The Telemark Canal
The Telemark Canal
4.5
Multi-day ToursPoints of Interest & LandmarksBoat ToursDay Trips
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Full view
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The Telemark Canal
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
185 reviews
Excellent
126
Very good
47
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
3
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BarbaraeMichele
Parma, Italy579 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Great engineering work absolutely worth seeing. The locks are operated manually and are a very special sight. We saw those of Ulefoss and Vrongoss, the most spectacular. By consulting the sites with the cruise timetables between Skien and Lunde you can go by car at the established times near the locks and watch all the operations both from land and from the bridge. We preferred not to take the cruise which is very expensive and in our opinion a bit boring in the end, because the travel times in the locks are quite long and after seeing a few passages the journey becomes a bit repetitive.
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marixx190479
Oslo, Norway406 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Take the boat from Lunde to Dalen, package solution with accommodation at Dalen Hotel . Good lunch on the boat on the way up and breakfast the next day. Very nice trip, fun with the locks. Cozy captain talking to people on the way. The boat was not full when we were with, which we experienced as an advantage. Then we could move around a little and we got plenty of room to see as we walked through the locks. Really recommend this trip. Maybe a bit long with children. (about 4 hours)
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Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gone Walkabout
Tonsberg, Norway549 contributions
May 2021
We went only one stop this time from Dalen to Lårdal, but we wish we could go further.
The boat Henrik Ibsen was very nice and the crew was delightfully welcoming and helpful. Covid measures were well taken care of and we felt safe in every way. It is a special atmosphere on the canal boats, I have been with them 5 times and it is always a pleasure.
The boat Henrik Ibsen was very nice and the crew was delightfully welcoming and helpful. Covid measures were well taken care of and we felt safe in every way. It is a special atmosphere on the canal boats, I have been with them 5 times and it is always a pleasure.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! thanks for this excellent review. Welcome back for a longer trip next time!
Written July 14, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kurt Bøgeskov H
Kastrup, Denmark101 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
I was looking forward to this trip. The young lady at the ticket office provided the best service and guide us very well. The trip itself was from Lunde and to Skien. I would recommend sailing from Lunde to Ulefoss, then you have been through some beautiful nature and experienced going through locks, especially at Vrangfoss there are 5 locks you go through. From Ulefoss it is a lot of time on the lake and there is no experience in that. We drove by bus from Skien to Lunde and paid 350 enough about 3 quarters to about DKK 225 per piece so it is paid. The actual sailing and maintenance costs so it's ok. We were dropped off at the last lock before skiing due to too much water in the lake. We wanted to eat on board, but there was nothing to get as the chef had not bought in
Written June 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bjørnar S
Oslo, Norway1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Go with your own boat to Dalen. Great trip and fun experience to sluice up and down. Recommended. More experiences on the way but recommend taking the walk up to Rui plassen and trying fishing in Dalen/Bandak. Several nice places to anchor both in the outer port and guest port.
Written February 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marina S
Oslo, Norway19 contributions
Jul 2023
Beautiful trip from Skien to Lunde by boat along the Telemark Canal. Nice scenery.
Very interessting to see how the locks funkcion.
The crew on the boat Henrik Ibsen were welcoming and helpful. Highly recommended.
Very interessting to see how the locks funkcion.
The crew on the boat Henrik Ibsen were welcoming and helpful. Highly recommended.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoyalKitty51
Smyrna, DE31 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Reading the reviews on here and knowing we were a five minute walk from the departure in Skien we decided to "go all the way!" It was the first trip of the season and a band played at our departure. The weather was bright and sunny and the scenery was from a fairy book. The locks were very interesting and believe it or not manually operated. Funny but it wasn't till the third lock we realized it was the same crew from lock to lock operating the gates! When we got to Lunde all but two passengers and us got off. From there to Dalen it was like a private ship and the Steward gave us blankets so we could sit outside and enjoy the scenery. It wasn't cold but the wind was nippy. Ronny and his assistant in the Food and Beverage department were great and had all kinds of tips for our future travel. There were more bands and speeches from mayors at more stops along the way and upon arriving in Dalen the band played and everyone was given flowers by girls in native costume as we exited the ramp to our awaiting car to the hotel.
