Dalen on the Telemark Canal
Accommodation in Dalen
Dalen lies at the upper end of the Telemark Canal, amid fjord scenery, steep mountains, and unspoiled nature. If you’re looking for a hotel in Dalen, you can plan your trip around your interests: the canal offers boating and history, while the trails provide a range of hiking options. The architecture of the Dalen Hotel and the Soria Moria sauna and art installation are also among the features that shape the place.
The Telemark Canal and boating
The Telemark Canal was completed in 1892 and, when it was completed, was described in European travel guides as one of the “eight wonders of the world.” In the wider destination of Tokke, the Telemark Canal route runs from Skien to Dalen over 105 kilometres; along this route are 18 lock chambers and an elevation difference of 72 metres. These details place Dalen within a long canal boating route.
During the canal season, passenger boats operate on the Skien–Dalen and Dalen–Skien routes, including the M/S Henrik Ibsen and the M/S Victoria. The M/S Henrik Ibsen is a museum and veteran ship dating from 1907. Various day trips and overnight boat trips on the Telemark Canal also end in Dalen. As boat services are seasonal, check the timetable before your trip.
Hotel history and architecture
The Dalen Hotel was built in 1894, when the first tourists reached Dalen towards the end of the 19th century. The fairy-tale hotel is designed in an elaborately decorated Romantic style. Dragon heads, towers, lacework, balconies, projections, and cornices define its appearance. Its construction period and architecture connect the building with the early development of tourism in the area.
In the wider destination of Tokke, the Dalen Hotel received the Europa Nostra Silver Medal in 2000, the organisation’s highest award, for preserving the hotel as a unique cultural monument. Thus, alongside its striking design, the preservation of the historic building is part of the hotel’s story.
Hikes around Dalen
The historic hike via the Sherpa Steps leads from Dalen to Rui. It is one kilometre long, has 810 steps and an elevation gain of 200 metres, and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The distance, number of steps, elevation gain, and approximate duration give you concrete details for planning your time.
LĂĄrdalstigen is a hiking trail between Dalen and LĂĄrdal. A large part of the route follows a mountain ridge 800 metres above the Telemark Canal; the trail is 14 kilometres long in total. Check trail conditions before setting out. The two hikes have different details to note: for the Rui hike, the distance, number of steps, elevation gain, and approximate walking time are specified, while for LĂĄrdalstigen, the total length and its location along the mountain ridge are highlighted.
Helveteshylen: river, nature, and history
The Helveteshylen circular trail starts in Dalen and crosses the TokkeĂĄi river via a suspension bridge. Information boards tell stories about timber floating in Tokke. From the bridge over Helveteshylen, you can watch large trout swim up the TokkeĂĄi to spawn in autumn. This is a seasonal sight: it takes place in autumn and can be seen from the bridge.
The circular trail also passes the old Ă…sland manor farm, which served as a Thing site in the 14th century. The river crossing, information boards, nature observation, and historic site offer different points of interest along the route. When choosing a hike, you can therefore consider whether you are particularly interested in river scenery, nature, or local history.
Visitor information and other activities
The Visit Dalen tourist office in central Dalen offers hiking advice and trail maps, and sells fishing licences. As these services may change, check the office’s latest information before your visit. The hiking advice and maps are especially useful if you’re choosing between trails with different features.
Soria Moria is a sauna and art installation in Dalen.
Discover more destinations: Høydalsmo, Åmdals Verk.
Return to the main travel overview: Tokke.
