Questions & Answers
The most frequently asked questions can be found here
You can either search for available boats in a specific time period here.
Or you will also find a summary of which boats you can choose from the link above. Click on the boat you want to book. At the bottom of the boat page you will see a calendar that shows when the boat you want to order is available.
Payment:
Prices vary according to season. You will find price information here. here.
Option 1. To minimize your own share if the boat is damaged, you can pay an insurance of your own share of 409€ . This amount is non-refundable.
Option 2. On arrival, you must pay 2,500€ on your credit card. This amount is reserved until the boat is returned and the condition of the boat is approved.
Option 1. You can choose to pay 35% of the total amount, the remaining 65% must be paid no later than 42 days before the holiday starts. Read more about contract terms here.
The remaining 65% of the total amount must be transferred via online banking to our bank account. If you choose this option, you will receive a confirmation by email stating how much you have to pay and to which account the amount should be transferred to.
Option 2. Pay the full amount at once when you book.
We only accept card payments and we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Charging and infrastructure:
In addition to established fast chargers, you can charge the boat at all jetties that have a 16A charging current (this is available at most jetties). You will find an overview of where fast chargers are available here. here.
Just like renting an electric car, the boat you rent will be fully charged when you pick it up and you will also pay for the electricity you use.
You have to expect between 42-84€ in charging current per week. (The equivalent boat with diesel power would cost about 292€ per week.)
At the end of the holiday, the boat must be returned fully charged, if it is not, Canal Boats Telemark will deduct part of the deposit or send an invoice corresponding to the cost of fully charging the boat again.
It takes about 3 hours to charge 80% of the battery.
The longest distance between two charging points will be between Kviteseid and Lunde, this distance is 23.7 nm (nautical mile) or about 43 km.
In the same way as with an electric car, small adjustments in speed give large effects on range. The range of the boats, on the other hand, is very long if you keep a calm pace. You will at all times have an overview of how much power is left on a display on the boat, in addition, the solar panel will also be able to provide power to the operating batteries. There will therefore never be any danger of running out of power.
Examples of range in headwind: 4.9 knots = 57.6 nm, 5.6 knots = 43.9 nm, 6.2 knots = 33.5 nm, 7.5 = 20.9 nm
Boat experience
If you are born after 1980, the tenant and any other drivers of the boat must have a boating licence. Canal Boats Telemark, on the other hand, requires all riders of the boat to have at least 2 seasons of experience with boats. Read more under terms and conditions here.
In addition to the Norwegian boating licence, the International Certificates for Operator of Pleasure Craft (ICC) is also approved as a valid boating licence. click Here to see which countries are members of ICC Resolution No.40.
As part of our safety routine, everyone who rents a boat from Canal Boats Telemark will receive up to 1 hour of training on arrival. Here you go through all safety routines, you get an introduction to the boat's equipment and navigation system and you go through other practical information that is necessary before the holiday starts.
Want to feel extra safe before you go on vacation? We offer 2 hours of training with the captain for an additional fee. This can be added under "optional extras" in the booking process. The captain accompanies the first 2 hours of the trip (Ut Telemarkskysten: Porsgrunn to Brevik. Telemark Canal: Porsgrunn to Skotfoss (into the first lock chamber in Løveid lock). You will receive all training along the way and can therefore drive out of Porsgrunn immediately after check-in.
When driving on the Telemark canal, the main rule is that you should have a maximum of 5 knots when the distance to land is less than 100m. Other restrictions are usually signposted.
The age limit is 25 years
We don't offer skippers for weekly cruises. But we offer daytrips with a captain and waitress. Read more here
Generally:
Check-in is at 16:00 and check out is at 8am. At check in you must expect about 1 hour to go through safety routines, handling of the boat and standard check of boat and equipment. At check out you must expect approximately 1 hour for boat examination.
Remember that you must arrive at Porsgrunn guest harbor the day before checkout and no later than 15:00 the day before. The outside of the boat will be washed the same afternoon.
If you want early check-in or late checkout, it is possible to order this in the booking.
