Telemark
Discover Telemark
Telemark is a county in East Norway. It is a rugged area with many big lakes ("inland fjords") and picturesque valleys. The county stretches from the industrial towns along the sea through the forested hills and secluded valleys to the barren, unpopulated Hardangervidda. Most of Norway's ancient wooden buildings are in Telemark. The big contrasts between Norway's industrial heartland and the rugged interior makes Telemark a Norway in miniature. The lakes and valleys of western Telemark resembles the fjords of western Norway. Telemark is a county of fascinating contrasts, a miniature Norway with everything inside one county. Telemark is a picturesque area with countless lakes, rivers and valleys, and Mt Gausta landmark overlooking vast areas. Telemark has about 60 notable lakes, which cover more than 5 of the county's area. Tinnsjå lake is 460 metres deep and the third deepest in Europe. Even if the lake surface is 190 metres above sea level, close to half of the lake is actually below sea level. Rivers flow rapidly from the high plateau to the valleys and lakes below, some in the shape of fine waterfalls. The most notable waterfall is Rjukan waterfall; Rjukan simply means "smoking one" from the mist created by falls. Rjukan waterfall is used for hydro power production and consequently is rarely seen as it was.
What to Experience in Telemark
Taste of Telemark...
Telemark is considered very safe, regarding people. There is really no need to avoid any places, although you should probably not provoke drunk people in taxi queues around 02:00–03:00. Many rivers are used for hydro power and water flow can change rapidly without warning. Normal warnings apply regarding mountains, weather and the sea.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIf you plan on traveling by bus or ferry more than once, consider getting the very advantageously priced period tickets - a single-zone journey on the local buses costs 45 kr, single ferry ride may cost 80 kr, while a 7-day period ticket only costs 160 kr (July 2023). Telemark is considered very safe, regarding people. There is really no need to avoid any places, although you should probably not provoke drunk people in taxi queues around 02:00–03:00. Many rivers are used for hydro power and water flow can change rapidly without warning. Normal warnings apply regarding mountains, weather and the sea....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
If you plan on traveling by bus or ferry more than once, consider getting the very advantageously priced period tickets - a single-zone journey on the local buses costs 45 kr, single ferry ride may cost 80 kr, while a 7-day period ticket only costs 160 kr (July 2023). Telemark is considered very safe, regarding people. There is really no need to avoid any places, although you should probably not provoke drunk people in taxi queues around 02:00–03:00. Many rivers are used for hydro power and water flow can change rapidly without warning. Normal warnings apply regarding mountains, weather and the sea.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Telemark is considered very safe, regarding people. There is really no need to avoid any places, although you should probably not provoke drunk people in taxi queues around 02:00–03:00. Many rivers are used for hydro power and water flow can change rapidly without warning. Normal warnings apply regarding mountains, weather and the sea.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Telemark
aerial view of city buildings near body of water during night time
Dalen Hotel
A disused farmhouse up high alone in Ãmotsdal, Telemark.
Huts beside the body of water
One of Norway’s most exciting travel destinations? At Canvas Hotel Telemark you can experience glamping in luxurious yurt tents, incredible scenery, mountain biking at its very best, unforgettable camping life and fantastic food.
A vintage steamship sails on a calm river.
Norwegian stave church
Last day of the season.
aerial view of city buildings during daytime
a scenic view of a mountain range with a lake in the foreground
aerial view of city buildings near body of water during night time
Dalen Hotel
A disused farmhouse up high alone in Ãmotsdal, Telemark.