Discover architecture and churches across Telemark – from stave churches and traditional buildings to distinctive architectural landmarks. Explore places where history, craftsmanship and their surroundings come together to create something truly memorable.
Discover the buildings and their stories
Explore articles about churches, architecture and places with distinctive stories and character.
Explore architecture and churches in Telemark
Heddal Stave Church
Visit the magnificent Heddal Stave church in Notodden - the largest wooden stave church in Norway.
Heddalsvegen 412, 3676 Notodden
Stålekleivloftet - one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world
Is the storehouse of the legendary woman Åse Stålekleiv the oldest profane wooden building in the world?
The traditional storehouse situated here at Vindlaus, is a part of the Museum of Vest-Telemark in Eidsborg. It is, however, not like any other traditional storehouse. It has a unique story behind it which goes far back in time.
Museumsvegen 9, 3891 Høydalsmo
Sannidal Church
Sannidal Church is a cruciform church built in 1711. Sannidal originaly had its own stave church from approx. year 1200. Different items from the stave church can be found at todays church.
3766 Sannidal
Romnes church
The medieval church Romnes is beautifully located by lake Norsjø and the Telemark Canal.
Romnes, 3830 Ulefoss
Grorud Chapel
Visit Grorud Chapel in Siljan. Unique long church built and consecrated during WWII. Discover Telemark's history and beautiful, peaceful surroundings.
Grorudveien 1171, 3748 Siljan
Støle Church
Støle Church is a charming little wooden church from 1892. It is located on the old coastal road between Kragerø and Risør, 15 minutes drive from central Kragerø by ferry and car, or 20 minutes by car from the E-18 in Sannidal.
3770 Kragerø
Kragerø Church
Kragerø church was consecrated in 1870 and is a Gothic Revival church designed by Georg Andreas Bull and built in brick. The church replaced the old Christi church from 1652 which was a cruciform wooden church.
3770 Kragerø
Lighthouses of Jomfruland
The two lighthouses located in the middle of Jomfruland are well-known landmarks. The oldest of them is from 1839. You can get a fantastic panorama view over the other islands and the open sea from its top.
3781 Jomfruland
Østre Porsgrunn Church
The new church in Porsgrunn, Østre Porsgrunn church, is an architectural gem and has become Porsgrunn's new landmark.
Kirkebakken 26, 3921 Porsgrunn
Gjerpen Church
Explore historic Gjerpen Church in Skien. Learn about its medieval roots, Emanuel Vigeland altarpiece, 2003 restoration, and cemetery history.
Håvundv. 5, 3715 Skien
Eidsborg Stave Church
Discover Eidsborg Stave Church! An 800-year-old cultural treasure, now dated to pre-1150! See the 360-tour and plan your visit to Vest-Telemark Museum.
Museumsvegen 9, 3891 Høydalsmo
More to discover
Combine your visit with cultural experiences, time in Telemark’s towns and great places to stop along the way.
Summer & Sauna – A Private Experience in Skogens rom (Forest Hideaway Telemark)
Treat yourself to three peaceful hours surrounded by nature. This is an exclusive experience where you’ll have the entire floating sauna to yourselves. Enjoy the sunshine on the deck, read a book in the cozy lounge, swim in the canal, and let the warmth of the wood-fired sauna slow down the pace. Quality time with someone you care about!
Vrangfossvegen 534, 3825 Lunde
Hardangervidda National Park Visitor Centre
Hardangervidda National Park Visitor Centre is a government-authorized visitor centre offering interpretation and nature guidance all year round. Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau and Norway’s largest national park on the mainland.
Møsvannsveien 1149, Rjukan
Swimming Pool Access at Straand Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing swim in the heated indoor pool at historic Straand Hotel in Vrådal. Pool access is available for visiting guests, perfect for a refreshing break with the family or a peaceful soak after a day exploring Telemark.
Straand Hotel
Z Museum in Treungen
Experience a unique collection of art, culture, and history in the heart of Nissedal. Z Museum takes you on a journey through time and expression, from rare historical artifacts to modern masterpieces. Visit us and find your inspiration! Every 1,000th visitor receives free admission and a bottle of wine.
Sundsmoen 27, 3855 Tveitsund
M/S Fram Cruise
Sail through beautiful islands and Northern Europe's highest-lying sluices aboard the historic veteran boat M/S Fram from 1909. A 2-hour scenic cruise on Lake Nisser, departing from Straand Brygge in Vrådal.
