THE TELEMARK CANAL - the fairytale waterway

2016

THE TELEMARK CANAL - the fairytale waterway

Photo: Live Skinnes

WELCOME TO THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CANAL

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The Telemark Canal is no ordinary canal. There’s nothing quite like it. The canal takes you all the way from the coast into the very heart of Telemark, a distance of 105 kilometres or 65 miles.

you sail on smooth, calm waters through beautiful scenery and gentle agricultural countryside until reaching the dramatic Lake Bandak at the foot of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The eastern leg of the waterway takes you to Notodden via the picturesque Sauarelva river.

to the people of Telemark and their goods. Mountain farmers could bring their butter to market in Skien. Logs were rafted down the canal to supply paper mills. The falls at Notodden powered an industrial miracle in the form of Norsk Hydro, which shipped out fertilizer via the canal to customers worldwide.

Eight spectacular flights of locks, with 18 lock chambers in total, elevate boats and their passengers by 72 metres (236 feet) en route from Skien to Dalen. Between the locks,

Before the canal opened in 1892, navigation was treacherous. Many log rafts and cargoes were consumed by the waterfalls and rapids along the way. The canal brought safe passage

Today, we still sail the same familiar waterway. Deep into Telemark, and out into the world. With the winds of history at our back, we can relax in a deck chair aboard an old-fashioned canal

Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

ship or enjoy the freedom of sailing our own boat. We can cycle alongside the canal and watch the boat traffic from the banks. We can paddle our canoes right into the lock chambers, feeling the water splashing our faces and the chill emanating from the great rock walls.

We can watch the massive wooden lock gates being cranked open by hand – a process unchanged since 1892. It’s fascinating to look on as boats progress from one chamber to the next, elevated by the rising water.

Sometimes called the eighth wonder of the world, the canal has been here for over 150 years.

Majestic, imposing, chiselled out of the landscape by brute force. A unique piece of cultural heritage from the days when the world drifted by at a leisurely pace of three knots. From the days when the canal opened up Telemark to the world – and the world to Telemark.

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CONTENTS Cruising the canal ................................................. 3 Adventure tourism on the canal .....................10 Culture and history along the canal................16 Where to stay.........................................................22 Suggested itineraries..........................................24 Schedules and fares............................................26 Maps.........................................................................28

TELEMARKSKANALEN.NO Miljømerket trykksak 2041 0711, Concept, design and layout: Reklamehuset Wera, English translation: xxx

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Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

CRUISING THE CANAL Treat yourself to a cruise on the fabulous Telemark Canal this summer. Feel cultural history come alive in friendly canalside communities, and see the canal locks in action – an operation that has stood the test of time for over a century. Enjoy the voyage from the deck of one of the canal ships: MS Victoria, MS Henrik Ibsen, or the slightly newer MS Telemarken.

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CRUISING

Against a backdrop of wonderful scenery, the canal runs from the coast into the heart of Telemark, where the Hotel Dalen has stood ready to welcome visitors since 1894. If you’re in your own boat, you can also take the eastern leg of the canal to Notodden, now a World Heritage Site on account of its proud industrial history.

HOP ON AND OFF The full canal cruise from Skien to Dalen is an experience like no other, but you may wish to explore just part of the route. Sometimes a shorter trip may be just the thing.

A weekly pass lets you hop on and off the canal ships at any stop along the route. The price includes your bike or canoe/kayak, so you can take the opportunity to discover the surrounding communities and countryside.

PLEASURE CRAFT ON THE CANAL Several thousand pleasure craft have their home port on the canal, but there’s room for plenty more! The voyage from the coast into the Telemark interior is a different kind of sailing trip. The waters are calm, and there’s no need to worry about wind and waves. The fairway is clearly marked, and the friendly lock-keepers are all old hands.

WHERE THE SHIPS MEET: In peak season, the daily meeting of the three canal ships at Lunde lock is an unmissable sight.

Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

MS HENRIK IBSEN was built in 1907 and renamed after Skien’s world-famous playwright when she arrived on the Telemark Canal in 1993. Restored to her full splendour in 2010, the Ibsen evokes the glorious canal steamers of yesteryear.

