The Telemark Canal
Welcome to 'the eighth wonder of the world'!
A waterway adventure with narrow rivers, impressive lock systems, lakes, rich industrial and cultural history that stretches from the coast to the mountain, from Skien to Dalen in Telemark.
Eight spectacular lock systems lift the boats a total of 72 metres along the way!
All aboard?
The captain is ready to show you the beauty of the Telemark Canal. Enjoy!
It's not just the canal that's worth a visit.
Let's follow the canal from start to end, from Skien to Dalen, introducing the many attractions along the route.
1. Skien
Skien is the starting point of the Telemark Canal and is where the boats pass through the first lock.
Swim all year round in Hjellevannet and heat up in one of the sauna boats, Leo and Frank.
If you'd like some adrenaline, a spa treatment or a hotel stay, Skien Activity park is waiting for you. Both the park and the hotel are universally designed, which makes it an accessible choice for everyone.
Did you know Henrik Ibsen was born and grew up in Skien? Visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum in his childhood home!
2. Ulefoss
After having crossed Norsjø, one of the longest lakes in Telemark, you'll arrive at the second lock, in Ulefoss.
This is the most popular starting point for short day trips.
Only a 12-minute walk from here, you'll find Ulefos Hovedgaard, a venerable estate from 1807 that is a prime example of European cultural history in the middle of Telemark.
Make sure to also visit Fruktbygda (The Fruit Village) in Gvarv.
This is a true countryside gem a short drive north of Ulefoss, where you can visit quaint fruit farms and even spend the night in a wine barrel in a real vineyard!
Take a little detour to Bø where you'll find Scandinavia's largest water park, Bø Sommarland, with more than 20 different pools and slides!
3. Vrangfoss
Vrangfoss is the largest and most beautiful lock.
It consists of five lifting chambers with a total lifting height of 23 metres!
4. Lunde
Lunde is the largest hub on the Telemark Canal.
All the regular boats converge here in the middle of the day during the season.
Eat lunch at friendly summer restaurant Lunde Slusekro or go camping at First Camp Lunde.
Lunde is the end point of the shortest boat tour. Although you can ride the bus back to the starting point, you won't regret taking the tour a bit further, all the way to ...
5. Dalen
Follow the beautiful Bandak lake for about four and a half hours, all the way to Dalen, which is the end of the Telemark Canal.
Here you can spend the night at the venerable Dalen Hotel!
This fairytale hotel from 1894 is in a sumptuous, romantic style and is one of Norway's oldest wooden hotels. It's located just 400 metres from the canal.
A five-minute stroll away, you'll find the famous Soria Moria sauna!
Enjoy a fresh dip in Bandak lake and heat up in this striking sauna that is a true work of art.
A further 8-minute drive takes you to the start of Lårdalstigen, a fantastic hike between Dalen and Lårdal.
This is a challenging hike, where parts of the trail follow the mountain ridge 800 metres above the Telemark Canal.
Eat your lunch with spectacular views!
An hour south of Dalen you'll find Hamaren Activity Park in Fyresdal and a one-of-a-kind trail.
Tretoppvegen (The treetop boardwalk) is a 1-km long trail starting at ground level and gradually rising to 15 metres high among the treetops!
The best part is that it's universally designed, which means that this is a trail for everyone!
6. Cycling along the canal
The canal route is a fantastic cycling experience!
Join a two-day tour from Ulefoss to Dalen and experience all the locks along roads with little traffic. There are several hotels and campsites along the route, but most of the trip consists of forest and countryside. The tour ends in Dalen.
There are also several other routes to choose from according to your skills and wishes.
7. Canoeing and kayaking
The canal is also a beautiful place to go canoeing and kayaking!
Paddling through the third and fourth lock, in Lunde and in Vrangfoss, is a unique experience! Enter the chambers and get sluiced through by the sluice masters. It's also lovely to paddle from Lunde to Vrangfoss.
Combine paddling with a boat trip on the Telemark Canal, as you can bring your canoe/kayak on board and paddle back to start!
You can always rent a canoe or kayak.