TELEMARK

Absolutely fabulous

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Soria Moria Sauna in Telemark .
Photo: Dag Jenssen

Modern and historic: Treat yourself to a zen moment in the sauna Soria Moria …

Soria Moria Sauna in Telemark .
Photo: Dag Jenssen

… or sleep under the chandeliers at Dalen Hotel, known as the "adventure hotel". Kings from four countries have spent the night here before you!

Dalen Hotel in Telemark .
Photo: Visit Telemark

Telemark is above all an adventurous region with many stories to tell. More folk tales have been collected here than anywhere else in Norway.

Dream of times gone by under the layered roof of Heddal Stave Church …

Heddal stave church in Notodden .
Photo: Visit Telemark

… or walk along the so-called Sabotørstien (the sabotage trail) to Vemork power station in Rjukan. The trip follows in the footsteps of the heroes of one of the most dramatic sabotage missions during World War II.

Vemork museum in Rjukan .
Photo: Ian Brodie / Visitrjukan.com

Mountains and coast: In the same area, you can also admire the country's widest view at the Gaustatoppen mountain. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of mainland Norway up here!

The mountain is easy to climb on foot, but easier still – and just as adventurous – is to go up with Gaustabanen. This cable car takes you to the top deep inside the mountain on rails from the Cold War.

Hiking to Gaustatoppen .
Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com

Another historic and equally impressive attraction is The Telemark Canal. It was even hailed as "the world's eight wonder" when it was built.

Admire the green landscape reflected in the canal and hear the water roar as the locks lift the boat.

Telemark canal .
Photo: Visit Telemark

And did you know that Henrik Ibsen came from Skien in Telemark?

The famous playwright’s childhood home is now open to the public as the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Expect an interesting but fun mix of historical and modern experiences. Check out the new Peer Gynt escape room, for example!

Henrik Ibsen Museum in Skien .
Photo: Sigurd Svela

Telemark offers wet adventures of every possible kind.

Dip your toes in the water on the pier in Kragerø, a summer town characterised by the white-painted houses that are so typical in this part of Norway. Or plunge into the salty waves by the sandy beaches along the coast in Skagerrak.

Kragerø in Telemark .
Photo: Visit Telemark

Cool off: Go for a swim in a bright blue mountain lake on Hardangervidda, Northern Europe's largest high mountain plateau which is situated at the opposite end of the Telemark region. It’s f-f-f-fresh!

Kayaking at Haukelifjell in Telemark .
Photo: Foap / Visitnorway.com

Do you want speed and excitement?

An easy way to get butterflies in your stomach is to try out the water slides in Bø Sommarland.

Bø Sommarland waterpark .
Photo: Bø Sommarland

The water in Telemark is just as wonderful in winter – in the form of snow.

After all, the area is the cradle of skiing! Morgedal in Telemark is where Sondre Norheim threw himself down slopes and across rooftops on homemade skis.

Go for it in the whirling powder snow …

Skiing in Vinje in Telemark .
Photo: CH / Visitnorway.com

… or take the chairlift to the slopes in one of many local resorts, for example, Gausta and Rauland Ski Centre.

You can also bring your skis on the Gaustabanen cable car and ski back down.

Alpine skiing at Gaustablikk .
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 .
Photo: Yngve Ask

… or prefer to go paddling or climbing.

You can also cycle along the coast, in the mountains, in the forest, or the beautiful cultural landscapes.

Cycling on Hardangervidda .
Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com

Gourmet goodies: The secret behind Telemark's rich food traditions can be found in the fertile cultural landscape, from the coast to the mountains.

Nutheim Gjestgiveri in Telemark .
Photo: Yngve Ask

Let the world's second-best cheese melt on your tongue, enjoy Norway's best eplemost (a kind of apple juice), and sip exquisite wine from the world's northernmost vineyard in the fruit village at Gvarv.

The fruit village Gvarv in Telemark .
Photo: Yngve Ask

Let it all sink in on a glamping trip where you sleep in a yurt by a magical lake in a forest.

Do you dream of mythical creatures like trolls and hulders? 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 hut!

Spa at Canvas Hotel in Nissedal .
Photo: Anton Ligaarden / Visitnorway.com