Telemark has something for everyone Experience Telemark’s coast on a visit to the beautiful island of Jomfruland in the Kragerø archipelago, and test yourself in the Escape Room at the Henrik Ibsen Museum in sophisticated Skien. Try the new water slide at Bø Sommarland water park, and journey through large swathes of the county on the Telemark Canal to Dalen, where you can climb high on the Lårdalsstigen trail to enjoy panoramic views of Bandak, a beautiful inland fjord. Winter is stunning in Telemark, the birthplace of modern skiing. You’ll find plenty of downhill facilities to choose from and excellent long cross-country trails. The summer months have much to offer – this brochure will give you lots of ideas. Choose between experiences big on speed, noise and atmosphere! Take part in a range of events from concerts at Wrightegaarden in Langesund to the TelemarkHelten run race in Rauland. Feel the deafening silence of nature on the coast, in the forest or in the mountains. Autumn brings beautiful colours, adding an extra dimension to hikes and bike trips. You’ll find lots of good ideas for routes covering the whole county on our website. Telemark fuses past and present. The region is steeped in history, from its art and culture to stories of war and peace. Not least, we’re very proud that our industrial heritage, embracing large parts of Telemark, has put us on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. And there is no shortage of creativity and innovation in Telemark’s tourism industry. Lots of new things are on the way, including development of the Gausta area around Gaustatoppen for year-round use, new hotels in Porsgrunn and Kragerø, Hamaren Activity Park in Fyresdal, new climbing parks, a new museum building in Skien and county-wide investments in hiking and biking. One of Telemark’s benefits is that you can enjoy many exciting and varied experiences in just a few days. You can relax and recharge body and soul, as well as take part in all kinds of activities. Telemark is real adventure. Come and see for yourself what’s on offer – you’ll be very welcome!
Content Activities in the great outdoor Page 8 Culture & Tradition Page 22 World-class history Page 30 Family fun Page 38 Gausta aims high Page 49 Ski holidays and winter activities Page 50 The boy who shaped world literature Page 58 Places to stay Page 60
Jørn Lier Horst´s summer favourites Page 18 3
Hiking in total tranquility Page 32