Late checkout is at 11:00, early check-in is at 13:00.
If you choose a late checkout, you must not arrive in Porsgrunn before the same day as the checkout date, but no later than 09:00. You can then relax and enjoy a long breakfast before checkout at 11:00.
Telemark watercourse:
There is good fishing in the canal watercourse and you can catch trout, perch, char, whitefish, pike and tench. In the lower parts of the Telemark Canal, you can also buy fishing licenses for salmon and sea trout.
Fishing licenses that are available in the Telemark Canal are all on www.inatur.no. Here you will also find updated fishing rules and information for the various stretches.
Fishing rules:
Everyone over the age of 16 must have a fishing license. Children under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license or pay a state fishing fee. Everyone who is going to fish in Norsjø, Heddalsvannet and Bråfjorden does not have to pay a state fishing fee. When fishing for salmon and sea trout in the rivers , everyone must pay a state fishing fee.
Fishing for salmon and sea trout is only allowed in the period June 1 to September 30.
Up to 2 salmon or sea trout can be caught per day per person.
Salmon and sea trout caught in the period October 1 to May 30 shall be set out immediately. When fishing from a boat in Norsjø, Heddalsvannet and Bråfjorden, it is possible to fish with a maximum of 4 lines with one bait (hook, lure, wobble, etc.) on each line per boat.
It is not permitted to fish with gear that can be filled with water.
The Telemark watercourse is a disease-free watercourse and all equipment that has been used in other watercourses must therefore be disinfected before use. This also applies to boats that are moved to the watercourse, - pay special attention to humid environments in cavities, ropes and textiles as well as waders, nets etc.
1) Fishing license is what you must buy from the licensees / landowner to fish within a specific area. Price approx. 8,4€ for one week per person (2020)
2) Fishing fee is a fee you must pay to the State to fish for salmon and sea trout in rivers and lakes. Single person 23€ family 37€ (2020)
The coast of Telemark.
Here you can fish all sorts of fish except cod which has a temporary protection until 15.06.2022
Lobsters can only be fished from 1.10 to 30.11. Everyone has to register before fishing lobster. Please contact us if you need help with this. Crab can be fished all year round and no registration is required.
The Telemark Canal
The entire canal watercourse and especially Norsjø is a source of drinking water for large population groups. It is therefore not permitted to empty septic tanks into the watercourse. Use the sewer system for septic tank emptying or empty the septic tank before entering the watercourse.
There are septic tanks at Hjellebrygga in Skien, Ulefoss guest harbour, Kviteseid, Dalen and Akkerhaugen west.
The coast of Telemark.
Along the Telemark coast, there are emptying facilities at the following locations:
Porsgrunn, Brevik, Langesund, Kragerø (by the ferry port at Stabbestad)
The nearest long-term outdoor parking is at the address: Engveien / Dr.Munchs gate (Gamle urædd). Price: About 6€ a day.
Do you want indoor parking? We offer indoor parking for a fee. See price list. here.
Do you need accommodation before or after you rent a boat from us? We can highly recommend booking an overnight stay at the Vic Hotel. Vic Hotel is centrally located in Porsgrunn, only a few 100 meters from where you pick up and deliver the boat. Do you want to book? Contact us at post@canalboats.no or contact the hotel directly at https://www.vichotel.no/en/home/
What is included:
- Boat rental
- Equipment in the boat (fully equipped kitchen with kitchen utensils)
- Bed linen and towels for all persons on board are included.
- Consumables: Washing equipment and soap products, hand soap, coffee filter, salt and pepper
- Hand soap and hand cream
- Folding teak table and chairs
- Extra equipment (see separate price list for extra equipment here Here
- Cleaning fee is obligatory NOK 208€ . (Cleaning fee covers the cleaning costs of the boat exterior and interior after use.)
- Lock ticket up the Telemark Canal. Price varies depending on the distance you want to drive. The Telemark canal is publicly open between 21st of June-15th of August 2024. It is possible to travel up the Telemark canal for an extra charge.
