Ready for a change of scenery? With short distances and plenty of variety, Telemark is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway in Norway.
Here, you can combine spectacular scenery and active days with charming towns, cultural experiences and great food. Start the day outdoors, discover something new along the way, and wind down with a relaxing evening.
Whether you’re planning a romantic spa getaway, an active weekend in the mountains, a city break with friends or a family getaway, it’s easy to find something that suits you – all year round.
Romantic getaway – spa, relaxation and time together
Dreaming of a romantic getaway? Telemark is the perfect place to escape together. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and those little moments that matter most – from waking to birdsong and unwinding at a spa to staying in historic surroundings, enjoying great food and simply spending time together.
Whether you’re looking for complete relaxation, experiences close to nature or the charm of a small town, Telemark has plenty of places that set the scene for a romantic weekend. Enjoy a spa and beautiful views at Gausta or in Morgedal, wake to birdsong in the heart of nature, or stay in historic surroundings at an award-winning hotel in Tuddal or the fairytale-like Dalen Hotel. If charming towns and great food are more your style, Skien and Porsgrunn are equally good choices.
Micro Cabins
Fredheimsveien 13, 3770 Kragerø
Gaustablikk Mountain Resort
Kvitåvatnvegen 372, 3660 Rjukan
Tuddal Høyfjellshotel
Hotellvegen 100, 3697 Tuddal
Spegle
Raulandsvegen 204, 3890 Vinje
Dalen Hotel – Norway’s most romantic hotel
The fairytale-like Dalen Hotel takes romance to another level. Surrounded by beautiful scenery at the head of the Telemark Canal, its distinctive Swiss-style architecture dating from 1894 makes a stay here feel like stepping back in time. Enjoy delicious meals, candlelit evenings and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down.
Start the day with a walk to the idyllic Rui farmstead, treat yourselves to a classic afternoon tea in the elegant lounges, or unwind at Soria Moria, one of Norway’s most beautiful saunas. From mid-May to early October, you can also combine your stay with a cruise along the historic Telemark Canal.
Dalen Hotel is more than just a place to stay – it’s a romantic experience you’ll remember for years to come.
Active weekend getaway with outdoor adventures
If you want to fill your weekend with outdoor adventures, Telemark brings together mountains, lakes and coastline, giving you plenty of ways to get active – often all in the same day.
An active weekend in Telemark is all about variety. Start the day with a mountain hike, explore the landscape by bike or head out on the water in a kayak. Along the coast, you can paddle through the archipelago, cycle the Skjærgårdsruta coastal route or go island hopping by bike – a unique way to experience the coastline. The Telemark Canal also offers fantastic paddling through a distinctive cultural landscape.
Several places make an ideal base for an active weekend. In Vrådal, you can stay in one place and explore a different cycling route each day with the HUB Riding concept, taking you through varied scenery and landscapes. In Seljord, follow the Sogevegen route via Nutheim and combine it with hikes to peaks such as Skorve. Some of Telemark’s best-known hikes include Gaustatoppen, the Saboteurs’ Trail and the spectacular Lårdalstigen.
When winter arrives, the adventures continue with downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and other snow-based activities in Gausta, Rauland, Haukeli, Vrådal, Lifjell and Gautefall.
Cycling the mystical Telemark
Flatdalsvegen 1283, 3841 Flatdal
Lårdalstigen
Eidsborgvegen 361A, 3880 Dalen
Canoing on The Telemark Canal
Slusevegen 21, 3825 Lunde
Canvas Telemark – an extraordinary wilderness experience
In Nissedal, you’ll find Canvas Telemark – a unique wilderness retreat for active outdoor adventures. Stay in comfortable yurts surrounded by nature, with nothing but peace and quiet around you. Spend your days trail riding through spectacular terrain, before gathering around the communal table in the evening for delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
After an active day, unwind in the wilderness spa, with hot baths overlooking the surrounding landscape. The combination of outdoor adventure, nature and great food makes Canvas Telemark a highlight of an active weekend in Telemark.
City break in Telemark – food, culture and nature close by
If you’re looking for a more relaxed weekend, a city break in Telemark is a great choice. Discover charming towns, each with its own character – from lively Skien and Porsgrunn to historic Rjukan, the blues town of Notodden and idyllic Langesund.
Stroll between independent shops and welcoming cafés, enjoy great food, and discover local culture and history – all within easy reach. Nature is never far away either, making it easy to combine time in town with short walks and a change of scenery.
Telemark’s towns offer memorable experiences at a slower pace – perfect for a weekend of good food, new discoveries and time to unwind.
Small-town getaway in Telemark
Family-friendly weekend getaway in Telemark
Telemark is an ideal destination for families looking for an easy and varied weekend getaway. With activities for both younger and older children, short distances and plenty to experience, there’s something for the whole family.
Along the coast, you’ll find Quality Hotel Skjærgården – known as the “Children’s Hotel” – where Lollo & Bernie welcome young guests. The hotel also has a 4,000-square-metre tropical water park, with the water kept at 31°C all year round. Combine your stay with a walk along the coastal trail and, from late May to late August, a visit to Foldvik Family Park.
In Skien and Porsgrunn, families can join “Leken lørdag” (Playful Saturday), a popular Saturday programme packed with activities and experiences. You can also visit Skien fritidspark, with its water park, climbing park and year-round activities. From May to October, Mid-Telemark is a playground for families, with everything from swimming, climbing and wakeboarding to family-friendly mountain hikes and walks with alpacas.
Leken lørdag in Skien and Porsgrunn
A fun-filled activity adventure for the whole family
If you’re looking for mountains and fresh air, Gausta offers year-round adventures where the mascots Husky and Flaks take children along for fun activities throughout the seasons. In Rauland, winter brings plenty of magic, including Norway’s largest snow castle and great opportunities for skiing and playing in the snow. Vrådal offers family-friendly experiences in both summer and winter – from excellent skiing and mountain walks to activities on and around the water.
Telemark makes it easy to combine play, new experiences and time in nature – perfect for a weekend together as a family, creating memories along the way.
Wakeboard Arena at Norsjø Ferieland / Norsjø Cabelpark
Liagrendvegen 71, 3812 Akkerhaugen
Badeparken in Langesund
Stathelleveien 35, 3970 Langesund
Snow castle at Vierli
3864 Rauland
Admission Ticket to Skien Fritidspark Water Park
Skien fritidspark, Moflatvegen 38, 3735 Skien, Norge
Telemark makes it easy to shape your weekend around exactly what you’re looking for – whether that’s relaxation, outdoor adventures, quality time or new experiences. With short distances between mountains, coast and charming towns, everything is within easy reach for a weekend that feels like more than just a break from everyday life.