The hotel was all that we read and more. Food of a five star restaurant with great service and a chef who came out and made himself known and shared travel stories. That was a new experience for us and we took a long walk after to ease some of the guilt about indulging in such a large dinner. Village is quaint and picturesque. If you are game and have daylight hike up to where the sisters lived who are pictured on the tourist office door. It isn't far but quite steep so you will need sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The bus ride back to Skien the next day was promptly ontime and picked us up at the hotel door. The switchbacks in the beginning on a bus were not what one is accustomed to when they are from a land below sea level. Bus driver enlightened us with the correct pronunciation of Skien which sounds like "schan."
The hotel was all that we read and more. Food of a five star restaurant with great service and a chef who came out and made himself known and shared travel stories. That was a new experience for us and we took a long walk after to ease some of the guilt about indulging in such a large dinner. Village is quaint and picturesque. If you are game and have daylight hike up to where the sisters lived who are pictured on the tourist office door. It isn't far but quite steep so you will need sturdy shoes or hiking boots. The bus ride back to Skien the next day was promptly ontime and picked us up at the hotel door. The switchbacks in the beginning on a bus were not what one is accustomed to when they are from a land below sea level. Bus driver enlightened us with the correct pronunciation of Skien which sounds like "schan."
Written June 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HowlnBubba
Key Largo, FL1,390 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
This was a major activity on my wife's wish list, and it was just as good as we read/heard/expected. First, the price was, in my opinion one of the most reasonable in terms of what we got in return for anything we did in Norway. Second, everything we were told to expect, happened as advertised. We showed up at the dock in Skien at the indicated time and parking was plentiful. We got a parking pass in a second, and waited for boarding. Boarding was at the appointed time, as was departure.
As we had been advised by a friend, we got on as quickly as possible - without running over anyone - and got to the bow area on the upper deck. Now, it was a little chilly and damp, having rained before dawn, but trust me, if it isn't unbearably cold or actually raining, get the bow seats! They have blankets, and bringing a rain jacket is usually a good idea. We had the best seats in the house, and enjoyed every minute.
It remained overcast and damp until we were halfway across Lake Norsjo. Then the sun gradually came out and the ride after Ulefoss was sunny and pleasant. At the Eidfoss locks, passengers are given the opportunity to disembark for a hike along to the Vrangfoss locks. My wife took the walk while I stayed onboard. It gave some unusual opportunities to get photos of each other.
The lock operations were interesting and, all too soon, we arrived at Lunde, where we got off. We had to get on with our trip, but we both would have loved to do the rest of the canal to Dalen. For those who consider the leg of the canal from Lunde to Dalen, keep in mind that there are only three more locks, in two locations, so the bulk of the trip is lake and river cruising. We'd do it, but some people are more interested in the locks.
Scenery was great, and it was supplemented by pre-recorded PA narratives that were very informative and were in Norske, German and English.
We went down to the forward dining salon for Norwegian waffles and jam, and it was really enjoyable.
At the landing at Lunde, you can get a bus back to Skien (I think you have to arrange it before leaving Skien (Nkr 150). It is actually about 200 meters from the dock, but there are signs and it's a pleasant walk.
This was really worthwhile, and I hope to return for the rest of the cruise.
As we had been advised by a friend, we got on as quickly as possible - without running over anyone - and got to the bow area on the upper deck. Now, it was a little chilly and damp, having rained before dawn, but trust me, if it isn't unbearably cold or actually raining, get the bow seats! They have blankets, and bringing a rain jacket is usually a good idea. We had the best seats in the house, and enjoyed every minute.
It remained overcast and damp until we were halfway across Lake Norsjo. Then the sun gradually came out and the ride after Ulefoss was sunny and pleasant. At the Eidfoss locks, passengers are given the opportunity to disembark for a hike along to the Vrangfoss locks. My wife took the walk while I stayed onboard. It gave some unusual opportunities to get photos of each other.
The lock operations were interesting and, all too soon, we arrived at Lunde, where we got off. We had to get on with our trip, but we both would have loved to do the rest of the canal to Dalen. For those who consider the leg of the canal from Lunde to Dalen, keep in mind that there are only three more locks, in two locations, so the bulk of the trip is lake and river cruising. We'd do it, but some people are more interested in the locks.
