Top 10 Winter Activities in Telemark

The perfect winter holiday is associated with snow and skiing, and Telemark is just the right place for this. There is plenty to do throughout the winter season. We have created a Top 10 list of winter activities for both young and old that will definitely spice up your winter experience in Telemark. Adventure awaits…

1. Off-piste and summit tours

Telemark is known as one of Norway's largest ski regions and offers fantastic skiing opportunities. With a central location between Oslo and Kristiansand, you will arrive in a lovely winter paradise in about 2.5 hours. Here you will find 123 slopes, 54 lifts, and 460 km of cross-country trails ready for those who love speed and excitement, as well as well-groomed cross-country tracks for those seeking a more relaxed experience.

The off-piste options are plentiful, with variations in length and terrain in well-prepared descents at the ski centers, especially at Haukelifjell and Rauland. Rauland and Lifjell have many beautiful peaks for ski touring, and for many ski touring enthusiasts, Gaustatoppen, at 1883 meters above sea level, is the highlight.

Would you like to go on a summit tour but feel a bit unsure? Gygra offers guided ski tours to ensure a tailored experience and a safe, educational journey with one or more guides who have extensive experience and high competence.

The ski centers are spread across six ski destinations, each with its own charm. 

2. Sledding or ice dancing?

Sledding is a fun activity for both young and old. It requires no training or special skills, making it perfect even for those not born in winter wonderlands. You can sled almost anywhere in the beautiful winter landscape of Telemark. Several ski centers offer designated sledding hills in children's areas. Or would you rather dance on ice? Then you should visit the skating rink at Skien Leisure Park.

3. Sauna and ice bathing!

The trend of ice bathing is growing every day. For some, it seems crazy, while for others, it's the height of happiness—especially afterward. Believe it or not, ice bathing is quite healthy. The body gets a boost from the cold, releasing hormones like adrenaline and endorphins, which can make you happier, improve your sleep, and restore your mobility.

It's important not to stay in the water too long and to warm up quickly afterward. Therefore, it’s wise to combine it with a sauna, and in Telemark, there are several options as: the floating sauna at Gausta by Kvitåvatn with views of Gaustatoppen, the saunas at Vierli, the beautiful Soria Moria sauna at Dalen by the Telemark Canal or the sauna at Vrådal Panorama. Damp Sauna has two floating sauna boats at Hjellevannet in Skien, "Leo" and "Frank", as well as one at the pier in Porsgrunn called "Melvin". Read more about spa & wellness in Telemark.

4. Cross-country skiing

Whether you prefer mountains, forests, hilly terrain, or gentle slopes, you will find your white paradise in Telemark. Here, 460 km of cross-country trails await you. You can find trails in places like Rauland, Rjukan, Vrådal, Lifjell, Gautefall, Haukeli, Tuddal, and Fyresdal.

5. Ice fishing

Great news for fishing enthusiasts of all ages—try your luck fishing in winter too! Telemark has several excellent ice fishing waters. Among the most populars are lake Møsvatn, known as Norway's best ice fishing lake, lake Tinnsjø, and lake Vråvatn. If you're lucky, you might catch trout, char, or perch. Remember to bring warm clothes, a thermos with a hot drink, a paraffin stove, and a tent if you plan to stay overnight. Ice fishing at Rjukan and Rauland. Read more about fishing opportunities in Telemark.

6. Mount Gausta, Norway's Most Beautiful Mountain

Mount Gausta (1883 m.a.s.l.) rises majestically over Rjukan and is considered by many to be Norway's most beautiful mountain. It’s one of those places you simply must visit. At the summit, you'll be treated with a fantastic view—you can see one-sixth of Norway on a clear day.

To reach the top, you don’t have to hike. Just take the cable car within the mountain, Gaustabanen, and you'll be there in 15 minutes. Feel free to bring your skis, as you'll find unique off-piste opportunities! Ski down the majestic mountain edge on your own or join a guided tour.

Not born with skis on your feet? Then just enjoy the stunning view while sipping a coffee and having a waffle at the Gaustatoppen Tourist Cabin before taking the Gaustabanen back down.

