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.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
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.
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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.
By train
The train stops at several stations in Telemark on its way from Oslo to Kristiansand.
