The Telemark Canal
The Adventurous WaterwayWelcome to the World's Most Beautiful Canal, the Telemark Canal!
The Telemark Canal stretches from Skien to Dalen, with great variations in landscape and character. Here in Nome, you can experience the most exciting part of the Telemark Canal, with 6 of the 8 sluice gates.
Along the Telemark Canal, you can visit the sluice gates and experience restaurants, accommodation, small local idylls and activities. There are several ways to experience the Telemark Canal. See further down the page for information.
Experience the fantastic boat trip with the canal boats on the canal, where you slowly glide through a marvellous landscape while centuries-old technology ensures that you get through the sluices safely and dry.
You can also buy paddling and cycling maps of the Telemark Canal at Visit Bø.
6 out of 8 sluice gates
You'll find in Nome!
⚓️ Ulefoss sluse
⚓️ Eidsfoss sluse
⚓️ Vrangfoss sluse
⚓️ Lunde sluse
⚓️ Kjeldal sluse
⚓️ Hogga sluse
Vrangfoss sluice
Vrangfoss sluice is the largest and most impressive sluice in the Telemark Canal. With five sluice chambers, this is a technical masterpiece that must be experienced. The sluice area is also a beautiful place to take a break and enjoy a good meal at the restaurant at Vrangfoss, with panoramic views of the sluices and the surrounding landscape. You can also discover the Sculpture Forest Sofia, located in the woodland between Vrangfoss and Eidsfoss sluice.
How to get here:
Vrangfossvegen 116, 3825 Lunde
Cycling Tours
The Telemark Canal offers fantastic cycling opportunities, with routes suitable for both families and experienced cyclists. Explore the area on two wheels and experience the beautiful nature along the canal, here are some of our suggestions:
- Kanalruta: A holistic cycling route along one of the eighth wonders of the world, carved into the rock over 100 years ago.
- Landskapar'n: A cycle route around Flåbygd, which has the status of a landscape protection area. A popular tour where you get close to the Telemark Canal and several sluices, as well as the cultural landscape.
- Baderunden: Baderunden crosses the canal twice and passes by the watercourse in Landsmarka, with great opportunities to take a refreshing bath.
- Fruktruta: This cycling tour combines cycling along the canal and through Fruktbygda - one of the country's richest fruit areas and the canal boat from Akkerhaugen-Lunde where you get to experience sluicing on the Telemark Canal.
Tip: You can buy a cycling map for the Telemark Canal from Visit Bø - contact us by email at info@visitbo.no.
Do you need a bike? First Camp - Lunde, which is located right by the Lunde sluice, rents out bikes.
Paddling
The Telemark Canal is a dream for paddling enthusiasts. Explore the waterways by kayak, canoe or SUP board and experience the canal from a unique perspective:
- The Lunde-Vrangfoss paddling route: An easy and child-friendly trip for beginners.
- Norsjø to Ulefoss: A longer day trip that takes you through varied landscapes and historic sluice gates.
- Multi-day trips: Combine paddling with camping for an unforgettable experience.
Tips: We sell both paddling maps and mini guides on the Telemark Canal at Visit Bø. Click on the link below for more information 👇
Paddle Trail
Welcome to Norways first connected paddle trail!
The paddle trail on the Telemark Canal consists of 329 km of graded paddling routes, 29 trip suggestions with close-up maps and useful information for paddlers. All this in a free map book.
🛶 Free map book can be picked up at the tourist office in Bø.
Adress: Bøgata 52, 3800 Bø
🛶 Free Paddle-shelter on Nomestranda
Archictect-designed shelter perfect for sleeping in.
Places To Eat
Along the canal you'll find several cosy places to eat where you can enjoy a meal with a view:
👉 Lunde Slusekro: A popular place for a lunch or dinner in the canal town of Lunde. Open during the summer season.
👉 The restaurant at Vrangfoss sluice: Perfect for a flavoursome break overlooking the canal's largest sluice.
👉 The café at Victoria & Henrik in Lunde: Open all year round.
👉 Norsjø Hotel: The restaurant at the hotel offers a delicious barbecue buffet and pastries in the café. Open during the summer season.
👉 First Camp - Norsjø: In the bistro, they serve food with a lovely bistro touch, everything from simple snacks to Spareribs or Plaice. Open during the summer season.
Accessibility
Telemarkskanalen has information about which places are adapted and universally designed.
👉 Read more about accessibility on the canal
Want to know more about accessibility in the area?
👉 Read more about accessibility in the area
Accommodation
Along the Telemark Canal, you'll find several places to stay that bring you close to nature and the canal's magical atmosphere:
👉 Norsjø Hotel: Traditional hotel with views of Norsjø and a short distance to both the canal and Fruktbygda.
