Set your course for the beautiful county of Telemark in Norway, with its majestic mountains, spectacular lakes, and rich cultural heritage. This county is tailor-made for adventurous souls and offer both relaxation and adrenaline rushes from coast to the mountains. Learn, breathe, explore, and discover. Push your own limits and enjoy time together - or time alone. For those who collect memories, Telemark is an excellent destination to visit. Plan your trip and explore the bucket list of unique experiences that will surely create lasting memories.
1. Explore the unique waterway of Telemark: The Telemark Canal
The Telemark Canal is a truly unique natural gem offering distinctive experiences both on land and water. This canal is one of Norway's most iconic waterways for good reason. Take a journey onboard the beautiful veteran boats, M/S Victoria or M/S Henrik Ibsen, up the beautiful waterway surrounded by stunning lakes and steep mountains. Experience the fantastic locks (in Norwegian called “slues”), most of which are still operated by hand as they were 100 years ago. Relax while enjoying good food and drink and let the beautiful Telemark nature take your breath away.
You can also explore the waterway with your own boat or plan an active trip with cycling, paddling, and hiking. There are several great hiking trails nearby, such as the famous Lårdalstigen between Lårdal and Dalen. Telemark Canal is a destination for the memory books and truly worth a spot on your bucket list. This is an experience you'll never forget!
2. Travel back in time and fall in love with the cultural landmark Dalen Hotel
The fairytale hotel from 1894 is surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful nature at the end of Bandak, at the top of Telemark Canal. The unique architecture is inspired by the Viking Age and stave churches, adorned with dragon heads, spires, balconies, and towers.
Dalen Hotel is not only beautiful but also an award-winning hotel. Today, it stands as one of Norway's most unique tourism attractions, and in 2023, it won the award for best historic hotel in Europe in the "A Story To Share" category at the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards 2023.
A great tip is to combine a stay at the beautiful Dalen Hotel with a canal cruise up the magnificent Telemark Canal on one of the amazing veteran boats. Experience several of Telemark's great cultural treasures on the same trip and create cherished memories with someone you love.
Remember to book your stay and travel in advance, as both the veteran boats and Dalen Hotel are popular favourites. Both are seasonal and open for booking during the summer months.
Enjoy a journey through cultural history with modern comfort and service. Let the beautiful surroundings transport you back in time, savor culinary temptations, and try out Norway's most beautiful sauna, Soria Moria, just a stone's throw away.
3. Experience Norway's most beautiful sauna: Visit Soria Moria
The sauna Soria Moria is just a stone's throw from the cultural landmark Dalen Hotel, shimmering like a beautiful jewel in the water. In 2019, this sauna won the prestigious DOGA Award for good design and architecture, and the stunningly beautiful sauna is inspired by the majestic mountains surrounding the Telemark Canal and Lake Bandak in Dalen. Recharge body and mind with a day in the sauna, enjoying the beautiful views and nature surrounding you. Relax in the warm sauna and challenge yourself to a refreshing bath in Bandak-lake. This is an experience for life!
Saunas are the hot new trend, and in Telemark, there's a good selection if you're looking to try it out yourself. Embark on a sauna safari on your adventure in Telemark!
4. Test out boating life with 100% electric boats by Canal Boats Telemark
This is the first company to rent out 100% electric boats in the cabin cruiser class in Norway. By choosing a trip with Canal Boats Telemark, you're not only preserving nature and the sea that surrounds you but also treating yourself to high standards, luxury, and well-being. Plan a delightful boat trip in beautiful and unique nature. Explore the waterway from the coast near Kragerø via the unique Telemark Canal up to Dalen. Experience the transition from rocky shores and archipelagos to dense forests and steep mountains. Does a boat trip sound tempting?
5. Enjoy an exquisite meal at Norway's best restaurant: Bjaaland Bygderestaurant
Bjaaland Bygderestaurant is located in the heart of Telemark, offering an authentic taste of local food and culture. The restaurant is nestled in scenic surroundings and is known for serving delicious, homemade dishes made from lovely local produce and locally sourced ingredients.
Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply want to enjoy an authentic cultural experience, this is a place truly worth visiting. Bjaaland Bygderestaurant has earned its place on the map of Norway after being named Norway's best restaurant for 2 years in a row, most recently in 2023. Experience heavenly flavours and dishes beautiful as artwork while supporting local businesses and feeling the warm hospitality of Telemark. Be sure to book in advance. Are you ready for a unique culinary experience?
6. Visit the Norwegian ski museum in Morgedal
In the majestic nature of upper Telemark, where beautiful mountains and deep forests surround you, you can explore the fascinating history of the origin of Norwegian skiing by visiting the Norwegian ski museum in Morgedal.
Learn about the father of skiing, Sondre Norheim, and how skiing in Norway came to be. Take a walk through an exciting and informative multimedia journey, taking you back a whopping 4000 years in time! Learn about the time when skis were an essential means of transportation, the development of ski bindings, and how historical wooden skis have evolved into today's modern skis and snowboards.
Enjoy the incredibly beautiful nature of Morgedal and learn about the rich cultural history here. The Olympic torch has been lit here in Morgedal 3 times, and the place is referred to as the "Cradle of Skiing" or birthplace if you will. Experience a unique piece of Norwegian history and enjoy delicious food at the restaurant, Kantina til Bjaaland. Feel free to bring children or family along for an exciting journey here to take home exciting knowledge and great memories.
7. Explore the unique treetop path at Hamaren Fyresdal
makes it possible for everyone to enjoy the beautiful nature with this universally designed treetop path, 15 meters above the ground. The treetop path winds through the treetops in the beautiful landscape like a work of art, and when you reach the top at Klokkarhamaren, it's a delight to see the beautiful view over Fyresvatn. Relax and feel the joy of experiencing beautiful nature, both alone and in the company of those you love.
Explore the area around the treetop path, where you'll find exciting multipurpose sculptures which doubles as a slide and a chair, a bike path, and an outdoor kitchen perfect for a cozy mealtime. Just remember to bring your own food! (..and to clean up afterwards).
If you're traveling with children, there's an exciting obstacle course to explore and a great "trampoline" high up in the trees. Sit down and enjoy a well-deserved break while the kids have fun with the activities. Or perhaps you'd rather let loose and join in on jumping among the treetops?
8. Visit the majestic Gaustatoppen, take the Gaustabanen, and experience UNESCO's World Heritage Site in Rjukan
In Rjukan, there are experiences aplenty. At the top stands Telemark's roof, the iconic mountain Gaustatoppen, known for both fantastic skiing and hiking experiences. Let yourself be amazed by the mighty nature, take the unique Gaustabanen cable car to the top inside the mountain, and experience the spectacular view from the summit. This is guaranteed one of Norway's most fantastic views, with visibility over one-sixth of Norway's mainland from here.
Learn about the dramatic history from World War II, when heavy water used in the Nazi's atomic weapons program was produced here in Rjukan. At the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum at Vemork, you can experience the fantastic industrial adventure that has earned Rjukan, and also Notodden, a place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List.
Make a stop at the Rjukan waterfall, which you'll find near Vemork. This waterfall is known as "Northern Europe's Niagara" and is stunningly beautiful year-round.
9. Check out Norway's most spectacular wilderness hotel: Norrøna Canvas Telemark
Be amazed by this unique hotel amidst the beautiful wilderness of Telemark. Here, you'll find an oasis 2 km from the road and 7 km from the nearest settlement, offering a truly unique experience of "rough" luxury in the middle of beautiful nature. Enjoy the tranquility of nature, go for a hike, try your luck fishing, go on a canoe trip, or experience their passion: mountain biking. Swimming and sauna are also essential parts of the experience here, so feel your pulse lower as you try out wilderness spa. In addition, Norrøna Canvas Telemark entices with delightful culinary experiences, so if you plan a trip here, you won't be disappointed. This is a unique experience for the bucket list!
10. Visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum in the Ibsen city Skien
Did you know that Henrik Ibsen, one of the world's most famous playwrights, was born in Skien in Telemark? As a young boy, Henrik lived on a charming farm in Venstøp in Skien. The place is now called the Henrik Ibsen Museum and was built in 1815. Get a fascinating insight into the author's early years and the inspiration he drew from Telemark's natural beauty and learn about his life and works. Join a guided tour of the museum, try out the cone track (which is a form of “bowling”) in the beautiful garden, and treat yourself to something delicious from the café for a cozy and educational experience at beautiful Venstøp. Afterwards, head down to the city of Skien to continue the journey in Ibsen's footsteps.
11. Explore the rich porcelain history in the porcelain city Porsgrunn
Here, along the river in the warm-hearted city filled with contrasts, you will find a rich cultural life alongside a technology and industrial community in constant development. The porcelain city Porsgrunn rightfully bears its name, as the city is recognized for its famous and beloved porcelain traditions. Get an insight into the exciting porcelain history by visiting the Porcelain Museum and Porsgrund Porcelain's factory store. Enjoy beautiful artworks, porcelain collections, and inspiration. Shop for beautiful memories to take home or perhaps gifts for someone you love?
12. See one of the oldest stave churches in Norway: Heddal Stave Church
Heddal Stave Church is one of the most impressive and well-preserved stave churches in Norway, located in Notodden in Telemark. Experience a gem of Norwegian cultural heritage and a great destination for those interested in history, architecture, and culture.
13. Get cultural enrichment at Vest Telemark Museum and see Eidsborg Stave Church
If you're interested in culture, Vest-Telemark Museum in Eidsborg is also a great place to visit. Explore the museum filled with exciting cultural history, see the farmstead with over 30 houses and one of the world's oldest wooden buildings, Stålekleivloftet from 1167. Not least, make a trip to Eidsborg Stave Church, built in the 13th century. Stave churches are considered Norway's contribution to world architecture, and Eidsborg is one of the best-preserved stave churches we have today. Make a trip here and get an exciting insight into the rich cultural heritage of Vest-Telemark.
14. Lower your shoulders and relax at the unique cobblestone island of Jomfruland
Discover that every step you take out here gives you more peace of mind, take a bike ride around the island, or explore the unique flora and fauna. On the island of Jomfruland, you can explore historical lighthouses or hike along trails leading you to hidden gems. Enjoy a picnic on the beach or watch the beautiful sunset coloring the sea pink and red. Indulge in delicious taste experiences at the island's restaurant (only open seasonally), bring with a delicious picnic or visit a restaurant in the cozy cultural city of Kragerø when you return to the mainland.
15. Walk in Munch's footsteps in Kragerø
Did you know that some of Munch's most famous works were painted in Kragerø? Follow the walking route through Kragerø's streets where you'll visit the places Munch found inspiration for his art, enjoy the beautiful coastal town, and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the city's delightful restaurants and cafes. Get cultural enrichment and experience the idyllic coastal charm.
16. Have fun with water in Scandinavia's largest waterpark: Bø Sommarland
In the summer, Bø Sommarland is a must for those who love water- and amusement parks. Explore activities for all ages, including water slides, pools, and carousels. This is a place for laughter and joy for all that like having fun with water. If you're a parent, the children in the family will likely be delighted if you plan a trip here and tick this off the bucket list. Have fun in the water, feel the wind in your face as you whiz down slides, and feel the joy bubble over with water fun and quality time together.
17. Take a bath in nature's own waterpark Jettegrytene
In Nissedal in Telemark the water is extra tempting in the summer with an incredibly beautiful natural gem, where the ice during the Ice Age has carved the mountain and created potholes. The area spans 300 meters with warm pools and lovely slides. Enjoy the summer and bathing here in nature's own water park - a unique experience to cross off the bucket list. Are you planning a trip here this summer?
18. Take a hike in nature's own mountain-mosaic: Himmelriket in Drangedal
Experience this very special and spectacular mountainside in the middle of the forest. The beautiful mountain can resemble a work of art or a giant, Roman amphitheatre. The mountain is created by nature itself during a previous ice age. This is truly stunning, so take a hike here for a unique experience.
Are you looking for adventure, cultural enrichment, or just peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings? Telemark is a hidden treasure chest full of adventurous experiences for both young and old. Here, the adventures never end, and the experiences are as unique as beautiful pearls on a string. Who will you have joining you for the trip?
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