Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answer for the frequently asked questions here!
1. BOAT EXPERIENCE
Do you have to have a boat driver’s license to rent a boat?
According to Norwegian rules, if you are born after 1980 you must have a boat driver’s license.
On the other hand, as Canal Boats Telemark, we require at least 2 seasons of experience with a
boat from all the boat drivers.
Boating licenses or other qualification documents issued in another EEA country are valid in
accordance with the contents of the document. An International Certificate of Competence
(ICC) issued in accordance with Resolution 40 must include coastal navigation in order to be
valid in Norway. Other foreign boating licenses will be valid if they substantially satisfy the
requirements of the Norwegian boating license, and are issued in English or a Scandinavian
language.
Click here to see which countries are members of ICC Resolution No.40.
SLC is approved.
ASA International Proficiency Certificate (IPC) Yacht Helmsman, USA, is approved with the
limitation in the license.
If you are unsure whether your sailing license is valid in Norway, please send us a scan of your
license so that we can confirm this with the authorities. This process usually takes 3-5 working
days, but can be longer at certain times of the year.
Read also Terms & Conditions.
Do I get any training?
For your highest comfort, you will receive an introduction at your arrival about safety routines,
boat’s equipment, devices on the captain’s console and other practical information, useful
before your holiday starts.
Everything takes around 1 hour before leaving the marina.
Additionally we offer you an extra 2h training with our captain. You can order this when you book
your boat. Find it under extra equipment in the booking process.
How is the speed range where the boats will go? Are there any stretches that are easier than others?
The maximum speed on the Telemark Canal and when the distance to land is less than 50m is 5
knots.
When going upstream you have the green or white sticks on the starboard side and red on your
port side. Keep a distance of 3-5m from the stick. The sticks can change position from year to
year and the physical position has a priority before what you see in the chartplotter.
Other restrictions are usually signposted.
Can I pay to bring a skipper on board?
We don’t offer skipper’s service for weekly cruises.
However if you are interested in day trips with a Captain, please contact us directly:
post@canalboats.no.
2. BOOKING
How can I book a boat?
You can use our booking calendar to find the dates that work best for you.
Alternatively, please check the availability of specific boat models: Greenline 33 or Greenline 39.
During the high season (from June 21st to August 14th in 2025), boats are only available for
rent on check-in and check-out days. The minimum rental period is 3 nights.
Outside the peak season, you can rent a boat any day with a minimum rental period of 2 nights.
Feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions, or special requests (such as winter
rentals), or if you simply want to chat with us first!
When is the check-in and check-out?
Check-in starts at 2 pm and check-out is at 10 am.
The check-in takes approximately 1 hour before leaving the marina. You will do some paperwork
and receive an introduction about safety and the boat’s equipment.
At the check-out, please expect around 1 hour for the boat to be inspected.
During check-out, please ensure that all equipment is put back in its place (especially ropes and
fenders) so that the inspection can proceed smoothly.
Can I get an early check-in or a late checkout?
Check-in starts at 2 pm and check-out is at 10 am. Please contact us if you need more flexibility. This possibility depends on the number of the bookings at the time but we will do our best to cater your needs.
Where do I pick up and deliver the boat I have rented?
The boats must be picked up and delivered at Canal Boats Telemark’s guest harbor in Porsgrunn. If not otherwise agreed, the meeting point before the check-in is in our office: Stangsgate 1, 3915 Porsgrunn. If you are traveling by taxi or have a lot of luggage, you can first leave your luggage on the boat and then go to the office. Please let us know before you arrive so that we can assist you at the pier.
What is the age limit for renting a boat?
The age limit is 20 years
What is included in the rental price? What is not included?
The price of boat rental includes:
Boat rental
– Equipment in the boat (life jackets, ropes, fenders and also fully equipped kitchen with kitchen utensils)
– Bed linen and towels for all people traveling on board are included.
– Consumables: cleaning equipment and soap products, hand soap, coffee filter, salt and pepper
– Folding teak table and chairs
Extras you can order (not included in the price):
– Extra equipment (see the price list for extra equipment).
– Cleaning fee is obligatory and not included in the basic price. Cleaning fee covers the cleaning costs of the boat exterior and interior after use. You will see the price in the booking process.
– Lock tickets up the Telemark Canal. Price varies depending on the distance you want to go and season.
The Telemark canal is publicly open between June 21st – August 14th 2025.
Outside this period, travel across the canal is possible by prior arrangement and route planning with the Telemark Canal Office.
