Discover Nome: Canal, Churches and Geology

Nome can be explored through several distinct travel interests: the Telemark Canal, its locks, cultural sites and geological traces of volcanism. Six of the Telemark Canal’s eight lock systems are located in Nome. For planning your trip, it helps to choose a focus first: Would you mainly like to experience the canal, get a sense of a cycling route, or combine cultural sites and landscape?

Canal and locks in the landscape

Vrangfoss Lock is built directly into the rugged mountain landscape and is easily accessible by car, boat and bicycle. In Telemark, the complex has five lock chambers and a lift height of 23 metres. At Vrangfoss, you can take in both its setting in the terrain and the technical scale of the locks.

The western section of the Telemark Canal, the Bandakkanalen, runs from Ulefoss to Dalen. The M/S Telemarken operates the round trip between Norsjø, Ulefoss and Lunde. If you are planning a boat trip, check the schedule and operating days in advance.

Volcanic traces and a bathing spot

Fensfeltet is a geologically distinctive area in Nome. Remains of volcanic vents and other traces of volcanism have been preserved there. The area, part of the Gea Norvegica Geopark, can be explored independently or on a guided tour. This lets you decide which of these two ways of exploring suits your visit.

At the eastern end of Nomevann is Nomestranda, a large bathing spot with good parking. Nomevann is about two kilometres long and one kilometre wide. Here, the focus is on spending time by the water, while Fensfeltet offers a geological focus.

Churches, gardens and industrial heritage

The medieval church at Romnes is one of Norway’s best-preserved medieval churches and has authentic Baroque furnishings. A pilgrimage route leads from Holla to Romnes and can end with a church service, a guided tour or a concert. The route and church can thus be considered together as a cultural and historical focus.

Visitors can stroll through the garden around the main house at Ulefos Hovedgaard. In Ulefoss, Øvre Verket comprises a group of protected workers’ homes associated with the Ulefos Jernværk ironworks. The site is also a starting point for walks and cycling trips. Romnes represents religious history, while Øvre Verket represents industrial heritage.

Routes and waypoints

Bjønnerunden is a 27-kilometre circular cycling route with an elevation gain of 170 metres. It passes the ruins of Holla Church. Håvetrunden offers a detour to Tollefstua, where the famous hermit Malmstrø lived and worked for many years. The two routes thus combine specific route details with different cultural and historical waypoints.

The main path of Folkestien runs downhill along the Telemark Canal, is gravelled and is suitable for pushchairs. This information can help you choose a walking option, while Bjønnerunden, with its cycling route and elevation gain, offers a different set of planning details.

Getting your bearings in Lunde

Lunde guest harbour offers electricity and water hookups for pleasure boats. First Camp Lunde – Telemark has route suggestions, maps and mini-guides; canoes, kayaks and bicycles are also available for hire. If you are planning to hire equipment, check availability before you arrive.

Consider which experiences you would like to combine during your stay, and plan accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Ulefoss, Lunde, Hjartdal, Kviteseid, Sauherad, Bamble, Drangedal, Vinje.

For the broader travel overview: Telemark.