The Telemark Canal, which stretches 105 km 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 popular hiking trail runs up to Telemark's highest mountain, Gaustatoppen 1.883 m above sea level, and takes about 2 hours. On a clear day you can see 1/6th of Norway from the summit. There is also lift inside the mountain that takes tourists to the summit, but it is only open during limited periods.
The northern part of Telemark is dominated by Hardangervidda, which is Norway's largest national park and kingdom of the wild reindeer. In addition to walking trails, there are also opportunities for fishing, horse riding and cycling through beautiful and wild mountain scenery. The mountains around Rjukan provide excellent walking terrain and outdoor activities, and The Norwegian Mountain Touring Association guides you from hut to hut on Hardangervidda. There are regular boat connections on Lake Møsvatn between Skinnarbu and Mogen.
Telemark has a beautiful coastline with thousands of islets and rocks, and this is a favourite holiday destination for the inhabitants of Telemark. The large inhabited islands can be reached by ferry from Brevik, Langesund and Kragerø. The island of Jomfruland outside Kragerø is very special. With its unique natural variations, this island is one of a kind. On the outer edge it is dominated by pebble beaches, whilst the inner edge has long sandy beaches stretching the length of the island.
7% of Telemark is covered by lakes, and in West-Telemark one 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.