The Telemark Canal

Experience the tenderloin of the Telemark Canal

The Telemark Canal was carved into the rock well over 100 years ago, and when the canal was completed in 1892, it was described in Europe as an “eighth wonder”.

500 men had then worked for 5 years to blast their way through the mountain. With a total of 18 lock chambers, the road was paved from Skien and into the ancient Norwegian Dalen, a voyage of 105 km and with a height difference of 72 meters.

The canal was called “Hurtigruten” between Eastern and Western Norway and was also the most important traffic artery between upper and lower Telemark for people, livestock, goods and timber. Today, tourists from near and far come to experience this unique waterway that appears much like over a hundred years ago. The stone-walled lock walls, the huge lock gates, the opening and closing mechanism – everything is authentic.

Package deals with accommodation and canal trips can be purchased at the Telemark Canal.

Here you can see a short film about the Telemark Canal (2 min 44 sec). Watch film

Read more about the Telemark Canal.
Route schedule and prices

Half-day tour: Lunde – Ulefoss – Lunde

Our most compact tour! If you want to experience the locks in the Telemark Canal without spending the whole day, then this is the tour for you. You first take a bus from Ulefoss locks to Lunde locks. The boat sails from Lunde locks and down in the canal landscape to Ulefoss locks. Along the way, you will also experience Vrangfoss locks, which is the largest lock facility in the Telemark Canal.

The car can be parked for free in the parking lot approx. 200 meters before the lock (when you come from the center of Ulefoss).

  • Departure by canal bus from Ulefoss locks
  • Arrival at Lunde lock. Approx. 200 meters to walk from the bus stop to the lock.
  • Departure by canal boat from Lunde lock
  • Arrival at Ulefoss locks

Day trip: Kviteseid – Ulefoss – Kviteseid

On this trip, you get to experience both large lakes with steep mountainsides, river sailing and as many as 6 lock systems. A complete tour! The package includes a boat trip from Kviteseid/Spjotsodd to Ulefoss Lock and bus from Ulefoss back to Kviteseid/Spjotsodd.

Park your car for free either at Kviteseid pier or Spjotsodd pier, here you do not need a parking permit.

Departure with M/S Henrik Ibsen Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:

  • Departure from Spjotsodd pier
  • Arrival at Ulefoss locks
  • Departure with Telemarksekspressen from Ulefoss lock (bus change in Seljord).
  • Arrival Spjotsodd (approx. 500 meters to walk from bus stop to parking)

Departure with M/S Victoria on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays:

  • Departure with M/S Victoria from Kviteseid Brygge
  • Arrival at Ulefoss locks
  • Departure with Telemarkekspressen from Ulefoss lock (bus change in Seljord).
  • Arrival Kviteseid (right by the pier)
Book your canal ticket here

Bike ride: Canal route – 100km

Day 1
– Overnight at Lunde Hostel.

Day 2
– Lunch at Lunde Hostel.
– Today’s cycling stage: Lunde – Vrådal, approx. 55 kilometers.
The trip is mainly on asphalt, on roads with relatively little traffic. Hilly terrain.
– Overnight at Straand Hotel in Vrådal.
– Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3
– Breakfast at the hotel.
– Today’s cycling stage: Vrådal – Dalen, approx. 45 kilometers.
The trip goes on both gravel and asphalt on roads with little traffic. Varied and with moderate hills.
– Overnight at Dalen Hotel.
– 4-course dinner at the hotel.

Day 4
– Kl. 08.00 / 08.50 departure by canal boat from Lastein pier at Dalen.
– Dining on board: Breakfast is included in the package.
– 13.10 arrival Lunde lock.

[Straand_exp_template]