The Telemark Canal

Welcome to the world's most beautiful channel, The Telemark Canal!

The Telemark Canal is the only canal system in Norway connected to the sea. 18 lock levels divided over 8 lock systems lift boats 72 metres above sea level to the lake of Flåvatn. From here beautiful lake and river reaches take the traveller on to Dalen, 150 km inland, in the heart of the mountains of southern Norway.

The contrast between the broad agricultural districts, the wilderness and the old industrial sites makes the Telemark Canal one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe. In addition, the water is clean and the fish live well!

The Telemark Canal was completed in 1892 and 500 men had worked for 5 years to bring this waterway into the heart of Telemark.

The canal is a living heritage site, and has kept its nineteenth century air, with manual operation of most of the lock gates. The beautiful old walls and lock systems have been preserved in their original form. Along the banks of the canal you can still see the old lock-keepers' houses, the smithies, the sawmills, the watchmens' cottages and the jetties with warehouses and other buildings.

Advance booking recommended.

Online booking: www.telemarkskanalen.no
E-mail: booking@telemarkskanalen.no 

NB!

In the first period, from 20 May to 14 June, only M / S Henrik Ibsen sails. This means reduced routing compared to what is normal. During this period, the departures are as follows:

20/5 - 14/6:

Mondays: Dalen- Lunde - Dalen

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: Dalen - Skien

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays: Skien - Dalen

The canal bus service has been greatly reduced during this period, and the only buses that go are the evening bus from Dalen when the boat arrives, and some days the morning bus from the Dalen Hotel.

The evening bus leaves as follows, departing from Lastein pier at. 18.35:

Mondays: Dalen - Lunde

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays: Dalen - Ulefoss - Skien

The morning bus leaves from the Dalen Hotel at 10:15 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

All other channel connections during this period are set.

On June 15, M / S Victoria will be scheduled and we will be departing every day in both directions between Skien and Dalen, as usual.

From this date, the rest of the bus services are also in place and thus we can offer our day trips as usual. https://www.telemarkskanalen.no/anbefalte-turer/dagsturer-pa-telemarkskanalen

M / S Telemarken runs on June 20 and 21, and daily from June 27 to August 9.

As regards infection control, we follow all guidelines for cleaning, food service etc. The boats sail with reduced capacity and will have a maximum number of 90 passengers. Then there will be plenty of space on board and possible distance.