Do you want to enjoy a view of Mount Gausta while skiing? We recommend Gausta Ski Center, which is only a few minutes away from Gaustabanen.

7. Dog Sledding or Alpaca Hiking?

Dog sledding is the dream of experiencing true wilderness far from the stress, time pressure, and demands of civilization. Behind the sled, it’s just you, your loyal four-legged friends, and the tranquility of the mountains—nothing else. Get to know and take care of your own dog team, and be inspired by their enthusiasm and joy in being in their element!
Telemark Husky Tour offers guided dog sledding experiences in Rauland. Driving your own dog team, with friendly and hardworking Alaskan Huskies, is one of the most amazing experiences you can have.

If you prefer a calmer encounter with animals, alpaca hiking is quite a fun activity. The alpacas Amira, Alvin, and Benjamin at Svenseid Alpakka are excited to join you on a hike. This activity must be booked in advance.

8. Kiting and Snowmobiling

How about flying while skiing or snowboarding? The experience of kiting on snow with skis or a board is the modern version of when two tired hiking buddies would tuck their jackets into their poles and hold it between them, only to be blown home after a long day. Not to mention that the summit experience becomes a completely different story when you can use a kite to get to and from the slopes. It’s playful and joyful for both kids and adults. Rauland and Haukeli are perfect destinations for kiting.

You can now go snowmobiling in Rauland. Rauland has designated trails for recreational driving and several operators offering this service. Rauland Ski Center offers snowmobile safaris for groups, and you don’t need a snowmobile license or permit to drive. A snowmobile safari is a fantastic experience for everyone, with great trails at the foot of the Hardanger mountain plateau.

9. World-Class Ice Climbing in Rjukan

Are you an ice climber or want to give it a try? Then head to Rjukan. Ice climbers from around the world visit Rjukan. What makes Rjukan so special is that the sun is absent from the valley where Rjukan is located all winter long. This makes Rjukandalen completely unique for ice climbing. So when Rjukan’s many beautiful waterfalls freeze over in winter, you have the opportunity for world-class ice climbing.
You can choose from more than 150 ice climbing locations of all difficulty levels within a 15 km radius of Gausta. The waterfalls extend all the way down to the town center, so you can actually start your climbing adventure from there.

10. Stay Close to Nature

Telemark offers many different accommodation options, from hotels to cabins and apartments. But if you want to try something different, we have some cool suggestions:
The treetop cabin Å auge at Å Camp in Tessungdalen offers a spectacular experience of Norwegian nature, with a view overlooking the unregulated river Tessungåe. It’s easy to reach by car but still feels secluded, equipped like a mountain cabin. The treetop cabin is an adventure in itself, but if you feel like being active, there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing on the Hardanger mountain plateau. If you want to challenge yourself, Mount Gausta is also nearby, with ski center and off-piste options.

Stay in an Arctic Dome at Rauland with a skylight and a viewing window facing the beautiful Rauland mountains. Everything is set up for you to have a truly luxurious experience in the mountains. The dome is furnished with a large, comfortable double bed, two cozy armchairs, bedding, towels, a private toilet module, and is heated by a multifuel and wood stove. You can bring your own food, or you can order a local food box from Lega.

Experience the Norwegian wilderness in a luxurious Birdbox! Birdbox Tokke is located right by lake Åmlivatn, 100 meters from the parking lot. Here, you can sleep in a large double bed and wake up to an absolutely stunning view. You can disconnect from everyday life and feel the peace settle in untouched Norwegian nature.
See more unique accommodations in Telemark.

Stay in historic surroundings at the beautiful Tuddal Høyfjellshotel, one of Norway’s oldest and most charming mountain hotels, situated on the sunny side of Mount Gausta. There’s nostalgia in every corner, a rare atmosphere, and a tranquility that should be experienced. The hotel is run by Malin and Einar Gurholt and has been in the family for four generations. With a past at several Michelin-starred restaurants, Einar aims for the meal to be an experience, the highlight of your stay. The dining room, with its log walls and white tablecloths, set with porcelain and silver, creates the ultimate ambiance for meals. Here, you can enjoy the good life just as the elite from Kristiania did at the end of the 1800s. And remember, the ski trails are right outside the door.
See more historical hotels in Telemark.