Winter in Telemark

Located in the southeast of Norway, the Telemark region stretches from the east coast of Skagerrak to the Hardanger Mountain Plateau in central southern Norway. In this huge area, you will find a wide range of activities, year round.

In the mountains, winters are often long and stable from the end of November to late April, while the weather on the coast tends to vary more but with a typically more humid climate. Wherever you are headed, make sure to pack some warm clothes when travelling in Norway in winter. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

A skiing paradise

When visiting Telemark in winter, you don't need to waste time wondering what to do. There are loads of exciting activities for young and old, beginners and pros!

Choose from among seven popular ski resorts in the region: Gaustablikk, Rauland, Haukelifjell, Lifjell, Vrådal, and Gautefall. You can even purchase a 'one pass to rule them all' ski pass that for five of the resorts.

The resorts are easily accessible and especially popular with Danish, German, British, and Dutch visitors as they are not too far from ferry ports in Oslo, Larvik, and Kristiansand, with direct connections to Denmark and Germany.

The Telemark region is perfect for all types of skiing activities. Want to learn 'Norway's national pastime' – cross country skiing? There are miles of freshly groomed tracks to enjoy. If you want the feeling of flying while skiing, the Haukeli mountain plateau is a good place for kiting. You can also fly across the mountain in another way, in a warm and cosy sled pulled by eager huskies.

Would you like to go on a sleigh ride with a horse or meet up with some woolly alpacas instead? There are so many things to see and do.

Amazing views

If you're a ski touring enthusiast, you should head up to Gaustatoppen mountain – the highest mountain in the area. At 1,883 meters above sea level, the view from the top is amazing, allowing you to see as much as a sixth of Norway on a clear day.

A less strenuous way to reach the top is to hop on the Gaustabanen (open from mid February) instead – a combined tram and funicular inside the mountain that takes you all the way up in just 15 minutes.

Guided tours

The mountains are not just for skiing. Have you ever tried snow shoeing? If not, book a guided tour!

Other activities you can do without skis include snowmobiling, fat biking, ice skating at Skien fritidspark, and ice climbing with a guide at one of the 192 frozen waterfalls in and around Rjukan.

Saunas and ice bathing have become very popular all over the country in recent years. That's not surprising – they are both fun AND good for your health! In Telemark, you can even combine ice bathing and saunas with beautiful nature, including at the Mirror Sauna in Vrådal, the Soria Moria Sauna in Dalen, and the Floating Saunas at Gausta, near Rjukan. What could be better?

Museums and culture

Speaking of Rjukan, did you know that the sun actually doesn't shine through much of the winter in this narrow valley? Nevertheless, it's still a hub for activities in the heart of Telemark. If you love history, you've come to the right place! Pay a visit to the hydroelectric plant at Vemork, and learn the exciting story about the Norwegian saboteurs who risked everything during WWII when they blew up the heavy water plant there, preventing the development of nuclear weapons.

In addition to the WWII museum, Telemark offers plenty of other exciting museums and historical sites and is the region with the most buildings from the Middle Ages in Norway. These include old stone churches, such as the ones at Kvitesteid and Seljord and stave churches at Eidsborg and Heddal. The churches are mainly open in summer, but some offer admittance if contacted in advance.

There are also many old wooden farmhouses, summer mountain farms, and venerable estates that bear witness to what life was like in another era. Many are open air museums or indoor museums today, including the Søndre Brekke Estate, now part of the Telemark Museum.

Other museums that are worth a visit include the Telemark Art Museum, the DuVerden Maritime Museum + Science Centre, and the Porcelain Museum in Porsgrunn. These also offer fun activities for kids.

Urban escapes

In addition to the beautiful nature, Telemark also offers wonderful urban experiences. Stroll through the charming streets of Kragerø and take a break at a cosy restaurant or café.

Afterwards, heat up in a spa with amazing views at Kragerø Spa Resort.

Skien and Porsgrunn are bigger and offer local art galleries, theatres, lively festivals, and concerts.

In Skien, you can pay a visit to the birthplace of one of Norway's most famous 19th century authors, Henrik Ibsen, at the Henrik Ibsen Museum.

Unique places to stay

Looking for a special spot to spend the night? You can find both starred hotels and small, hidden gems in Telemark.

Climb up to the treetops and sleep like a baby (or a bird), where you can get to know the Norwegian nature in the most peaceful – and close up – way, like at Å Camp in Tinn Austbygd.