MS VICTORIA is the queen of the canal, built in 1882 and named after the then crown princess of Sweden and Norway. Victoria has been in continuous service on the Telemark Canal ever since.

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MS TELEMARKEN also called the white swan of Norsjø – is the newest of the three ships, built in 1951. Named after one of the earliest canal steamers, she operates between Akkerhaugen and Lunde.

CRUISING •

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Photo: Tom Riis

DEPARTURE FROM SKIEN: Since it was built in 1911, Hjellebrygga quay in Skien has been the departure point for the canal ships. The quayside street used to be lined with hotels and boarding houses and teeming with passengers and goods. Today, the quay is used by the canal ships MS Skarsfos, MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen.

#Telemarkskanalen

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#visittelemark #norge #visitnorway #kanal #kanaltur #verdensvakrestetur #kanalbåt #kanalbåtene #fritidsbåt #fritidsbåtpåtelemarkskanalen

PASSING: With a series of blasts on the ship’s whistle, the canal ships MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen pass each other just above Lunde lock. The ships ply back and forth between Skien and Dalen, meeting at the halfway point.

Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

BÅTREISEN •

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Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

PRIVATE BOATS ON THE CANAL The Telemark Canal has eight flights of locks, with 18 lock chambers in total. The Telemark Canal system consists of two waterways: the Norsjø–Skien canal, built in 1861, later improved, and in use as an industrial waterway until 2006; and the Bandak–Norsjø canal, built in 1892 and still operating as originally constructed 125 years later.

The canal is open to pleasure craft from June 24 until August 18, during which time the locks are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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TAKE YOUR TIME A cruise from Skien to Notodden and back takes 3–4 days. Most people allow at least a week for the round trip from Skien to Dalen. Don’t set yourself too tight a schedule.

Expect to have to wait at the locks for scheduled canal ships and other traffic.

MAPS You can buy a boating map at the Skien, Ulefoss and Hogga locks, and at the Akkerhaugen sailing club.

DRINKING WATER The entire waterway, and Lake Norsjø in particular, is a source of drinking water for thousands of

local residents. Septic tank discharge and waste disposal into the waterway is therefore prohibited. Proper facilities for emptying your septic tank are located at Hjellebrygga in Skien, Ulefoss marina, Kviteseid, Dalen, Akkerhaugen and Notodden.

MAST HEIGHT AND VESSEL SIZE Maximum mast height: Skien–Dalen 12.8 m (42 ft) Skien–Notodden 16.0 m (52.5 ft) Maximum hull dimensions in lock chambers: length 30.5 m (100 ft), beam 6.4 m (21 ft), draft 2.4 m (7.9 ft)

Photo: Inge Fjelldalen

SHORT CANAL CRUISE – FROM THE COAST TO NORSJØ The two sets of locks at Skien and Løveid are open to boat traffic heading up to Lake Norsjø. The lake has plenty of great bathing spots and places to go ashore. We recommend the natural harbour between the islands of Munken and Lille Munken, where the sun shines late into the evening. If you’ve brought your boat on a trailer, there are boat ramps at Løveid and Fjærekilen.

Photo: Elisabeth Lid

Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

INTERMEDIATE CANAL CRUISE – FROM THE COAST TO NOTODDENN Continue your trip from Lake Norsjø via Akkerhaugen to Notodden. The Sauarelva river, its winding banks lined with trees and fields, is a hidden gem best appreciated from the water. Several places along the way offer guest moorings, fuel and septic tank emptying facilities.

There are plenty of spots where you can drop anchor, and the water is safe for bathing. Just lower your boarding ladder and jump in!

During the Notodden Blues Festival in August, this part of the canal is very busy with pleasure craft.

EXTENDED CANAL CRUISE – FROM THE COAST TO DALEN The full cruise from Langesund on the coast all the way up to Dalen, at the head of the canal, offers a fabulous mix of scenery. Your journey from the picturesque coastal skerries to Lake Bandak, nestled dramatically beneath Hardangervidda, takes you through gentle agricultural countryside and across calm lakes. The experienced lock-keepers will help skipper and crew safely navigate all eight flights of locks.