Scenery was great, and it was supplemented by pre-recorded PA narratives that were very informative and were in Norske, German and English.
We went down to the forward dining salon for Norwegian waffles and jam, and it was really enjoyable.
At the landing at Lunde, you can get a bus back to Skien (I think you have to arrange it before leaving Skien (Nkr 150). It is actually about 200 meters from the dock, but there are signs and it's a pleasant walk.
This was really worthwhile, and I hope to return for the rest of the cruise.
Written September 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnneMaree219
Tathra, Australia5 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
I have just returned from a trip to France, Spain and Norway and I would have to say one of the absolute highlights was the trip up the Telemark Canal. I chose to do the entire trip from Skien to Dalen and stayed overnight at The Dalen Bed and Breakfast which I would highly recommend. Awesome scenery the entire way, fascinating lock system and Dalen is a magical town, a must see at least O/N experience. I went to the Dalen Hotel for an explore and a glass of wine which was also amazing. I was fortunate to have a sunny day but was still quite rugged up as I sat on the deck and it does get very windy and chilly particuarly at the end of the trip. They serve food and drink on the boat and it is not too expensive and quite varied. I caught the bus back the next day which you can organise when you book your Ferry ticket.
Written August 10, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian S
55 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We boarded in Skien, we left in Dalen, the most beautiful 130kms one can imagine lay in between.
On our day trip we passed several locks, many of them with several stages. The locks are still operated manually by skilled lock operators. Between the locks long stretching lakes are mixed with winding river passages.
The Telemark canal is a historic monument, originally build to float timber logs to the sawmills. Today it only serves for leasure. The most comfortable way is to take an old riverboat that takes you quietly and steadily upriver.
Meals from snacks to full plates are served on board. Tip: Get coffee, keep the cup and the refill goes for free.
Because people enter and leave during the trip and capacity is limited for safety reasons, book via internet in advance. If you arrive by car, it can be parked right at the boarding site in Skien. When boarding, simply ask for a voucher and place it behind the windscreen.
If you just want to see the major locks in function, a half day tour from Skien is enough. If you like mountain hiking, go through to Dalen. From here, several hiking tours are available.
In both cases, the return trip can be done by bus, or as well by boat. When returning from Dalen, a overnight stay is necessary.
On our day trip we passed several locks, many of them with several stages. The locks are still operated manually by skilled lock operators. Between the locks long stretching lakes are mixed with winding river passages.
The Telemark canal is a historic monument, originally build to float timber logs to the sawmills. Today it only serves for leasure. The most comfortable way is to take an old riverboat that takes you quietly and steadily upriver.
Meals from snacks to full plates are served on board. Tip: Get coffee, keep the cup and the refill goes for free.
Because people enter and leave during the trip and capacity is limited for safety reasons, book via internet in advance. If you arrive by car, it can be parked right at the boarding site in Skien. When boarding, simply ask for a voucher and place it behind the windscreen.
If you just want to see the major locks in function, a half day tour from Skien is enough. If you like mountain hiking, go through to Dalen. From here, several hiking tours are available.
In both cases, the return trip can be done by bus, or as well by boat. When returning from Dalen, a overnight stay is necessary.
Written June 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I get details on the boat trip (ms Victoria ) from Uiefoss to Dalen and back, ie where and how to book, places to stay etc.
We are planning a trip to Europe part of which will be visiting Copenhagen to see my sister.
Regards Claus from Australia.
Written January 22, 2020
Hi
Can anyone give advice on how to arrange a boat trip on the telemark canal please
Thanks wattle
Written January 18, 2020
Hi Helenbs, This is Ramesh here. I have a questions reg. the Telemark canal. I am planning to take the boat from Skien to Lunde and want to return back to Skien by bus. Do I need to take the ticket forward and return? Is it possible to take the bus ticket while boarding the bus or should it be ordered while ordering the boat trip? thanks and regards,
Ramesh
Written June 23, 2019
Hi, were is the starting point of the bus to Lunde?
Written June 5, 2019
Raiders15
Great Falls, Montana
my son and his wife are visiting Norway next year. I am looking at trying to buy a gift certificate for some attractions. How do I go about this? What website do I visit?
Written November 13, 2015
And the sails start from a town called SKIEN it is a sail well worth taking expensive but worth it
Written November 14, 2015
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