Naturally, we handle this process on behalf of the guest, providing a ready-made crossing plan.
The price list for the lock tickets in the 2025 season you will find here. You can buy the tickets directly at the Canal Boats Telemark office.
– Charging cost. You may expect between 42-84€ in electricity per week (equivalent boat with diesel operation would cost approx. 292€ per week). Usually electricity cost is included in the marina fee (16A) but in some places you need to pay for charging with a fast charger (400V/16A).
Are towels and bed linen included?
Yes. Bed linens and towels for all people on board are included. If you want extra bed linen or towels, you can order this for a small fee.
Can I order extra equipment and services later?
Just get in touch with us via e-mail or telephone before the arrival if you want to order additional products like paddle board rental or WiFi on board. In some cases we may refuse to provide the service if there are reasons to do so.
Extras price list is here.
3. PAYMENT
How much does it cost to rent a boat?
The easiest way to find the final price for boat rental is a summary in the shopping basket, once
you have selected the dates and the boat you are interested in, and any extras you may find
useful.
Prices depend on the season. Find out more in the 2025 price list with all extras available.
In 2025 we highlight:
– high season (21.06-14.08),
– medium season (01.05-20.06 and 15.08.-04.10),
– and low season (01.04-30.04 and 5.10.-01.11).
Out of the season, rental is possible on request, at low season price.
What are my payment options if I want to rent a boat?
Choose between paying the total amount with a booking or in two convenient installments.
If you pick a second option, you will pay 35% once you book your dates.
The remaining 65% needs to be paid no later than 42 days before your holiday starts. The
payment method is a bank transfer or a credit card.
Once you have chosen this option, you can always check the specific amount to pay in the
confirmation email you have received after finalizing the booking.
Which payment options do you accept?
We accept card payments via our website: Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Soon you will receive a possibility to pay via Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal.
You can also make a bank transfer, please see details below:
SPAREBANKEN SOR Konto nr: 2801 55 18539
IBAN: NO7928015518539
Swift: SPSONO22XXX
How much is the deposit?
The deposit is 3000 euros, payable on the check-in day.
You can pay it with a cash or credit card.
The deposit is refundable when the boat is dropped off undamaged (7 working days).
Please note that with a credit card payment we charge a 3,6% bank transfer fee.
Can I purchase a damage waiver?
You can choose the extra insurance – a reduction of liability (damage waiver) for a price of 445
euros.
In case of any damage to the boat, your own share is only 445 euros. This amount is
non-refundable.
Read more in the rental conditions.
4. CHARGING AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Where can I charge the boat?
You can charge the boat at any marina with a standard 16A charging point, which is available at
most jetties along the Telemark Canal and the coastline.
Additionally, there is a network of fast chargers (21 kW) located in Telemark. These allow you to
sail between the key harbors along the canal and coastline without worrying about the battery
level.
You can find the locations of fast chargers, as well as other harbors and piers with their facilities,
on the provided map.
How much does it cost to charge the boat?
The cost of electricity is usually included in the harbor fee when using standard 230V / 16A
chargers. At some locations, there may be an additional fee for using fast chargers (400V / 21
kW).
The boat you pick up is fully charged.
Please put it on charge with 21kW/400V when you are back in the marina.
How long will the boat have to charge?
– Fast charging (400V / 32A): It takes around 3 hours to charge 80% of the battery
capacity.
– Standard charging (230V / 16A): You need to leave the boat plugged in overnight.
Typically, a day of sailing (5 hours) uses about 50% of the battery, which can be recharged
during the night using standard charging.
For more details, check the map for the locations of both standard and fast chargers.
How long is the longest distance between two charging points?
The longest stretch between two charging points is between Kviteseid and Lunde. The total
distance is 23.7 nm or about 43 km.
In both marinas you will find fast chargers
What is the range of the boat?
The range of the boats is very long when you are keeping a calm pace.
Sailing with the maximum speed allowed on the Telemark Canal which is 5 knots, you can cover
around 100 km (57,6 nm).
At all times you have an overview of how many kilometers you can sail with a current battery
capacity and how much power is left.
The solar panel supplies only the service (“house”) batteries 12V, and not the main batteries
400V.
Examples of range in headwind:
4.9 knots=57.6 nm,
5.6 knots=43.9 nm,
6.2 knots=33.5 nm,
7.5 knots=20.9 nm
5. GENERAL INFORMATION
What should I remember to bring with me?
