Kanalruta (Canal Route)

About

The Canal Route is a fantastic cycling experience that follows National Cycle Route No. 2 along the Telemark Canal, often referred to as one of the world's eighth wonders—carved into the mountains over 100 years ago. This route offers spectacular scenery and a meeting with historical engineering.

Follow the route, which is signposted all the way, and experience highlights such as:

• Cycling across a lock at Eidsfoss Lock, a unique experience you only find here.
• Vrangfoss Lock, the largest lock facility on the canal, which is well worth a stop.

Along the way, you can see the old lock facilities in full operation. The stone-walled lock chambers, the enormous lock gates, as well as the opening and closing mechanism—everything is authentic. The captains and lock personnel contribute to a memorable trip. To make the journey even more interesting, you can combine cycling with a trip on the canal boat on the Telemark Canal.

Tour Description and Difficulty

The Canal Route (National Cycle Route No. 2) follows low-traffic roads through surprisingly wild and dramatic nature westward along the canal.

Difficulty: The road is locally hilly, and the trip is best suited for experienced cyclists.

Length and Stages: The trip can be divided into several stages and adapted to your own skills and wishes. Most people spend two days from Ulefoss to Dalen, but the route can be cycled in both directions.

Food and Provisions: There are limited services along the Canal Route, especially on the stretch from Vrådal to Dalen. Remember to stock up before the day's cycling stage.

Route Details: Cycle Route 3013713 – via Bikemap.net

Transport, Practical Information, and Services

Travel to and from the Canal Route is easy with several transport options:

• Starting Point  Ulefoss. Can be reached by private car, public transport, or by scheduled boat from Skien.
• Public Transport: Bus service along the entire stretch.
• Parking: Free parking available at the starting points.

Bicycle Rental and Luggage Transport

You can find offers for bicycle rental and luggage transport along the route:

• In Lunde, First Camp Lunde - Telemark has a large variety of rental bikes. They also offer transport of bikes and luggage.
• In Vrådal, Straand Hotel rents out bikes and arranges luggage transport for its own guests.

Accommodation and Eateries Along the Way

At the end of the trip in Dalen, you can stay at the venerable Dalen Hotel from 1894, known for its special history and architecture. The hotel received the Europa Nostra Award for restoration in 2000.

Other Accommodation Options:

• Dalen: Dalen Bed & Breakfast, Dalen Hotel
• Vrådal: Straand Hotel
• Kilen: Kilen Camping
• Lunde: First Camp Lunde - Telemark

Eateries along the Canal Route:

• Dalen: Dalen Bryggjekafé / Restaurant Bandak
• Vrådal: Restaurant at Straand Hotel
• Lunde: Lunde Slusekro
• Ulefoss: Spiseriet Øvre Verket

Return Journey: The following day, you can take the scheduled boat on the Telemark Canal back, completing the full experience of this part of Telemark.