CRUISING •

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Photo: Hamish Moore

ADVENTURE TOURISM ON THE CANAL Some visitors are happy to watch the scenery glide by from the deck of one of the canal ships. Others crave more activity – on the water or on shore. The Telemark Canal offers fun options for everyone, from fitness fanatics to families with kids.

CYCLING ALONG THE CANAL Exploring the canal on two wheels can be great fun. If you choose to

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combine a cycling trip with a cruise, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay. A national cycle route runs between Dalen and Ulefoss, passing Eidsfoss locks, where the walkway across the top of the lock gates has been widened to allow bikes and baggage to pass with ease.

There are various recommended cycling itineraries, long and short, that allow both young families and those seeking more of a challenge to explore canal country at their own pace.

Many tourism businesses along the canal display the “Cyclists Welcome”

sign, which means they’ll take especially good care of you and your bike.

Several locations offer bike rentals.

WHAT CAN GO THROUGH THE LOCKS? Anything that floats can go through the locks. Tourists have been known to navigate the canal by pram dinghy or sailboard. Regardless of your vessel type, the experienced lock-keepers will be happy to help.

Photo: Marcus Nyberg

CANOEING AND KAYAKING There’s nothing quite like paddling your way up or down the canal. Feel the adrenaline rush when the mighty lock gates close and the water roars beneath you. Your kayak feels tiny and fragile down at the bottom of the lock chamber, enclosed by granite walls and heavy lock gates. But you’ll be fine. Just follow the helpful advice of the lock-keepers and you’ll make it safely through. Alternatively, carts are available to transport canoes and kayaks past the locks.

After the effort of paddling one way, you might like to return at a more

leisurely pace aboard one of the canal ships, which will carry you and your canoe or kayak back to your starting point. If you’re really up for a long-distance challenge, start out from Dalen in freshwater and paddle all the way down to the coast and the skerries off Langesund.

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MORE INFO TELEMARKSKANALEN.NO

EVENTS Telemarkskanalrittet cycle race, May 28 Kanalrennet roller-ski race, June 26 Telemarkspadler’n kayak race, September 17–18

ADVENTURE •

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CYCLING WITH KIDS: Bring the children on a cycling holiday! We suggest boarding the canal ship at Ulefoss. The canal ships carry bikes on the roof. Enjoy the cruise through six flights of locks and across Lake Flåvatn to Fjågesund.

From there, cycle the 13 km (8 miles) to Kilen, where you can camp overnight in a cabin or a tent. The next day’s bike ride takes you back to Ulefoss via Lunde and Vrangfoss, a distance of 25 km (15 miles).

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AKTIV

Photo: Kåre S. Pedersen, Bilde for Bilde

SCENIC CYCLING: A cycling holiday on the Telemark Canal is a great opportunity to get in shape while enjoying the fabulous scenery.

Photo: Hamish Moore

Boards have been erected at various points along the canal featuring the work of local poets, like this poem

by Alf Haugland from Ulefoss: 2 WINGS You are you and I am me individually we are two useless wings but together we can fly

Photo: Live Skinnes

TRANQUILITY: The canal is a great place to go kayaking or canoeing, with its mix of wide open lakes and narrow river sections.

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MURANE: Hogga lock is the starting point for Muranevegen, a remnant of the old road from Ulefoss to Strengen built in 1853. The section from Hogga to Strengen pier and back makes a perfect bike ride of 10 km (6 miles).

Photo: Simen Berg

Photo: Hamish Moore

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LÅRDALSSTIGEN: The upper reaches of the canal are surrounded by steep, wild mountainsides. The area’s many hiking trails include the breathtaking Lårdalsstigen, a hike of about 15 km (9 miles) that can take up to 8 hours including breaks.

Much of the trail runs along the cliff edge, from where you can look down on Lake Bandak 600 metres (2,000 feet) below.

Round off your hiking expedition with a cruise from Lårdal back to Dalen.

