The Telemark Canal, Fjords, and the Coastline Adventure
route 1
The Telemark Canal, Fjords, and the Coastline Adventure
DAY 1
Porsgrunn – Ulefoss
Time: 5 hours
Locks: 2
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Ulefoss Hovedgaard – the building surrounded by beautiful gardens, in empire style which is completely unique in the country.
It was founded by Councilor Niels Aall, the influential figure, who has contributed to creating the image of modern Norway.
It was founded by Councilor Niels Aall, the influential figure, who has contributed to creating the image of modern Norway.
See the old buildings of Ulefoss Jernværk – one of Europe’s oldest industrial companies, specializing in iron foundry.
Øvre Verket – visit the early XIX century complex of Jarnværket workers houses. Reach an insight into the workers’ everyday life and find out more about the history around.
It is also a starting point for hiking and cycling trips.
It is also a starting point for hiking and cycling trips.
Admire Vrangfoss locks – the most spectacular part of the Telemark Canal.
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at: Café Slusa or Spiseriet Øvre Verket.
DAY 2
Ulefoss – Lunde
Time: 3-4 hours
Locks: 4
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
First Camp Lunde is the place where the activities start. Try hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddle boarding and more here!
Take a taxi and Visit Bø Sommarland – the biggest waterpark in Norway (reserve enough time to see everything there!).
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at: Slusepark in Lunde.
DAY 3
Lunde – Norsjø Ferieland
Time: 4-5 hours
Locks: 4
Charging: Regular charger
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
First Camp Norsjø is a huge area for outdoor activities enthusiasts. Moor the boat there and check various activities around!
Discover fruit gardens in Gvarv – Norway’s capital of apples. Taste wonderful cider at Lindheim Beer Company.
Options for groups are available!
Options for groups are available!
Recommendation:
Have a lunch at: Akerhaugen Gård.
DAY 4
Norsjø Ferieland – Skien
Time: 4-5 hours
Locks: Skien and Løveid
Charging: 16A
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Michael’s cave – the remarkable viewing point accessible from the boat.
Henrik Ibsen’s Museum – learn more about the life and work history of the most important Norwegian artists, considered the best creator of theatrical works after Shakespeare.
Brekkeparken – an open-air museum and public park in Skien. See the old-farm houses and traditional manors. Take a walk among beautiful classic-style gardens, admiring the downtown and the Telemark canal view.
Skien Fritidspark – the multi-activities family park with warm-water swimming pools and outdoor cable park.
Recommendation:
Have dinner at Strøm Mat & Bar or at Jacob and Gabriel.
DAY 5
Skien – Langesund
Time: 3 hours
Locks: –
Charging: 16A
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Langesund is a picturesque sea town, located on the fjords, well known for its white-painted wooden buildings. The characteristic feature of its town is its elongated shape, determined by the topography. By following Vaterlandsgate from Torget to Furustranda, you get a good impression of the elongated city.
Steinvika – Gea Norvegica Unesco Global Geopark – stunning hiking destination in the natural and geological reserve. Here you will find many unique species of flora fauna and fossils.
Tangen fort – a magnificent vantage point overlooking the sea, leading through an area that is a natural and geological reserve. Here you will also see fortifications from the Second World War.
Krogshavn – Recreational area among nature with a swimming area and infrastructure conducive to family recreation (football pitches, volleyball courts, playground, barbecue area).
Langøya – another nature reserve located on the island you can visit and enjoy, with a remarkable lighthouse. Take a walk and eat dinner surrounded by nature and amazing views.
Try island hopping – the Telemark coastal area is known for its many fjords, islands, and archipelagos that can be visited by boat or ferry. Langesund or Brevik nearby are the best places to start.
Recommendation:
Have dinner at Wrightegaarden – the restaurant and cultural center with many events and concerts, located in a historic post office building.
DAY 6
Langesund – Kragero
Time: 3 hours
Locks: –
Charging: Fast charger (Rørvik)
Harbor fee: yes
Consider to visit:
Kragerø is a coastal town resort with wooden architecture, often unchanged over the years. You can explore the town’s history walking through narrow and picturesque alleyways smaus – boards with description and history of many places are spread all over the town. Here you can enjoy the more entertaining side of life, in the hustle and bustle of cafes, galleries and various cultural events.
Indulge in art in the town of artists, visiting cozy art galleries like Gallery Nicolines House or follow in the footsteps of Edward Munch , who created several significant works during the period he lived here.
Visit Gunnarsholmen – the island in the middle of the town with the remains of an old fort that protected against warships and pirates threatening the town. Nowadays it is a huge recreational area to spend active outdoor time. You can moor the boat there.
For adventure seekers the Kragerø Action Park with a go-kart race track and paintball is a good choice.
Visit Skåtøy – the largest island in the Kragerø archipelago. Admire the diverse terrain with unforgettable views of this scenic and idyllic island among the fjords.
Recommendation:
Have dinner at Kragerø Resort – the best place for SPA, golf and uninterrupted relaxation.
DAY 7
Kragerø – Porsgrunn
Time: 6 hours
Locks: –
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: no
Consider to visit:
Stop on the beautiful island of Jomfruland, part of the Jomfruland National Park, which protects marine ecosystems. Admire breathtaking nature and fjords, and enjoy a meal at Haga Kystkafe.
Recommendation:
Have a dinner at Michel Seylmagers Hus – the place with a long history, that serves food based on local ingredients and short-traveled food from Norwegian producers or at Merci – french cuisine.
DAY 8
Porsgrunn
Check out: 10 am
Locks: –
Charging: Fast charger
Harbor fee: no
Consider to visit:
Take a walk in Porsgrunn – the city of porcelain
The whole walk should take around 2h at a slow pace. If you decide to extend this trip with a visit to the museum or in churches, please consider reserving more time. We can help you arrange everything, for example ceramic workshops.
See Norway’s only porcelain factory in the west part of the city, after crossing the bridge. During the weekend there is an antique store open in the mornings.
Walk along Storgata Street and see the porcelain rollers – the installations tributing to the iconic porcelain designer, Nora Gulbrandsen.
Østre Porsgrunn Church – the porcelain-inspired new city church. This sacred building replaced the XVII century one which burnt because of arson in 2011. The group visiting can be pre-ordered.
See Our Lady of Good Counsel church – beautiful monument in Norwegian Dragestil inspired by the old Norwegian stove churches.
Porsgrunn city hall – the next artwork of Haldor Bøvre, the architect of Our Lady Church and Dalen Hotell. Neoclassical building from 1905, which represents one of only a few buildings in this style that are left in Norway nowadays (the next one is in Skien).
Recommendation:
Have a coffee in Kaffe og Thespesialen , a cafeteria established in 1962, with an amazing coffee!
Please note that most of the museums and attractions are closing before 5 pm. Please consider visiting in the morning. We can help to arrange some group sightseeing.
Navigation through the Telemark Canal requires a lock ticket. You can buy it at our office on arrival day.
Want to personalize your trip? We’re here to help!
We will be delighted to help you arrange the group tours or recommend places when you can enjoy your favorite activities.