We recommend that you bring some good non-slip boat shoes and some waterproof clothing in case of rain. Gloves that are useful during passing the locks you can buy at the base. You can do some shopping close to the marina (there is a grocery store, liquor store, pharmacy and more within walking distance). You don’t need to bring the water containers. The water available in our guest marina and in others harbors is drinkable.
Is fishing allowed?
Yes. Please learn fishing rules and information for the various stretches (the canal and the
coastline).
Telemark watercourse:
In the canal watercourse you will find perfect conditions to catch trout, perch, char, whitefish,
pike and tench. In the lower parts of the Telemark Canal, you can also buy fishing licenses for
salmon and sea trout.
Fishing rules:
– Everyone over the age of 16 must have a fishing license. Children under the age of 16 do not
need a fishing license or pay a state fishing fee. Everyone who is going to fish in Norsjø,
Heddalsvannet and Bråfjorden does not have to pay a state fishing fee. When fishing for salmon
and sea trout in the rivers , everyone must pay a state fishing fee.
– Fishing for salmon and sea trout is only allowed in the period June 1 to September 30.
– Up to 2 salmon or sea trout can be caught per day per person.
– Salmon and sea trout caught in the period October 1 to May 30 shall be set out immediately.
When fishing from a boat in Norsjø, Heddalsvannet and Bråfjorden, it is possible to fish with a
maximum of 4 lines with one bait (hook, lure, wobble, etc.) on each line per boat.
– It is not permitted to fish with gear that can be filled with water.
The Telemark watercourse is a disease-free watercourse and all equipment that has been used
in other watercourses must therefore be disinfected before use. This also applies to boats that
are moved to the watercourse, – pay special attention to humid environments in cavities, ropes
and textiles as well as waders, nets etc.
1) A fishing license is what you must buy from the licensees / landowner to fish within a
specific area. Visit inatur.no to check prices and purchase the license.
2) A fishing fee is a fee you must pay to the State to fish for salmon and sea trout in rivers
and lakes. Visit inatur.no to check prices and purchase the license
The coast of Telemark.
Here you can fish all sorts of fish except cod which has a temporary protection.
Lobsters can only be fished from 1.10 to 30.11. Everyone has to register before fishing lobster
(contact us if you need help with this). Crab can be fished all year round and no registration is
required.
Further information you may find on the website of Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Where do I empty the septic tank?
The Telemark Canal:
There are septic tanks, at Hjellebrygga in Skien, Ulefoss guest harbour, Kviteseid, Dalen and
Akkerhaugen west.
Keep in mind that the entire canal watercourse and especially Norsjø is a source of drinking
water for large population groups.
It is therefore not permitted to empty septic tanks directly into the watercourse.
Use the sewer system for septic tank emptying or empty the septic tank before entering the
watercourse.
The coast of Telemark:
Along the Telemark coast, there are emptying facilities at the following locations:
Porsgrunn, Brevik, Langesund, Kragerø (by the ferry port at Stabbestad).
All septic stations are shown on the map. /link needed/
How many locks are there in total on the Telemark Canal?
There are a total of 8 locks with 18 lock chambers: Skien, Løveid, Ulefoss, Eidsfoss, Vrangfoss, Lunde, Kjeldal, Hogga. The Telemark Canal is 105 kilometers long from Skien to Dalen with a total lifting height of 72 meters. See all canal locks on the map.
What does it cost for the lock ticket?
Prices vary according to the season. The Telemark Canal is open to the public from June 21st to August 14th 2025 from 9AM to 6PM. Outside this period we will help you plan a schedule.
High season: June 21st to August 14th:
– Skien-Hogga-Skien: 400€
– Skien-Lunde-Skien: 360€
– Skien-Løveid-Skien: 130€
Out of season prices (on request):
– Skien-Hogga-Skien: 600€
– Skien-Lunde-Skien: 560€
– Skien-Løveid-Skien: 400€
The lock ticket is paid directly to Canal Boats Telemark at check-in.
How long does it take to drive the Telemark Canal?
We recommend 1 week if you want to travel the entire Telemark Canal at a relaxing pace. If you want to explore both the archipelago and the coast, we recommend planning at least a 2-week holiday. If you only have a week and want to experience both the canal and the coast, you can sail halfway up the Telemark Canal and then head towards the coast, We are more than happy to assist you plan the best route for your holiday! Feel free to contact us!
How do we pass through a lock?
Passing the locks is an exciting experience!
The lock keepers are always there to guide you and provide you all the instructions to help you pass through the lock.
You must always obey their instructions!
To pass the lock you need two people on the board. The strongest person should be on the bow. The lock keeper will pass you two ropes which should be tied keeping the biggest possible angle on the port when it is passed from the right side, and on the starboard when passed from the left.