Photo: Luke Tannant

RUI CROFT: A steep but well-maintained hiking trail leads from Dalen to the preserved croft at Rui, 1.5 km (1 mile) away. Enjoy the fantastic view before continuing your hike to the West Telemark Museum and Eidsborg stave church.

#Telemarkskanalen

#visittelemark #norge #visitnorway #sykle #gĂĽturer #padletur #padle #opplevelser #summerwalks #vandre

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Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

CULTURE AND HISTORY ALONG THE CANAL VRANGFOSS SLUSEPARK With five lock chambers and a total rise of 23 metres, Vrangfoss is the largest and most impressive flight of locks on the Telemark Canal.

The locks were carved out of the rock face next to a waterfall. This part of the canal opened in 1892 and was built entirely with manual labour.

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LOCKSIDE PARK The Vrangfoss locks are set amid an attractive, English-style park.

CULTURAL HERITAGE The Bandak–Norsjø canal is a protected industrial heritage landmark. Little has changed since the canal opened 125 years ago. The heavy work of opening and closing the lock gates and valves is still done by hand. When repairs are necessary, the job is done the traditional way.

Nothing can be altered on this section of the canal. In 1994 the Telemark Canal received the Europa Nostra award

for its contribution to the preservation and enhancement of Europe’s architectural and environmental heritage.

LOCKMASTER’S HOUSE Overlooking the uppermost lock, the fine lockmaster’s house was home to the lockmaster, one lock-keeper and their families. The lockmaster had his own office, which also served as a post office. The building now houses a café with an exhibition of canal photos and information about the locks. Visitors can relax with refreshments on the lockmaster’s

Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

veranda and take in the view of the locks. The lockmaster’s house has a yard with an outhouse, washhouse, hay barn and cattle barn. The lockmaster and lock-keepers used to keep livestock and grow potatoes and vegetables. Also on site are the canal’s forge and sawmill, still used when old components need to be repaired or replaced.

OUTBUILDING EXHIBITS The hay barn contains a large model of the canal with animated displays and photos telling the story of the waterway. The wash-house contains

a photographic exhibition featuring log rafting, floods and lock maintenance.

VIEWPOINTS Vrangfoss is a magnificent sight best admired from one of two viewpoints.

The King’s View was constructed in 1893 to show off the falls and locks to best effect when King Oscar II came on a royal visit. The Outlook, on the pathway from Eidsfoss to Vrangfoss, commands the best view of the flight of locks. This is where most of the old photos of Vrangfoss were taken.

GUIDED WALKS Free guided tours of the lockside park take place at noon on Mondays and Thursdays in July.

FESTIVALS Skien Live, June 10–11 Music by the Canal, June 17–18 Notodden Blues Festival, August 4–7 Kartfestivalen rock festival, August 12–13

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Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

MODEL LOCKS: At the West Telemark Museum in Eidsborg, in the hills above Dalen, children of all ages can play at being lock-keepers and boat skippers. The 105-metre-long model of the Telemark Canal includes miniature locks with gates that have to be opened and closed.

The lock chambers are filled and drained, allowing the model canal ships to make their way to Dalen or Skien, just as in real life.

#Telemarkskanalen

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Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

CANALSIDE SCULPTURES: Patmos near Akkerhaugen is one of several places along the canal where sculptures are on display. This sculpture park by the mouth of the Sauarelva river has its own beach and bathing area.

#visittelemark #norge #visitnorway #mat #festival #kultur #henrikibsen #dalenhotel #kunst #kunstlangskanalen #smak

Photo: Marcus Nyberg

A TASTE OF TELEMARK Inhale the aroma of freshly baked bread from the baker’s oven, hear the tinkle of sheep bells from the high pastures, and admire the fine Telemark cattle grazing beside the canal at Eidsfoss.

In the old days, when the Telemark Canal was the main transport route from inland areas to the coast, an extensive network of canalside staging posts catered to travellers.

Today’s canal visitors, too, can look

forward to some great culinary experiences. On board the canal ships, and in canalside restaurants and hotels, the chefs pride themselves on their delicious menus featuring wholesome traditional fare prepared using local recipes and ingredients.