- The lock ticket price for season 2024 is as follows:
- High season: 21st of June to 15th of August
- Skien-Hogga-Skien: 334€
- Skien-Lunde-Skien: 300€
- Skien-Løveid-Skien: 108€
-
Out of season prices (on request):
- Skien-Hogga-Skien: 500€
- Skien-Lunde-Skien: 467€
- Skien-Løveid-Skien: 334€
- The lock ticket is paid directly to Canal Boats Telemark at check in
- Fuel. You have to expect between 42-84€ in electricity per week (equivalent boat with diesel operation would cost approx. 292€ per week)
Yes. Bedlinen and towels for all persons on board are included. If you want extra bedlinen or towel, you can rent this for a fee.
We recommend that you bring some good non-slip boat shoes and gloves.
You can of course bring food, but there is also a grocery store, liquor store, pharmacy and more within walking distance to the guest harbour where the boats will be picked up and delivered.
The own share for which you must provide a guarantee is 2500€ . To minimize your own share if the boat is damaged, you can pay an liability of reduction of 409€ . This amount is not refundable, but you must not pay more if there is any damage to the boat.
Read more under terms and conditions here. here.
Just get in touch via e-mail or telephone if you want to order additional products such as. kayak rental or early check-in etc.
NOTE! Certain additional products such as Early check-in can not be booked if it is too short a time before the rental period starts, but get in touch and we will try our best to find a solution.
See price list and accessories here.
Yes. If you want early check-in or late checkout, it is possible to book this in the booking (we reserve the right to cancel this in case of high demand).
Early check-in is at 13:00 (standard at 16:00), late checkout is at 11:00 (standard at 09:00).
If you have already booked your boat holiday and would like this, you can contact us by phone or e-mail.
For a complete price overview of extra equipment and services, click here.
LOCATION AND DISTANCE TO MAIN BASE
We are located in Porsgrunn in Vestfold and Telemark county municipality.
Address Stangsgate 1, 3915 Porsgrunn
The boats must be picked up and delivered at Canal Boats Telemark's guest harbor in Porsgrunn.
In order to receive the necessary equipment, as well as get basic training in the use of the boat, you must first show up at our office with address Stangsgate 1, 3915 Porsgrunn
Our office is only a few metres’ walk from the guest harbor.
From Porsgrunn you can either drive up towards the Telemark Canal or down towards telemark coast. The telemark canal's end station is Dalen. If you want to visit Gvarv, Norsjø Ferieland, Notodden or Heddal, take off from the Telemark Canal and follow the water trail to the right just before Ulefoss, the waterway towards Notodden has no locks. If you drive down towards telemark coast you can drive towards Sørlandskysten in one direction and the Oslo fjord in the other direction.
If you drive your own car from Oslo, follow the E18 towards Kristiansand until you come to a sign for Porsgrunn (just after Larvik). If you come from Bergen, take the E134 over Haukelifjell and take off in Seljord to national road 36 towards Porsgrunn. If you come from Kristiansand, follow the E18 towards Oslo until you see the exit towards Porsgrunn (just after Brevik).
There are several parking garages in Porsgrunn. We also offer indoor parking for an extra fee. If you want indoor parking, just contact us by phone or e-mail.
There are also trains, boats and coaches going to Porsgrunn. Torp Airport is also just over half an hour away and there is an airport bus from Torp Airport that goes all the way to Porsgrunn.
No. As long as you are back in Porsgrunn at the agreed time, you can drive wherever you want.
We have made a survey of attractions and activities we recommend along the Telemark Canal and the coast of Telemark. This survey can be found here.
You can also visit Visit Telemark for inspiration and information about things you can see and experience along the Telemark Canal and the coast of Telemark. If you want to go to Visit Telemark, you can click here.
Telemark Canal
There is a total of 8 locks with 18 lock chambers altogether. Skien, Løveid, Ulefoss, Eidsfoss, Vrangfoss, Lunde, Kjeldal, Hogga. The Telemark Canal has a length of 105 kilometres from Skien to Dalen and 80 kilometres from Skien to Notodden, and a total lifting height of 72 metres.
