Go on an adventure and discover the wonders of Telemark! Combine exciting cultural history and delicious local food with adrenaline-filled activities for the whole family.
Telemark in Eastern Norway has many stories to tell – the region is associated with more folk tales than anywhere else in Norway. It was also in Telemark, more specifically in Rjukan, that one of the most dramatic sabotage missions during World War II took place.
The cable car Gaustabanen has a fascinating history: it is a closed NATO facility built deep inside the mountain during the Cold War. These days, visitors use Gaustabanen to easily get to the Gaustatoppen mountain top. On a clear day, you can see one-sixth of mainland Norway up here! If you prefer lower altitudes, you can enjoy fabulous views on a boat trip along the Telemark Canal.
The playwright Henrik Ibsen grew up in Skien in Telemark, and you can travel back in time in his childhood home, which is now a museum. If you long for coastal culture, we recommend a trip to Kragerø where rocks, fresh seafood, and lovely beaches await.
You can also fill your family holiday with speed and excitement on bike rides, in the ski slopes, or at the summer park Bø Sommarland.
Vest-Telemark, Midt-Telemark and Nome has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
SkienHenrik Ibsen museum
SkienSkien fritidspark
RjukanGaustatoppen
SeljordDyrskuplassen
PorsgrunnThe Porcelain Museum
Bø I TelemarkBø Sommarland Waterpark
NotoddenHeddal Stave Church
JomfrulandJomfruland island
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
DalenDalen Hotel
TreungenNorrøna Canvas Telemark
VrådalStraand Hotel
Book nowRaulandRauland Feriesenter
Book nowPorsgrunnComfort Hotel Porsgrunn
Bø I TelemarkBø Hotel
Book nowPorsgrunnHotell Vic
Book nowLangesundQuality Hotel Skjærgården
StabbestadKragerø Resort
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Telemark with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
Local travel
A number of local buses will take you around all of Telemark county. Find timetables and prices on Farte.no.
Inland boats traffic the Telemark Canal all summer.
By plane
The nearest airport with international flight connections is Torp Sandefjord Airport. Check out Telemark’s official website for more information.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports
By bus
An extensive express bus network covers the entire county of Telemark. Visit Telemark’s official website for prices and timetables.
By car
The E18 runs through the southern part of Telemark when you drive between Oslo and Kristiansand or Stavanger, whilst the E134 goes through the middle/upper parts of the county to Hardanger and Haugesund.
By boat
Telemark is only a short distance from the gateways of Oslo, Kristiansand, Larvik, Sandefjord and Langesund, which have daily ferry connections to different European destinations. Find more information about travelling by boat.
Explore Telemark
More travel ideas
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.