Farm shops sell apple cider, preserves and kling – thin pancakes spread with butter and sugar – among other produce. During the season you can buy fruit and berries straight from the grower, or pick your own.

DESTINATIONS AND EVENTS FOR FOOD LOVERS Akkerhaugen/Gvarv – indulge all your senses on a visit to this fruit-growing area Mersmak food festival, Skien August 26–27 Norwegian Apple Festival, Gvarv September 24

Don’t forget to take home some local produce as a gastronomic souvenir of the Telemark Canal.

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FROM INDUSTRIAL MIRACLE TO WORLD HERITAGE SITE In 2015, Rjukan and Notodden were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Manufacturing fuelled the economic development of Telemark.

Sam Eyde, the founder of Norsk Hydro, had a vision. He wanted to harness the power of the falls for the good of mankind. The world was starving, and farmers needed fertilizer. The first ever artificial fertilizer was produced at Notodden. The shores of Heddalsvannet became the scene of an industrial miracle unlike anything else ever seen in Norway.

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But how was the fertilizer going to reach the international market from deepest Telemark? Sam Eyde was a smart guy. He promoted Notodden as a port and persuaded investors to back his factory. The Telemark Canal made it possible to ship out products from Notodden to customers around the world.

The industrial heritage district of Øvre Tinfos is a good place to start exploring this World Heritage Site.

This is the location of the old Tinfos 1 hydroelectric plant, which provided power for Sam Eyde’s experimental factory. The former grinding shop houses the Lysbuen

Museum of Industry and the Telemark Art Gallery.

At Rjukan, the former Vemork power station houses the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, which presents industrial history from the workers’ perspective. The museum also includes an exhibition on the sabotage of the heavy-water plant by the Norwegian resistance during World War II, as featured in the movie Heroes of Telemark.

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MORE INFO TELEMARKSKANALEN.NO

Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

Photo: Dag Jenssen

HEDDAL STAVE CHURCH Some 800 years old, Norway’s biggest stave church is open to visitors throughout the summer.

The former hay barn at the parsonage now houses a café and exhibition about the church.

The open-air museum next door is also worth a visit.

HENRIK IBSEN Skien is Ibsen’s hometown, and many places in the city have a connection to the playwright.

Ibsen’s childhood home at Venstøp is open throughout the summer. This year’s exhibition, “Ibsen and the Family”, focuses on his relationships with family members after 1850.

The permanent exhibits show what life was like for Ibsen growing up here.

ULEFOS MANOR One of Norway’s most significant Empirestyle buildings overlooks Ulefoss locks.

Built as a summer residence for Niels Aall, a wealthy merchant and politician, the house is now a museum. Take a guided tour of the Aall family’s magnificent home and explore various exhibits on the estate. The buildings are undergoing restoration.

CULTURAL •

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Photo: Erling Skoe

WHERE TO STAY The communities along the Telemark Canal offer plenty of accommodation options, ranging from the legendary Dalen Hotel, built in 1894, to camping in the great outdoors. To experience the canal up close, stay in a lockkeeper’s cottage or the log rafters’ bunkhouse at Kviteseid.

LOCK-KEEPER’S COTTAGES For a true taste of canal life in the old days, guests can rent the lockkeeper’s cottages at Eidsfoss and Vrangfoss, dating from 1892.

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STAY

HOTELS At the head of the canal sits the stately Dalen Hotel, its fairytale architecture inspired by Norway’s stave churches and Viking-age ornamentation. The hotel has been welcoming royal visitors and ordinary travellers alike since 1894. A stay here is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Other good hotels near the canal can be found in Skien, Notodden, Morgedal, Vrådal and Akkerhaugen.

B&B The former tenant farmhouse at Ulefos Manor now offers

bed-and-breakfast accommodation in suites, double and single rooms, and family rooms. Lille Ulefos is a smaller replica of Ulefos Manor, built for Niels Aall in 1814.