👉 First Camp - Lunde: Campsite by the canal with the possibility of renting canoes, kayaks and SUP boards.
👉 First Camp - Norsjø: Family-friendly campsite by Norsjø with cabins, tent pitches and a popular cable park.
👉 Ulefoss Gjestehavn: Motorhome parking and guest harbour where, in season, you can also enjoy waterside dining, close to Ulefos Hovedgaard and the sluices.
Rental Service
At First Camp - Lunde you can rent equipment such as kayaks, canoes, bikes and SUP boards to explore the canal. With modern facilities and a great location, the campsite is a perfect starting point for both water and land-based activities.
Adventures Along The Canal
The Telemark Canal offers a variety of experiences that extend far beyond nature and activities. Along the canal you can visit Ulefos Hovedgaard, a magnificent 19th-century mansion known as one of Norway's most important Empire buildings. Experience the history, architecture and beautiful gardens with views of the canal.
Nearby you'll also find Fruktbygda, a paradise for food and drink enthusiasts. Here you can visit local farms and sample award-winning apple musts, ciders and other delicacies made from local fruit. Combine this with a visit to local farm shops, or join a guided tasting at Lindheim Ølkompani, Sideriet or Lien Gård.
Lunde, often referred to as the canal town, is an ideal place to start your Telemark Canal adventure. Here you'll find the Lunde sluice, which is a popular stopping point for canal boats. Soak up the canal atmosphere, stroll along the banks or take a break at Lunde Slusekro, renowned for its tasty menu and great waterside location.
For a cultural experience, explore the galleries and art exhibitions along the canal during the summer season, highlighting the work of local artists inspired by the region's beautiful nature and history.
Canal Boats
Day Trips on The Canal or Overnight Boat Trips
You can choose between different day trips or overnight boat trips. M/S Telemarken operates the Norsjø-Ulefoss-Lunde route round trip and is particularly relevant when you're at Norsjø, in Lunde or Ulefoss. M/S Telemarken sails from Akkerhaugen to Lunde, and you have the option of taking the bus back to Akkerhaugen. Read more about M/S Telemarken below.
The canal boats MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen operate on the canal between Skien and Dalen.
Bus Services on Canal Routes
On many routes it is possible to combine canal boat and bus. You can get to various places along the Telemark Canal by bus and train, with connections to the ferry harbours in Sandefjord, Larvik and Langesund and the airports in Sandefjord, Skien and Notodden. Read more about how to get to the Telemark Canal.
Own Car and Parking
Parking is available at all ports of call along the Telemark Canal. There is no charge for parking in the spaces set aside for traffic along the canal. At Hjellebrygga in Skien, it is important to obtain a parking permit, see the notice on the dock.
Timetables and booking
The Telemark Canal has a website for booking and almost all packages, both day trips and overnight trips. We encourage you to book your tours on Telemarkskanalen's website.
ATTENTION! The canal is not operational in winter. Pre-booking is recommended.
All requests should be directed to Telemarkskanalen Booking:
Booking online: booktelemark.no
Phone: +47 409 20 000
E-mail: booking@telemarkskanalen.no
M/S Telemarken
M/S Telemarken sails between Akkerhaugen and Lunde. This is the finest route on the entire canal, which also has the most sluice gates - the largest one being in Vrangfoss. From the top deck you can see beautiful Fruktbygda Gvarv from the sea. On board they always have a wide selection from local producers.
M/S Telemarken can be hired by groups, companies and individuals. For guests there is free parking at Norsjø Hotel, First Camp Norsjø or right by the boat.
Departure Akkerhaugen
09:45 Akkerhaugen brygge
11:00 Ulefoss sluice
13:10 Arrival Lunde sluice
Departure Lunde
13:45 Lunde sluice
15:40 Ulefoss sluice
16:50 Arrival Akkerhaugen brygge
Booking online: mstelemarken.no
Phone: +47 97492092
E-mail: post@mstelemarken.no
Bicycle/canoe:
You can bring a bicycle/bike trailer/canoe/kayak on board the boats. Must be pre-booked together with a ticket. NOK 200 per piece. Limited capacity, max 25kg, luggage must be removed and bikes must fit in the racks. Electric bikes are not allowed to be charged on board for safety reasons.
NB! The buses do not have space for bicycles/canoes etc.
Dogs:
It is possible to bring your dog on the canal boats, but please note that it is not possible to walk your dog during the journey. It costs NOK 300 per dog, payable on board. Small dogs in bags are free on M/S Telemarken.
NB! Dogs are not allowed on the bus due to allergy considerations.