For more information about the locks, contact us with your questions!
When are the locks open?
The locks are open from June 21st to August 14th 2025.
It means that you can sail through the locks at any hour between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday-Sunday. Especially in July the Canal can be a little crowded so keep in mind to be in front of the lock a little bit earlier to avoid the queues.
Outside the season, sailing along the Telemark Canal is still possible, after scheduling your trip with the Telemarkskanalen Office. We will of course arrange everything for you and will provide a ready timetable to pass the locks.
Contact us if you need more information!
Which jetties are located along the Telemark Canal?
Search our map to find all the jetties along the canal with its facilities. /link needed/
6. LOCATION AND DISTANCE TO MAIN BASE
Where are you located?
We are located in Porsgrunn in Telemark county municipality, Norway. Headquarter address: Stangsgate 1, 3915 Porsgrunn Our Guest Marina is located 150 meters from the office.
How do I get to Porsgrunn?
Porsgrunn is well connected with the main airports in the southern part of Norway.
You can easily get from the Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) or Oslo Torp (TRF) airports.
If you are driving by car, it takes around 2,5 hours from Oslo Airport and around 35 minutes from Torp Sandefjord Airport.
The easiest and recommended way is to take a train directly from the airport terminal (both from Oslo and Torp). The time is the same as driving the car – 2 hours from Oslo and around 35 minutes from Torp Sandefjord.
If you drive your own car from Oslo, follow the E18 towards Kristiansand until you come to a sign for Porsgrunn (just after Larvik). If you come from Bergen, take the E134 over Haukelifjell and take off in Seljord to national road 36 towards Porsgrunn. If you come from Kristiansand, follow the E18 towards Oslo until you see the exit towards Porsgrunn (just after Brevik).
There are several parking garages in Porsgrunn. We also offer indoor parking for an extra fee. If you want indoor parking, just contact us by phone or e-mail or choose this option when booking the boat. In case of any questions about the easiest way to get to Porsgrunn, feel free to ask us!
Where can I park in Porsgrunn?
The nearest long-term outdoor parking you can find at Gamle urædd parking lot.
For shorter stays you can park in the parking lot in front of the marina. Please find the current
fees and details on Porsgrunn municipality’s website.
Do you prefer indoor parking? Order your parking lot near the marina. We will take your car to
the car park and bring it back before the check-out day. See our extras list! /link needed/
Accommodation in Porsgrunn
Do you need accommodation before or after you rent a boat from us?
We can highly recommend booking an overnight stay at the Vic Hotel. Vic Hotel is centrally
located in Porsgrunn, only a few 100 meters from where you pick up and deliver the boat. Do
you want to book? Contact us at post@canalboats.no or contact the hotel directly at
https://www.vichotel.no/en/home/
Remember to use a code Canbo to get a 15% discount on the reservation!
Where can I go with the boat?
From Porsgrunn you can drive up towards the Telemark Canal or down towards the Telemark coast.
The end point of the Telemark canal is Dalen.
If you wish to visit Gvarv, Norsjø Ferieland, Notodden or Heddal, exit the Telemark Canal and follow the waterway to the right just before Ulefoss. The waterway towards Notodden has no locks.
Going towards the Telemark coast, you can drive towards Sørlandskysten in one direction and Oslo Fjord in the other direction
Use our map to see what is nearby to reach by boat or within some distance of each marina (usually in walking distance but to get to certain places, you will have to hire a car or call a taxi). Take a look at our trip suggestions. We are also happy to put together an itinerary to suit your travel schedule and your preferences. Get in touch with us!
Are there any restrictions on where I can drive the boat
No. As long as you are back in Porsgrunn at the agreed time, you can drive wherever you want.
What kind of activities and adventures are there along the Telemark Canal and the coast of Telemark?
Telemark abounds with many attractions and places to visit that appeal to different tastes.
Whether you love nature and the outdoors or prefer a relaxing stay in a spa or sauna, you will find it here. Enthusiasts of art, sightseeing or seeking local cuisine will not be bored either.
It is a unique place where you can see as much as the spectacular Telemark canal, the inland fjords, and the picturesque coast in one trip.
We have prepared many variants of excursions for you, which will show you the treasures of our region. See which one suits you best!
– Itineraries
– Map with attractions /link needed/
And don’t forget that you can always count on our advice and assistance in planning your stay here! You can contact us here.
Still have a question or you need recommendations?
If you have any other queries, feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable team is here to help!