MOTORHOMES AND CAMPING Numerous campgrounds and motorhome parks are located along the canal.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you prefer to camp in the wild, you’re welcome to pitch your tent anywhere, provided you comply with Norwegian laws on outdoor recreation.

Photo: Max Emanuelson

SKIEN: There are plenty of comfortable hotels downtown. Plan to visit on the last weekend in August if you want to take in the Mersmak food festival – two hectic days filled with new gastronomic experiences featuring a wide range of locally sourced produce from Telemark.

Photo: Dalen Hotel

DALEN HOTEL: This venerable establishment overlooking the head of the canal has been welcoming tourists since 1894. As you step inside the yellow wooden building, you feel like you are entering a fairytale world of yesteryear. The walls are lined with pictures of famous guests from the days when the canal was a favourite destination of Norwegian and European royalty. The hotel is even said to be haunted. Ask for the English Lady’s room – if you dare!

Photo: Frida Sviland

UPPER REACHES: MS Henrik Ibsen is seen entering Vrangfoss locks, passing the old lock-keeper’s cottage, where guests can spend the night.

STAY •

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SUGGESTED ITINERARIES You can spend as little as one hour and as long as ten hours on board the canal ship, depending on how far you want to travel. To prolong the enjoyment, we suggest staying one or more nights en route – there are plenty of accommodation options. We’ve set out a few suggested itineraries for you below.

If you wish to combine your canal cruise with visits to some of the many interesting places along the way, you’ll be spoilt for choice! For more suggested itineraries, visit www.telemarkskanalen.no. Book your trip online at telemarkskanalen.no or call Visit Telemark at +47 35 90 00 20.

FOR CANAL ENTHUSIASTS A day trip for true canal enthusiasts. Experience the entire length of the canal, from Skien to Dalen, with seven flights of locks and 17 locks in total. Between the locks, admire landscapes rich in cultural history, steep mountainsides evoking the grandeur of the West Norwegian fjords, narrow canals, open water and calm lakes. Enjoy fine food and drink in the on-board restaurant.

Cruise Skien–Dalen, return by bus Adult NOK 1,205 Child (4–15) from NOK 235

Photo: Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs

SLEEPING BEAUTY If you’re the sort that likes to make the most of the light summer nights and get up a little later the next day, this is the cruise for you. After a short bus ride from Skien to Lunde, enjoy the voyage back down the Telemark Canal, passing through locks and across open water.

12:00 noon Depart Hjellebrygga in Skien by canal bus 1:00 p.m. Arrive Lunde (walk 200 metres to lock) 1:25 p.m. Depart Lunde on canal ship 5:30 p.m. Arrive Hjellebrygga in Skien Free parking at Hjellebrygga. Parking pass required – see notice.

Adult NOK 760 Child (4–15) from NOK 165

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SUGGESTIONS

THE CANAL IN A NUTSHELL If you would prefer a shorter cruise but want the experience of passing through the most exciting locks, we suggest a trip from Ulefoss to Lunde. This will allow you to experience four of the eight sets of locks in just 2 hours and 15 minutes. On arrival at Lunde, you’ll have time for a delicious meal and some people-watching before returning to Ulefoss by bus.

Adult NOK 540 Child (4–15) from NOK 120

LÅRDALSSTIGEN HIKE – NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED This spectacular hike attracts tourists from far and wide. The trail runs along the cliff edge between Dalen and Lårdal, reaching a height of 800 metres (2,000 feet) above the canal. When you return to earth, relax and enjoy the trip back from Lårdal to Dalen aboard one of the canal ships, rounding off this memorable experience.

You need to be in good physical shape and not too scared of heights. The hike is about 14 km (9 miles) in length and is graded red and black.

Photo: Jørgen Kasin

Adult NOK 185

A WEEK OF CANAL HOPPING – BRING YOUR BIKE OR CANOE You can now buy a combined ticket for MS Henrik Ibsen and MS Victoria that’s valid for a whole week, which lets you hop from one ship to the other and travel anywhere between Skien and Dalen. You can even take your bike or your canoe/kayak with you.