The prices vary based on season. The Telemark canal is publicly open between 21st of June to the 15th of August 2024.
Prisliste:
High season: 21st of June to 15th of August
- Skien-Hogga-Skien: 334€
- Skien-Lunde-Skien: 300€
- Skien-Løveid-Skien: 108€
Out of season prices (on request):
- Skien-Hogga-Skien: 500€
- Skien-Lunde-Skien: 467€
- Skien-Løveid-Skien: 334€
The lock ticket is paid directly to Canal Boats Telemark at check in
We recommend 1 week if you want to travel the entire Telemark Canal.
If you want to go along both the archipelago as well we therefore recommend planning a minimum of 2 weeks holiday. Alternatively you can turn half way up the Telemark canal if you only have a week and want to experience both the canal and the coastline.
The locks have staff who will help you pass through the lock.
For more information about the locks, see the Telemark Canal's own websites:
https://www.telemarkskanalen.no/fritidsbat/praktisk-informasjon.
The locks are open from 24 June to 18 August. For more information about opening hours and other information about the locks, see the Telemark Canal's own website:
https://www.telemarkskanalen.no/fritidsbat/praktisk-informasjon
(prices are for 2021 and are subject to change)
Langbryggene Guest Harbor, Skien centre (before the first lock), no charging, water, grocery 300m, liquor store 1200m, restaurants, cinema, concerts. Port fee 5€ (maximum 2 days)
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Hjellebrygga guest harbor Skien centre (after the first lock), no charging option, Septic emptying, grocery 300m, liquor store 1200m, sauna 500m. Bathing possibility 500m, cinema, concerts. Port fee: free
Løveid Sluse Guest harbourSkien, charging station, grocery 500m. Harbor fee: free.
Ulefoss Guest PierCharging possibility, water, septic tank emptying, washing machine, dryer, shower, toilet, bathing possibility, grocery 300m, liquor store 300m, Port fee 9€ ,
Lunde Slusepark and Guest Harbour,charging facilities, groceries, water, inn, entertainment. Rental of canoes, kayaks and bicycles. Port fee: 13€ per night.
Kviteseid Guest HarbourCharging facilities, water, septic tank emptying, washing machine, dryer, shower, toilet, bathing facilities, groceries.
Lårdal Gjestebrygge Tokke. Water, septic tank kiosk, swimming, volleyball,
Dalen guest harbor, Tokke Charging facilities, septic tank emptying, groceries, swimming facilities, sauna, volleyball. Port fee: 9€ per night.
Nesøya MarinaNotodden. Charging option, grocery, bathing option
Akkerhaugen guest harbourwater, toilet. Port fee 9€
Norsjø Ferieland Guest pierWater, toilets, restaurant, activities, Harbor fee: July 17€ , - otherwise 13€ , -
Which jetties are located along the coast of Telemark?
(prices are for 2020 and are subject to change)
Porsgrunn Guest pier centre. Charging, septic tank emptying, washing machine, dryer, shower, toilets, grocery, liquor store, train station, cinema, restaurants, concerts, Port fee: Free for those who rent a boat from us.
Brevik Guest HarbourPorsgrunn. Septic tank emptying, washing machine, dryer, shower, toilets, grocery, restaurants. Port fee: 21€
Langesund, Bamble. Charging option, septic tank emptying, grocery, water, restaurants, concerts, Port fee: 25€ per night (1.6 to 31.8)
Valle Guest HarbourBamble. Water, washing machine, dryer, showers, toilets, groceries, restaurants. Port fee: 21€
Helgeroa Guest HarbourLarvik. Charging facilities, water, washing machine, dryer, shower, toilets, grocery (1 kilometre), restaurants. Harbour fee: 23€
Kragerø Guest Harbourdowntown. Charging option (Tallakshavn), septic tank emptying (Stabbestad), washing machine, dryer, shower, toilets, grocery, liquor store, cinema, restaurants, concerts, Harbour fee: 28€ per night.
Kragerø archipelagoJomfruland, Portør, Stabbestad, Skåtøy and many, many more ..
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