and recreation. It contains sports halls, a climbing park, a large water park, a health club, spa facilities and so on. Outdoor activities include frisbee golf, beach volleyball, tennis and BMX biking.