Øvrebøtjern in Siljan is much more than a popular swimming spot (badevann) in Telemark—it is a living historical archive. Discover an area where fascinating stories stretch from Earth's ancient history to the rich logging and timber floating history (tømmerfløting) of modern times. Perfect for those seeking nature experiences in Siljan, swimming, or geological insight.
Although Øvrebøtjern is best known today as a beloved swimming area, the lake has a rich cultural-historical background. Previously, the Siljan waterway (Siljansvassdraget) was a crucial timber floating artery—an "expressway for timber."
At the beginning of the 20th century, Siljan was home to one of Norway's strongest lumberjack communities (skogsarbeidermiljøer). The timber was transported down the waterway towards Larvik. Explore the area where you can see historical traces of this significant era in Norwegian forestry history.
Gorningen, Siljan (Geopark): Explore 10,000 years of history, from early settlement to…
Learn about the Gorningen log chute's role in Siljan's log driving history and the…
Børja Hill Fort, Siljan: Explore a historic fortress by Lake Gorningen, possibly 2,000…
Explore Moholt Ironworks in Siljan — a unique heritage site with a blast furnace, the…
Organic herb garden with approx. 400 spices and medical plants, roses, old perennials and…
Bjørn Richter Gallery and studio is located near Siljan (Telemark) half an hours drive…
Explore in – one of Northern Europe’s largest Iron Age burial mounds and a symbol of…
Discover Siljan — shaped by ice ages and volcanoes, with Larvikite, Syenite, and stunning…
Explore Siljuhaugen, a monumental Iron Age burial mound in Siljan, Norway. Discover a…
Gjerpen Church lies on the northern edge of Skien and is a beautiful romanesque stone…
On Kapitelberget you'll find the ruins of a crypt church from the Middle Ages.The church…
Kapitelberget in Skien, church ruins from the 1100s, after the mighty Dagsætten…
Experience Henrik Ibsen in Skien! Visit "Ibsenstua" in Brekkeparken from 2025 to 2028. A…
Brekkeparken in Skien is a lovely park with beautiful flower beds, and with lots of…
The main building, Søndre Brekke Manison at Brekkeparken, is truly magnificent and has…
Snipetorp, Skien's oldest residential quarter and residence of Henrik Ibsen's parents,…