If you dream about experiencing more of Norway and Telemark and if you would like a bucket list of things to do and exciting places to visit get some ideas here. Check out a few things you should not miss!
The Telemark Canal – A piece of Norwegian history
The unique water system through Telemark was known in Europe as the "eighth wonder" when it opened in 1892. It is a well known for the canal boats but also an Eldorado for those who enjoy outdoor activity with lots of variety.
Over ten miles of running water between Skien and Dalen, from coast to mountain – takes you down 72 altitudes and through 18 locks! It is a beautiful and exciting trip, either by private boat, one of the canal boats or by kayak.
The trip itself is a memorial of a bygone era, as the canal was an important waterway for the transportation of people and goods. Here are big and small locks, old worker houses and bridges. Take your time to learn about the history while enjoying the beautiful surroundings, and head to Dalen Hotel. This historic Hotel was built in 1894 and looks like an adventure castle.
The cradle of skiing
When you wake up next morning after a good breakfast, you can head to Norsk Skieventyr in Morgedal. Here you hear the story of the father of the skiing, Sondre Norheim. Learn about Norwegian skiing and polar history through a multimedia journey starting 4,000 years back and ending with today's snowboarders and twintip practitioners.
The industrial heritage
From skiing adventure to industrial adventure; about 80 kilometers south of Morgedal you will arrive in Notodden, the place and starting point for the world's first successful industrial fertilizer production. The founder Sam Eyde´s vision of "letting the waterfall do useful work for the people" was the beginning of what showed to be an industrial adventure for Norway and the rest of the world. The summer of 2015, Rjukan - Notodden Industrial Heritage was included on the list of UNESCO's World Heritage places.
Heddal Stave Church
Furthermore, along E-134, west of Notodden, you will find Norway's largest stave church Heddal. The stave church is over 800 years old. It is like taken right out of a fairytale. It has an exciting history, and you will enjoy one of the guided tours they offer.
Scandinavia´s largest waterpark and Southern Norway´s largest mountain
Experience Norway's only outdoor water activity park Bø Sommarland in Telemark! This is one of Norway's biggest tourist attractions and has about 140,000 visitors annually. The park was opened in 1985 and offers fantastic water attractions for the whole family! Let the children play at Bø Sommarland's own "Gaustatop" and then later climb the proper and majestic mountain Gaustatoppen in Rjukan. The mountain rises 1883 meters above sea level and is often referred to as Norway's most beautiful mountain! On a clear day you can se 1/6 of Southern Norway, a spectacular view.
Jomfruland National Park
Telemark is filled with contrasts, from mountain to coast. One of our most beautiful places along the coast is the island Jomfruland. This magic place has many qualities, and one of them is a special beach with white big round stones. The beach is natural and created by a glacier back in the old days. Experience the incredible blossom of white spring flowers that grows all over the island. Definitely the most beautiful island adventure in the spring!
Ibsen´s childhood home
5 kilometers north of the center of Skien you will find the farm Venstøp, where Henrik Ibsen lived from the age of 7 to age 15. Ibsen's childhood home at Venstøp is part of Telemark Museum. Ibsen is the world's second most played actor after Shakespeare. See and experience where the world-renowned writer grew up!
Get your souvenirs at Norway´s most famous porcelain factory
Be sure to bring home a souvenir from your stay in Telemark! Porsgrunds Porcelain factory manages a considerable history and highly appreciated cultural heritage, while at the same time focusing on continuous development and new design to meet future needs! The factory has over hundred years of history, and can be proud of many well-known Norwegian artists and designers who have been working at the factory.
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