Telemark: Stave Churches, Locks and Changing Landscapes
Accommodation in Telemark
Telemark stretches from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau through green valleys to an archipelago and a coastline. The Telemark Canal also opens up a variety of landscapes: it runs from the coast through the hilly fruit-growing region of Midt-Telemark to the high mountains and the Hardangervidda. Cultural heritage sites, canal experiences and hikes give you different perspectives on the region.
Experience the Telemark Canal
A full boat trip on the Telemark Canal between Skien and Dalen takes about 10 to 11 hours. The long journey makes the entire route an excursion in its own right; check the current timetable before travelling and allow plenty of time. Those interested in the Canal Route can enjoy a different perspective on the canal: the cycling route runs alongside it. Along the way, cyclists can pass through locks by bike or cover part of the route by canal boat.
One of the canal’s most striking engineering highlights is the Vrangfoss Locks. They have five lock chambers and a lifting height of 23 metres. These figures give a tangible sense of the scale of the structure and complement the view of the landscape through which the canal runs.
Historic buildings and history
Telemark has Norway’s largest concentration of secular medieval buildings. “Secular” refers to non-religious buildings. The Heddal Stave Church in Notodden offers a different perspective on the region’s architectural heritage: it is Norway’s largest stave church. Thus, Telemark is home both to a regional concentration of secular medieval buildings and to a singular example of religious timber architecture.
The Sjøormtårnet tower on Bjørgeøyane in Seljord also combines distinctive architectural features with a specific date: it opened on 18 October 2011, is built of wood, stands 17 metres high and has three viewing platforms.
In Eidsborg, the Vest-Telemark Museum features exhibitions, the Eidsborg Stave Church and an open-air museum with more than 30 buildings. The museum also includes Stålekleivloftet at Uppistog Vindlaus, a secular wooden building with a remarkable, long history. In Morgedal, Norsk Skieventyr presents the history of skiing, from Sámi ski culture and polar pioneers to modern winter sports. At the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, you can learn about Norwegian industrial and wartime history.
The Sabotørstien trail offers another way to explore the past. It leads from Rjukan Fjellstue towards Vemork and tells the story of Norwegian sabotage operations during the Second World War.
Hikes with different perspectives
The LĂĄrdalstigen is a hiking trail between Dalen and LĂĄrdal. Much of it runs along a mountain ridge 800 metres above the Telemark Canal. The hike to Gaustatoppen starts in Stavsro and follows a broad, marked trail up to an altitude of 1,883 metres. It offers panoramic views across one-sixth of Norway. The two descriptions highlight different features: the LĂĄrdalstigen is defined by its position above the canal and its mountain ridge, while the Gaustatoppen route is characterised by its marked trail and expansive panoramic views.
Family experiences and local delicacies
Bø Sommarland is a water park in Bø with experiences for the whole family, and is considered Scandinavia’s largest water park. Also in Bø is the Høyt & Lavt climbing park. It offers 70 climbing elements, 18 ziplines and courses for children aged two and up. Facilities and course configurations may change, so check which elements and courses are currently available before your visit.
In Gvarv, the village of fruit, visitors can sample award-winning local cheese, enjoy Norwegian Eplemost and drink wine from the world’s northernmost vineyard. This adds a specific local food and drink experience to the region’s broader landscape and cultural attractions.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Tinn, Nissedal, Porsgrunn, Nome, Tokke, Sauherad, Vinje, Kragerø, Bamble, Fyresdal, Bø, Skien, Kviteseid, Drangedal, Siljan, Kviteseid, Notodden, Hjartdal, Seljord, Drangedal.
For the main travel overview: Norway.
