Day trips and attractions in Telemark
Telemark offers some of Norway’s most varied and unique day trips. Climb the majestic Gaustatoppen, where on clear days you can see one sixth of Norway from the summit. Explore the lush fruit villages, where orchards and local food give you a true taste of the region. Telemark is also known for its historic walks, from gentle forest trails to more demanding mountain hikes.
The region is home to the UNESCO-listed Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage, famous stave churches, and the Telemark Canal. Here, history, culture, and breathtaking nature come together – making it the perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.
⛰️🌲 Discover more of Telemark’s attractions below.
Visit the Fruit Village of Gvarv
Thousands of fruit trees and dedicated farmers make the Fruit Village of Gvarv a true treasure, producing 3,000 tons of apples and 1,000 tons of plums, cherries, and sweet cherries every year. Visit this fertile landscape in spring to see the orchards in bloom, or in autumn when the trees are heavy with fruit. A unique cultural landscape with welcoming, well-kept farms is waiting for you.
Telemark MC utleie
Rent a motorcycle in Norsjø, Telemark, and experience Norway on two wheels. Telemark MC Utleie offers modern motorcycles, with helmets and riding gear included.
Photo: telemarkmcutleie.no
Telemarkskanalen
The Telemark Canal stretches from Skien to Dalen, showcasing a wide variety of landscapes and character along the way. Here in Nome, you’ll experience the most exciting part of the canal, featuring 6 of its 8 lock systems.
Patmos skulpturpark
Patmos Sculpture Park is Norway’s first sculpture park dedicated to contemporary art – a living gallery under the open sky! Each year, the park is refreshed with new sculptures, celebrated with an opening event filled with music, creativity, and great atmosphere.
Kanalbåt
The two canal boats, MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen, operate along the canal between Skien and Dalen. MS Telemarken runs the route between Norsjø, Ulefoss, and Lunde (round trip).
Sabotørstien - The Saboteur Trail
The Saboteur Trail follows parts of the route used by the world-famous Norwegian resistance fighters during World War II, on the night they set out to destroy the heavy water plant. The hike starts at Rjukan Fjellstue, about 11 km from the center of Rjukan.
Gaustatoppen
Gaustatoppen (1,883 m) rises majestically above Rjukan in Telemark and is often called Norway’s most beautiful mountain. From the summit, you can, on clear days, see almost one sixth of the country – a view few other Norwegian peaks can match. The mountain is both easily accessible and family-friendly, while also offering more challenging routes for experienced hikers. 1,5 hours from the campsite.
UNESCO`s World Heritage
The Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This is where Norsk Hydro began its pioneering work, both in Norway and internationally, in developing the electrochemical industry that revolutionized global food production.
Heddal stavkirke
Step inside Norway’s largest stave church – said to be the most beautiful of them all. With its three towers as a striking landmark, this grand stave church is a national treasure showcasing incredible wooden craftsmanship. Heddal Stave Church has stood in the village of Heddal for centuries, dating back to the 1200s.
Nes Kyrkje
On a peninsula extending into Lake Norsjø between Gvarv and Akkerhaugen lies Nes Church – one of the most beautiful small medieval churches in Telemark.
Gaustabanen
The Gausta Railway consists of two sections. First, a blue tram takes you 850 meters straight into the heart of the mountain. From there, you switch to a cable car with two carriages that pull each other up 1,050 meters – at an incline of 39 degrees. Just 15 minutes after entering the mountain, you can step out and enjoy the view of one sixth of mainland Norway on a clear day – from 1,800 meters above sea level. 1,5 hours from the campsite.
Evju Bygdetun
Evju Rural Museum is a living historic family farm, still in operation with fields, meadows, clucking hens, and adorable rabbits. The buildings date back to the 18th century.