Vemork museum in Rjukan
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Photo:
Ian Brodie / Visitrjukan.com
Vemork museum in Rjukan
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Photo:
Ian Brodie / Visitrjukan.com
Mountains and coast: Nearby, you can also admire the country's widest vista at Gaustatoppen mountain. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of mainland Norway from up here!
The mountain is easy to hike on foot, but it's even easier – and just as adventurous – to ride the Gaustabanen cable car, which also takes you to the top, deep inside the mountain on rails from the Cold War.
Hiking to Gaustatoppen
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Photo:
Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com
Hiking to Gaustatoppen
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Photo:
Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com
Another historic and equally impressive attraction is The Telemark Canal, hailed as "the eight wonder of the world" when it was built.
Admire the green landscape reflected in the canal and hear the water roar as the locks lift your boat.
Telemark canal
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Photo:
Visit Telemark
Telemark canal
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Photo:
Visit Telemark
Did you know that Henrik Ibsen came from Skien in Telemark?
The famous Norwegian playwright’s childhood home is now open to the public as the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Expect an interesting and fun mix of historical and modern experiences. Don't miss the new Peer Gynt escape room!
Henrik Ibsen Museum in Skien
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Photo:
Sigurd Svela
Henrik Ibsen Museum in Skien
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Photo:
Sigurd Svela
Telemark offers all kinds of water adventure.
Dip your toes into the water on the pier in Kragerø, a summer town with charming white houses that are so characteristic of this part of Norway. Or plunge into the salty waves on the many sandy beaches that dot the coast of Skagerrak.
Kragerø in Telemark
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Photo:
Visit Telemark
Kragerø in Telemark
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Photo:
Visit Telemark
Cool off: Go for a swim in a bright blue mountain lake on Hardangervidda, Northern Europe's largest high mountain plateau, situated at the opposite end of the Telemark region. It’s re-re-refreshing!
Kayaking at Haukelifjell in Telemark
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Photo:
Foap / Visitnorway.com
Kayaking at Haukelifjell in Telemark
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Photo:
Foap / Visitnorway.com
Want speed and excitement?
An easy way to feel your stomach drop is to ride the water slides at Bø Sommarland.
Bø Sommarland waterpark
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Photo:
Bø Sommarland
Bø Sommarland waterpark
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Photo:
Bø Sommarland
The water in Telemark is just as wonderful in winter – when it turns to snow.
After all, the area is the birthplace of skiing! Morgedal in Telemark is where Sondre Norheim once hurled down slopes and across rooftops on homemade skis.
Go wild in whirling powder snow …
Skiing in Vinje in Telemark
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Photo:
CH / Visitnorway.com
Skiing in Vinje in Telemark
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Photo:
CH / Visitnorway.com
… or take the chairlift to the slopes at one of the many local resorts, like Gausta and Rauland Ski Centre.
You can also bring your skis on the Gaustabanen cable car and ski back down.
Alpine skiing at Gaustablikk
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Photo:
Trond Stegarud
Alpine skiing at Gaustablikk
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Photo:
Trond Stegarud
The nature in Telemark is perfect for outdoor activities, whether you choose to hike along Lårdalstigen or other trails …
Hiking in Veneli hiking area in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
Hiking in Veneli hiking area in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
… or prefer to go paddling or climbing.
You can also cycle along the coast, in the mountains, in the forest, or through beautiful cultural landscapes.
Cycling on Hardangervidda
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Photo:
Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com
Cycling on Hardangervidda
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Photo:
Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com
Gourmet goodies: The secret behind Telemark's rich culinary traditions is its fertile cultural landscape, from the coast to the mountains.
Nutheim Gjestgiveri in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
Nutheim Gjestgiveri in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
Sample award winning local cheese, enjoy Norway's best eplemost (apple juice), and sip exquisite wine from the world's northernmost vineyard in the fruit village at Gvarv.
The fruit village Gvarv in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
The fruit village Gvarv in Telemark
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Photo:
Yngve Ask
Let it all sink in on a glamping trip where you spend the night in a yurt by a magical lake in a forest.
Do you dream of mythical creatures like trolls and huldra? In that case, you’ll find your dream accommodation on a traditional farm. Unless you prefer to stay in a wine barrel or a treetop cabin!
Spa at Canvas Hotel in Nissedal
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Photo:
Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com
Spa at Canvas Hotel in Nissedal
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Photo:
Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com