Ulefoss
Ulefoss is a historic town in Nome municipality, Telemark, renowned for its rich industrial heritage and stunning location by the Telemark Canal. Nestled between Norsjø and Eidselva, Ulefoss has been a key industrial hub since the 1800s.
The town combines cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities, featuring attractions like Ulefoss Hovedgaard and Øvre Verket, along with scenic boat trips on the canal. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Ulefoss offers a memorable experience.
Discover the Industrial Heritage of Ulefoss
Ulefoss is one of Norway's oldest industrial communities, home to one of the Nordic region’s longest-running industrial companies, Ulefos Jernværk. Situated at the mouth of the Eidselva River in Norsjø, this historic town has been a center for iron production for centuries.
Iron ore extraction from the volcanic Fens field, located just a few kilometers south, began in the 1600s. This laid the groundwork for Ulefos Jernværk (formerly Holden Jærnverk), which was established as early as 1657. However, sawmills on both sides of the river, operating under privileges granted by the Danish king, trace their origins back to the 16th century.
In 1835, Diderik Cappelen from Skien purchased the mill and surrounding properties, and since then, they have remained in the hands of his descendants in the Cappelen family.
Ulefoss is also home to Ulefoss Locks, the first lock system on the Bandak–Norsjø Canal, an essential part of the historic Telemark Canal.
Discover Norway's Grandest Manor
Ulefos Hovedgaard is a vibrant museum, set amidst a magnificent English-style park—an ideal spot to immerse yourself in culture, nature, and serenity. The manor is regarded as Norway’s most significant architectural masterpiece from the Napoleonic era. Over the years, it has hosted several notable guests, including King Haakon VII and King Olav V, who stayed in the renowned "King’s Room."
During the summer, visitors can join guided tours to explore the manor’s elegant interior or simply relax with a coffee and freshly made waffles in the charming on-site café.
Culture and Art at Øvre Verket
Øvre Verket is a historical gem within walking distance of the Telemark Canal, Ulefoss Locks, Ulefos Hovedgaard, and the Ulefoss guest jetty. This preserved workers' settlement is a vital cultural landmark, offering a glimpse into Norway’s early industrialization. The red-painted wooden houses, now listed heritage buildings, were originally built in the early 1800s to house workers from Ulefoss Jærnverk.
Today, Øvre Verket is a thriving hub for artisans, featuring an antiquarian bookshop, a bunad workshop, a frame workshop, and textile artists. Visitors can also browse handcrafted goods from local artisans, explore the gallery shop, or enjoy a meal at Spiseriet Øvre Verket.
Throughout the year, Øvre Verket hosts markets and cultural events.
Ulefoss Locks – A Gateway to the Telemark Canal
The Bandak–Norsjø Canal, the newest section of the historic Telemark Canal, was completed in 1892 and runs through Nome municipality. All the locks in this section are located within Nome, with Ulefoss Locks being the first system you encounter when sailing from Norsjø.
Ulefoss Locks consist of three chambers, lifting boats a total of 10.7 meters through the system. Despite their age, the six lock systems from Norsjø to Flåvatn have retained their original design and have never been modernized.
In recognition of its historical significance, the Bandak–Norsjø Canal was officially listed as a cultural heritage site by the National Heritage Board in 2017.
The Iron and Canal Exhibition
Just across the road from Ulefoss Locks, the Iron and Canal Exhibition brings the history of the Telemark Canal to life through fascinating pictures, models, and historical artifacts.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is a more than 100-year-old lock gate model, originally sent to the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900. In the iron exhibition, visitors can also explore beautifully crafted stoves and other products made at Ulefos Jernværk.
On the second floor, the Fensfeltet geology exhibition showcases rare minerals and rocks from the Fensfeltet at Ulefoss, a unique geological area that is part of the Gea Norvegica Geopark.
Highlights at Ulefoss
ULEFOSS HOVEDGAARD
Discover Norway's most significant architectural masterpieces from the Empire era.
HOLLA CHURCH RUIN
Discover the fascinating history of Holla Old Church, also known as Holla Kirkeruin.
THE TELEMARK CANAL
Boating, swimming, cycling, canoeing – the possibilities are endless along the Telemark Canal.
ULEFOSS DOCK MOTORHOME PARKING
Down by the guest harbor in Ulefoss, you’ll find one of Norway’s best motorhome parking spots.
