Top 10 Autumn activities

Telemark offers a great variety of autumn activities. Enjoy the fresh air and activities such as mountain hikes, walking along the coastal paths, cycling, canoeing or visits to exciting museums. Kids love a visit to swimming or climbing parks. Here are the top 10 activities to do in autumn, as well as inspiration for various holidays in Telemark.

1. Hikes in the Autumn Mountains and Along the Coast

Start your day by wandering through Telemark’s colourful autumn landscapes. Climb the iconic Gaustatoppen for panoramic views of one-sixth of Norway, or follow the spectacular Lårdalstigen trail along dramatic ridges overlooking the Telemark Canal. Discover the fairytale rock formations of Gygrestolen in Mid-Telemark, reach the airy viewpoint Himmelrike at Gautefall, or enjoy the peace and quiet at Venelifjell. For an easy, family-friendly outing, try Hamaren Activity Park and the Treetop Trail in Fyresdal. If you long for fresh sea air, walk the Coastal Path in Bamble or explore the scenic beauty of Jomfruland National Park.
See more hiking tips here!

2. Telemark on Two Wheels

Swap the mountain trails for two wheels and experience Telemark from the saddle. Follow the Telemark Canal through small villages and golden forests, or try mountain biking at Norrøna Canvas Telemark for an extra dose of action. A coastal cycling trip offers saltwater views on the horizon, while culture lovers can Cycling the mystical Telemark or cycle through Notodden’s UNESCO World Heritage area. For a tailored experience with bicycles or motorcycles, try HUB-riding at Straand Hotel.
See more cycling tips here!

3. Culture and History All Year Round

When you’re ready for a break from the outdoors, Telemark’s year-round museums welcome you inside. Learn about Norway’s industrial history at the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites at the World Heritage Centre in Notodden, or be inspired by art at the Telemark Art Museum. Step back in time at Telemark Museum in Brekkeparken, or admire porcelain craftsmanship at the Porcelain Museum in Porsgrunn.
See more museum tips here!

4. Autumn Festivals and Events

Plan your trip to coincide with the season’s highlights. Join the crowds at Dyrsku´n in Seljord (12–14 September), taste your way through apples, juice, and cider at the Norwegian Apple Festival in Gvarv (last weekend of September), or treat your taste buds at Smaken av Fjell-Telemark at Straand Hotel in Vrådal (28–30 October). Be inspired at the Literature Days in Vinje (26–28 September), laugh the night away at Oktoberfest at Sjøterrasen in Bamble (4 October), or get spooked at Skrekkeparken during Halloween.
See more event tips in Telemark!

5. Family-Friendly Experiences

Travelling with kids? Telemark is full of activities to keep little ones smiling. Take a swim at Skien Fritidspark or the Water Park at Quality Hotel Skjærgården in Langesund. Climb high at Høyt & Lavt in Bø, or try indoor climbing at Høyt under taket in Skien. Meet curious alpacas at Svenseid Alpakka, explore technology and maritime history at DuVerden Maritime Museum + Science Centre, or enjoy a wild ride with Telemark Husky Tour.
See more family activity tips here!

6. Sleep Close to Nature

When evening falls, why not spend the night somewhere truly special? Stay in an Arctic Dome in Rauland, enjoy the tranquillity at Å Camp, or wake up to panoramic views at Vidsyn Midjås or Bolkesjø Gaard. For birdsong as your morning alarm, Birdbox in Tokke and the Micro Cabins in Kragerø are perfect choices.
See more unique accommodation tips here!

7. Autumn Colours Along the Telemark Canal

Along the Telemark Canal, autumn colours glow even more intensely. Take one of the last seasonal cruises aboard the Henrik Ibsen or Victoria before the season ends on 5 October, or paddle a kayak through still waters framed by golden forests. Along the way, stop at Sofia Sculpture Park for an art-filled pause in nature.
See more Telemark Canal experiences here!

8. Sauna Safari in the Autumn Chill

After a day in the fresh air, nothing beats the warmth of a sauna. Join a sauna safari and try a floating sauna at Quality Hotel Skjærgården, warm up in the Panorama Sauna in Vrådal, or enjoy a floating saunas at Gaustablikk Mountain Resort. For a forest escape, relax in the Skogens Rom Sauna in Lunde, while Damp Sauna in Skien and Porsgrunn offer urban sauna experiences.
See more steaming sauna tips here!

9. Nature’s Pantry

Taste the flavours of autumn! Explore the Fruit Village in Midt-Telemark, visit Nordre Ramberg Farm, sample cider from NeRø Fruit and Cider, and shop local produce at Lien Farm in Akkerhaugen. Let seasonal menus tempt you at Restaurant Tuddal Høyfjellshotel, Nutheim Guesthouse Restaurant, Bjaaland Country Restaurant, or Blikk Fjellbrasserie.
See more food tips here!

10. Architectural Gems in Telemark

End your journey with a visual feast. Admire Norway’s largest stave church – Heddal Stave Church, marvel at the grand hotel architecture of Dalen Hotel, and walk through historic halls at Ulefos Hovedgaard. Take in the views from the Flatdal Viewpoint, explore old farm buildings at Telemark Museum in Brekkeparken, or discover modern industrial heritage along the Industrial Promenade in Notodden.
See more architectural tips here!

Autumn in Telemark is a journey through colours, flavours, and unforgettable moments. From coast to mountains, from culture to nature – you’ll find endless inspiration to fill your days with memories to last a lifetime. Pack the car, grab your camera, and let the adventure begin!