Holidays to Telemark

Holiday in Telemark—from the coast to Hardangervidda

Telemark is a county in which you can experience the idyllic and fertile southern coastal landscape of Midt-Telemark, its stave churches and the majestic Hardangervidda. Telemark has much to offer but it is the stave churches and Hardangervidda that attract most of the tourists to the area. In summer the hiking terrain in Telemark is fantastic for anyone who likes to be outdoors and Gaustatoppen (Gausta Peak) is especially popular. You can look forward to a wonderful trip when you holiday in Telemark.

The coastal cities lies in the southern part of Telemark with places that are popular to visit such as Skien, Porsgrunn and Kragerø, which is a well-known holiday resort for Norwegians in the summer. Take in Brekkeparken and Telemarkskanalen (Telemark Canal), the latter with old wooden siphons that are operated manually. A trip on board the “Victoria” or the “Henrik Ibsen” is a romantic affair, especially when the sun is shining.

Telemark is perhaps best known for the many wonderful medieval churches in the area. Go to Heddal to see one of the most beautiful and biggest of the stave churches, the Heddal stavkirke (Heddal Stave Church). The church was built way back in the 1200s and there are less than 30 of these magnificent edifices throughout Norway.

If you like walking in the mountains, you have chosen the right place to visit in Telemark. Hardangervidda is the largest mountain plateau in northern Europe with numerous hiking trails. Den Norske Turistforening (Norwegian Trekking Association) has many huts where you can stay in the area, so you can embark on trips lasting several days—or just take a day trip.

You shouldn’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Rjukan and Notodden during your trip. It was here that Norsk Hydro (Norwegian Hydro) ran its pioneering experiment in the development of the electrochemical industry. Visit Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum (Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum) at Vemork to learn more about the history behind it. In Rjukan you can also see the Solspeilet (Sun Mirror), which ensures that the site has its square lit up during winter when it normally gets no direct sunlight.

Telemark is a versatile county that offers everything from idyllic summer swimming spots by the water to great hiking trails on Hardangervidda. Enjoy fantastic apple juice, made from apples grown in the area and enjoy your holiday in Telemark. If you enjoy outdoor experiences in nature, Telemark county is definitely for you!