Afternoon Tea at Historic Straand Hotel
A delicious tradition with roots back to 1840. Enjoy finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweet delicacies with tea, served in our historic lounges from 1864 or in the apple garden at Straand Hotel in Vrådal.
Straand Hotel AS, Kviteseidvegen 1698, 3853 Vrådal
Sauna in Austbygde
Wood-fired sauna with a changing room and the opportunity to swim in Lake Tinnsjøen. Enjoy the warmth of the stove, alone or with a good friend.
Austbygdevegen 111, 3650 Tinn Austbygd
Guided hike with the landowner at Gautefallheia Sverre Tveit
Join landowner Sverre Tveit on a scenic tour from Felehovet Sør to Reinsvassnuten. This four-hour hike is suitable for both adults and families with children.
Felehovet Sør 1, 3855 Treungen
Via Ferrata in Fyresdal
Experience an exciting Via Ferrata route in Fyresdal, perfect for the whole family.
Telemark Camping, Fyresdal, Norge
Admission Ticket – Norwegian Ski Adventure, Morgedal
Visit Norwegian Ski Adventure (Norsk Skieventyr) and immerse yourself in Norway’s rich skiing history, spanning from ancient Sami ski culture through fearless polar explorers and ski pioneers, to modern winter sports as we know them today. Norway, Telemark, and Morgedal hold a unique and important place in international ski history. Welcome to a day full of discovery and adventure.
Morgedalvegen 159, 3848 Morgedal
Admission Ticket to Skien Fritidspark Water Park
Experience Skien Fritidspark, a versatile activity area offering opportunities for both relaxation and excitement, indoors and outdoors. The main attractions include the water park, outdoor adventure park, and curling.
Skien fritidspark, Moflatvegen 38, 3735 Skien, Norge
Entrance Ticket – Vest-Telemark Museum with Eidsborg Stave Church
Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg is the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage. The site includes a modern museum building with engaging exhibitions, the Eidsborg Stave Church, and an open-air museum with more than 30 historic buildings – among them Stålekleivloftet from 1184, one of the world’s oldest preserved secular wooden buildings.
Museumsvegen 9, 3891 Høydalsmo
Yoga (calm hatha) at Straand Hotel
The yoga practice is calm and meditative (classical hatha yoga), with a focus on breathing, presence, and movement. All exercises can be adapted, and it is entirely possible to participate regardless of experience, age, or physical limitations.
The most important thing is not how it looks, but how it feels.
Kviteseidvegen 1698, 3853 Vrådal
In the Footsteps of Ibsen in Skien
Join an exciting walking tour through Henrik Ibsen’s childhood city, Skien, and learn more about the world-renowned playwright’s early years.
Øvregate 32a, 3715 Skien
Entrance to Telemark Kunstmuseum
Entrance ticket to the Telemark Art Museum & World Heritage Centre at Tinfos, Notodden.
O. H. Holtas gate 27, 3678 Notodden
Shared Sauna Session in Skogens Rom Sauna
Experience a beautiful sauna by the Telemark Canal, built and run with a heartfelt connection to the forest, the guest, and the surrounding cultural landscape. Perfect for relaxation in peaceful, sheltered surroundings and for social moments.
Vrangfossvegen 534, 3825 Lunde
Entrance to The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum - Vemork
This listing provides you with ticket options for the Norwegian Industrial Worker's Museum at Vemork, 5.5 kilometers west of the city of Rjukan.
Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum Vemork, 3660 Rjukan
One-Day Ticket to the Porcelain Museum - Telemark Museum
Discover over 135 years of porcelain history in Porsgrunn. Visit the exhibition next to Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik and see how the classic blue-and-white pattern is still hand-painted. Learn about industrial heritage, Norwegian design, and craftsmanship.
Porselensvegen 6b, 3920 Porsgrunn
One-Day Ticket: Brekkeparken – Telemark Museum
Visit Brekkeparken in Skien – join guided tours and explore exhibitions at the museum. The exhibition “Alt dette er ditt” (All This Is Yours) showcases objects from across Telemark, from rose-painted bowls to a 1960s slot machine. These are your stories – and those of your children and grandchildren. Welcome to a day filled with discoveries!
Telemark museum, Øvregate 32a, 3715 Skien
