Welcome to the region of adventure!
Telemark stretches all the way from the Hardanger mountain plateau, through lush valleys, to a charming archipelago and coastline, about midway between Oslo and Kristiansand!
The region offers many adventures stories to tell. More folk tales have been collected here than anywhere else in Norway.
Daydream of times gone by under the multi-tiered roof of Heddal Stave Church …
... and explore history in modern surroundings. Treat yourself to a zen moment at the Soria Moria Sauna in Dalen Valley.
To complete the luxury, spoil yourself with a tasty meal just a few steps away, on the terrace at historical Dalen Hotel, known as the "fairytale hotel". Kings from four nations have spent the night here before you!
If you're into hiking, you'll love all the options in Telemark, such as this climb to one of the country's widest vista, on Gaustatoppen mountain. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of mainland Norway from up here!
If you want to skip the walk, you can ride the Gaustabanen cable car! It takes you to the top in just 15 minutes, deep inside the mountain on rails from the Cold War.
In the same area, you can hike Sabotørstien (the Sabotage Trail) to Vemork power station in Rjukan. The same trail was used by the heroes of one of the most dramatic sabotage missions of World War II, which prevented the development of nuclear weapons by the Nazis.
Rjukan is great as a base for an active holiday! Try bungee jumping, climbing parks, or biking all the way up to the Hardangervidda plateau, where you can have a break at the Mårbu Mountain Pasture and Lodge.
In Fyresdal by Lake Fyresvatn, you can stroll the universally designed Hamaren walking trail, including a treetop trail 15 meters above the ground!
The treetop trail is designed by the leading architectural firm EFFEKT, and provides a great view of the lake for everyone.
Hardangervidda is Northern Europe's largest high mountain plateau, and offers lots of possibilities for a real escape into the wild.
Want to travel like the first tourists did, by cruising the 105-km-long trip from Dalen to Skien? The Telemark Canal is an impressive attraction, hailed as "the eighth wonder of the world" when it was built.
Glide past green landscapes reflected in the canal and hear the water roar as the locks lift your boat.
One of the boats that ply the canal is named after the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen, who grew up in Skien.
His 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!
Weee... splash!
An easy way to feel your stomach drop is to ride the water slides at Bø Sommarland.
Not far away from Bø, in the small village of Seljord, mysterious stories have been told throughout the ages about the "Seljord sea monster" who is alleged to live in the lake there. Will you manage to spot it from the observation tower that is built there, solely to catch a glimpse of the creature?
Bø, Seljord and Gvarv are situated like pearls on a string. Taste award-winning local cheeses, enjoy Norway's best eplemost (apple juice), and sip exquisite wine from the world's northernmost vineyard in the fruit village of Gvarv!
You should also try farmer Kari’s recipe for delicious apple cake from the Fruit Village! Or how about some tasty Norwegian Gløgg?
The Fruit Village is not the only place to taste local treasures. The secret behind Telemark's rich culinary traditions is its fertile cultural landscape, from the coast to the mountains. There are many historical sites serving traditional food, such as the Nutheim Gjestgiveri and the Tuddal Høyfjellshotell.
Luckily, much of Norwegian history and culture has been preserved and can be experienced in Telemark. Make sure to stop at Rygnestadtunet in Valle, where you can view buildings dated back to the early 13th century...
... or hike up to the small Rui farm in Dalen and learn the charming story about the two sisters who were the last people to live there.
Another popular hike in the area is Lårdalstigen, where you will be rewarded by beautiful views at the top.
Let it all sink in on a glamping trip where you spend the night in a yurt by a magical lake in a forest.
Are you a fan 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!
Telemark also stretches all the way down to the beautiful archipelago along the coast.
Dip your toes into the water on the pier in the summer town of Kragerø, with traditional white wooden houses that are very characteristic for this part of Norway. From here, you can take a small ferry out to the summer island paradise of Jomfruland National Park.