Telemark offers a variety of activities, from hilly mountains to a beautiful coastline. It is also said that Telemark is Norway in a miniature. It offers scenic mountain views, paddling on quiet waters or between islands in the archipelago, a variety of cycling trails and beautiful forest trails.
Whether you choose the bike, the kayak or the walking shoes, you will have a wonderful time exploring the nature in Telemark. We invite you to have fun and to enjoy our natural resources. Whether you choose to climb a mountain to enjoy the panoramic view or to stroll along the coastline with the smell and the view to the ocean, you will not be disappointed.
When thinking of going on holiday, we often let our thoughts wander to southern hemisphere. But, we can assure you that Norway will surprise you. A weekend or longer in Telemark will cover all your needs and leave you with a lasting memorable experience.
Across hillsides and mountains
Telemark has a variety of walking trails, at all levels of difficulty. The northern end of Telemark is the start of the Hardanger mountain plateau, with Mount Gaustatoppen as the main attraction. From the peak you can see 1/6th of Norway on a sunny day. Mount Gaustatoppen is accessible both summer and winter, and there is also a cable car inside the mountain that takes you to the top.
Secondly the Hardanger mountain plateau gives you the ultimate mountain plateau experience. You can actually walk or cycle across to the other side of Norway. But, foremost there are several trails at Hardanger in Telemark for both shorter and longer trips. There are marked trails suitable for both adults and families with children.
From bay to bay
The coastal path extends along the Telemark coast, from Vestfold to the east to Aust-Agder in the west. The coastal path in Bamble is closer to six miles and covers the entire stretch from Stathelle to Fossing on the border to Kragerø. The trail largely follows the coastline throughout the municipality and is divided into six stages.
Paddle and enjoy nature in Telemark
The archipelago in Telemark is both accessible and beautiful. You don’t need your own boat. You can hop on and off the ferries that travel the coastline and between the small islands. You can also go fishing. Ocean paddling is a possibility, or paddling on The Telemark Canal on quiet waters and through the locks. In a kayak you are better able to enjoy the wildlife and can get up really close.
A good suggestion to start with is between the locks at Lunde and Vrangfoss. There is a good chance you will meet one of the ships traveling up and down the canal every day during summer. You can rent kayaks at First Camp Lunde.
The greatest natural attractions in Telemark
Cycling in Telemark
If you don’t fancy paddling or hiking, you can bring or rent a bike. Telemark offers a wide variety of cycling trails. Along the way you will always find exciting attractions, cultural and nature experiences that will provide even more content for your cycling holiday.
In the area of Gautefall and Nissedal they offer great terrain cycling, in Vrådal they have their own mountainbike-park and in Grenland and along the coast of Telemark there are 30 marked routes for cycling. For the ultimate canal experience you can cycle along the whole Telemark Canal following the National cycle route number 2. Another exciting biking route is at Hardangervidda, with Rjukan and Krossobanen (temporarily closed in 2024) as a starting point. You actually will go biking on North Europe´s largest mountain plateau.
Climbing in Telemark
At Rjukan you can climb both ice and granite. Rjukan has their own ice-climbing festival, Rjukan Icefestival. Rjukan even offers climbing as an own subject at the local college.
Nissedal is well established as a popular destination for climbers from all over Norway. The national magazine Fri Flyt higlights the mountain Hægefjell as one of their Top 10 places in Norway to climb. “Nissedal has for years been one of the more accessible climbs, and the route Via Lara one of the most climbed routes in the country”. Nissedal arranges their own climbing festival in August. Nisser hyttegrend and camping offers both activities and gear for rent.
Fritidsparken in Skien is popular for their indoor climbing and bouldering. In Bø you will find the climbing park Høyt & Lavt with their 1.600 meters of treetop trails. The park has zip lines and trails of various levels and length. Whether you travel with children or your partner or friends, you will have great fun at Høyt & Lavt.
Swimming in Telemark
The archipelago of Telemark is part of the beautiful coastline of East-Southern Norway. With its many beaches and places both crowded and isolated ones, you don’t have to travel far to get a fresh bath. Telemark is also lucky to have inland waters, white sandy beaches, rivers and lakes, which are great for swimming.
Telemark offers indoor- and outdoor swim parks. The famous waterpark Bø Sommarland is the biggest park and open in the summer. Both Quality Hotel Skjærgården and Skien Fritidspark are all year open waterparks with a rich offer of activities.
Accommodation in Telemark
In Telemark you have a variety of accommodation; both low budget, mid end and high end, throughout the county. You can stay in Hotels, campsites or in cabins. There are a lot to choose from, to mention some; Quality Hotel Skjærgården in Langesund or Kragerø Sportell. Or family friendly campsites as First Camp Bø where you can both bring your own tent, or rent a cabin. Straand Hotel in Vrådal in centrally located in the middle of Telemark and close to all nature experiences. Rauland Høgfjellshotell and Gaustablikk Mountain Resort are also worth a visit. For more choices see all accomodations.
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