The Telemark Canal

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

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

The locks and canal boats
There are eight spectacular lock systems with a total of 18 lock chambers, from the start in Skien to the end of the canal at Dalen.The canal is an adventurous waterway with narrow rivers, large lakes, ancient cultural history, a buzzing crowd and locks. You can choose between different day trips or boat trip with accommodation. The two canal boats MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen operate the canal between Skien and Dalen. MS Telemarken operates the route Norsjø-Ulefoss-Lunde round trip. 

Advance booking is recommended. You can book online or on tel. + 47 409 20 000

Paddle, bike and hike
Canoeing, cycling and hiking along the canal are very popular. Along the canal there is a rich selection of museums, cultural monuments, cozy eateries and wonderful cultural events.

Use your own boat at Telemarkskanalen
It is an incredibly great experience to sail on the Telemark Canal in your own boat. There is magnificent nature, cozy campsites and many activities. The canal's eastern channel runs via the idyllic Sauarelva to Notodden, which is known for industrial history with UNESCO status and the blues festival in August. The lock facilities are open to leisure boats from approx. last week in June and until mid-August.

History
When the Telemark Canal was completed in 1892, there was a continuous waterway from the coast to the inner part of Telemark. It stretches 105 km from Grenland's beautiful coast, to Dalen in Telemark at the foot of the Hardangervidda. 500 men had spent 5 years blasting their way through the mountains. With 18 locks, it lifts the boats from 0 to 72 m.o.h. In Europe, the channel was referred to in European travel guides as one of the "eighth wonders of the world" when it was completed.

Advance booking recommended.

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