The Telemark Canal Journey: Man among the nature
route 2
The Telemark Canal Journey: Man among the nature
DAY 1
Porsgrunn – Ulefoss
Time: 5 hours
Locks: 2
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
visit Mikaelshulen
take a helm to the Skien/Åfoss lake area to swim in water. The warmest place in Norsjø,
spend time in the cozy piers of Valebø,
Ulefoss Hovedgaard – the building surrounded by beautiful gardens, in empire/classical style which is completely unique in the whole country. It was founded by Councilor Niels Aall, the influential figure, who has contributed to creating the image of modern Norway.
See the old buildings of Ulefoss Jernværk – one of Europe’s oldest industrial companies, specializing in iron foundry.
Øvre Verket – visit the early XIX century complex of Jarnværket workers houses. Reach an insight into the workers’ everyday life and find out more about the history around.
It is also a starting point for hiking and cycling trip
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at: Café Slusa or Spiseriet Øvre Verket
DAY 2
Ulefoss – Lunde
Time: 3-4 hours
Locks: 4
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Admire Vrangfoss locks – the most spectacular part of the Telemark Canal.
First Camp Lunde is the place where vary activities start. Try hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding and more here.
Rent kayaks for a trip between Lunde and Vrangfoss Sluse;
Take a taxi, and Visit Bø Sommarland – the biggest waterpark in Norway (reserve enough time to see everything there!).
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at: Slusepark in Lunde or Heksas Kitchen
DAY 3
Lunde – Kviteseid
Time: 5 hours
Locks: 2
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Take a taxi or go for a hiking trip (1,5h one way) to Kviteseid bygdetun.
Enjoy a nice time in Ågape.
Recommendation:
Have a lunch at: Kvitseid Bryggekafe
DAY 4
Kvitseid – Dalen
Time: 4-5 hours
Locks: –
Charging: Fast chargers
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Have dinner at the historical Dalen Hotel (for fine dining enthusiasts, booking required);
Visit the Soria Moria sauna (we suggest prior booking).
Dalen – hiking trip to the Rui sisters’ farm for a guided tour to learn more about the story of that scenic place.
Visit Eidsborg Stave Church, one of the best preserved 28 examples of iconic Norwegian legacy.
Explore the West Telemark Museum in Eidsborg.
See the Ravens George viewpoint.
Recommendation:
Have a lunch at Dalen Brygge Kaffe
DAY 5Dalen – Lårdal
Dalen – Lårdal
– Lunde
Time: Lårdal – 1 h
Lunde – 6 h
Lunde – 6 h
Locks: 2
Charging: Fast chargers
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Lårdal: Go hike on challenging but fantastic Lårdalstiegen (this trail you can also start from Dalen, the day before).
Lunde: take a hiking trip to Folkestien – nice hiking area from the centre of the town along the canal.
Recommendation:
Stop in Lårdal Marina to have a breakfast/lunch at the Sagbruket family restaurant next to the pier, or dock on the opposite side of the lake on a smaller pier for a meal in the fresh air.
Have a dinner at: Slusepark or Heksas Kitchen in Lunde
Charge the boat with a fast charger during your stop in Lårdal.
DAY 6
Lunde – Notodden
Time: 6 hours
Locks: 2
Charging: standard
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Take part in the Europe’s best Blues Festival (first days of August), when the sounds of blues come from every street and every corner.
Explore Hydro Industrial Park as a heart of UNESCO’s Industrial Heritage. You will meet the story of the pioneers whose dream came true.
Heddal Stave Church this architectural gem represents wood-building art. See the masterpiece that lasts for centuries
Recommendation:
Have dinner at Eyde Restaurant.
DAY 7
Nottoden – Ulefoss
Time: 6 hours
Locks: 2
Charging: fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Visit Mikaelshulen
Take a helm to the Skien/Åfoss lake area to swim in water. The warmest place in Norsjø,
Spend time in the cozy piers of Valebø.
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at: Café Slusa or Spiseriet Øvre Verket
DAY 8
Ulefoss – Porsgrunn
Check out: 11 am
Locks: 2
It is crucial to be at Løveid lock before at 8:45 am
It is crucial to be at Løveid lock before at 8:45 am
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: no
Consider to visit:
Take a walk in Porsgrunn – the city of porcelain
The whole walk should take around 2h at a slow pace. If you decide to extend this trip with a visit to the museum or in churches, please consider reserving more time. We can help you arrange everything, for example ceramic workshops
See Norway’s only porcelain factory in the west part of the city, after crossing the bridge. During the weekend there is an antique store open in the morning.
Walk along Storgata Street and see the porcelain rollers – the installations tributing to the iconic porcelain designer, Nora Gulbrandsen.
Østre Porsgrunn Church – the porcelain-inspired new city church. This sacred building replaced the XVII century one which burnt because of arson in 2011. The group visiting can be pre-ordered.
See Our Lady of Good Counsel church – beautiful monument in Norwegian Dragestil inspired by the old Norwegian stove churches.
Porsgrunn City Hall – the next artwork of Haldor Bøvre, the architect of Our Lady Church and Dalen Hotell. Neoclassical building, which represents one of only a few buildings in this style that are left in Norway nowadays.
Recommendation:
Have a coffee in Kaffe og Thespesialen, a cafeteria established in 1962, with an amazing coffee!
Have lunch/dinner at Merci or Becks Brasserie and Bar Osebro.
Please note that most of the museums and attractions are closing before 5 pm.
Please consider visiting in the morning. We can help to arrange some group sightseeing.
Please note that this route must be approved by us in advance, and check-out is required at 11:00.
An alternative, shorter version of this trip is also available.
Navigation through the Telemark Canal requires a lock ticket. You can buy it at our office on arrival day.
Want to personalize your trip? We’re here to help!
We will be delighted to help you arrange the group tours or recommend places when you can enjoy your favorite activities.