Adult NOK 1,495 Child NOK 745

SUGGESTIONS •

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SCHEDULES Skien–Dalen and Akkerhaugen–Lunde

MS Henrik Ibsen

Days of operation Depart Skien Depart Løveid Depart Akkerhaugen Depart Norsjø Ferieland Depart Norsjø Golfpark* Depart Ulefoss Depart Eidsfoss Depart Vrangfoss Arrive Lunde Depart Lunde Depart Kjeldal Depart Hogga Depart Fjågesund* Depart Kviteseid Depart Spjotsodd Depart Bandaksli* Depart Lårdal* Arrive Dalen

May 20–Sep 4

1

13:05 13:30 14:00 15:20 | 16:00 | 17:20 17:50

3 5 7 08:10 08:40 10:35 11:10 12:05 12:50 13:05 13:30 14:00 15:20 | 16:00 | 17:20 17:50

Sep 7–16

35 08:10 08:40

10:35 11:10 12:05 12:50 13:05 13:30 14:00 15:20 | 16:00 | 17:20 17:50

MS Victoria

MS Telemarken

May 21–Sep 4

Jun 11–Aug 7

1 08:10 08:40 10:35 11:10 12:05 12:50

Dalen–Skien and Lunde–Akkerhaugen

MS Henrik Ibsen

Days of operation Depart Dalen Depart Lårdal* Depart Bandaksli* Depart Spjotsodd Depart Kviteseid Depart Fjågesund* Depart Hogga Depart Kjeldal Arrive Lunde Depart Lunde Depart Vrangfoss Depart Eidsfoss Depart Ulefoss Depart Norsjø Golfpark* Depart Norsjø Ferieland Arrive Akkerhaugen Depart Løveid Arrive Skien

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May 20–Sep 4

1 08:35 | 09:05 10:15 | 11:10 12:25* 12:45* 13:00

2 4 6 08:35 | 09:05 10:15 | 11:10 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:25 14:05 14:50 15:20 16:35 17:30

Sep 8–17

46 08:35 | 09:05 10:15 | 11:10 12:25* 12:45* 13:10 13:25 14:05 14:50 15:20 16:35 17:30

246 08:10 08:40 10:35 11:10 12:05 12:50 13:05 13:30 14:00 15:10 16:20 | | 17:45 18:20

Dailya)

09:45 09:55 10:20 11:00 11:30 12:25 13:15

MS Victoria

MS Telemarken

May 21–Sep 4

Jun 11–Aug 7

1

13:25 14:05 14:50 15:20 16:35 17:30

3 5 7 08:10 | 08:35 | 10:15 11:10 12:25 12:45 13:10 13:25 14:05 14:50 15:20 16:35 17:30

Dailya)

13:45 14:35 15:30 16:00 16:25 16:50 17:00

FARES 2016

Løveid Akkerhaugen

Skien 200,- Løveid - - Akkerhaugen

Norsjø Golfpark - - 105,- Norsjø Golfpark Ulefoss

285,- 285,-

205,-

105,-

Ulefoss

Lunde

590,- 590,-

460,-

460,-

Kviteseid/Spjotsodd 795,- 795,-

-

-

690,-

Lårdal/Bandaksli

995,- 995,-

-

-

895,- 590,-

335,-

Lårdal/Bandaksli

Dalen

995,- 995,-

-

-

895,- 590,-

335,-

185,-

485,- Lunde 485,- Kviteseid /Spjotsodd

Children age 0–3: Free Children age 4–15: Flat fare of NOK 80 per trip for up to two children accompanying a fare-paying adult. Any additional children per adult pay 50% of the adult fare.

For reservations, call Visit Telemark at +47 35 90 00 20.

Group discount: One free for every 20 paying passengers.

Return ticket: 50% discount, valid for one week on any ship. For reservations, call Visit Telemark at +47 35 90 00 20. Note: You must show your ticket and ID with matching name when boarding.

Bicycle/bike trailer: NOK 200 Canoe/kayak: NOK 200

1 = Monday, 2 = Tuesday, 3 = Wednesday, 4 = Thursday, 5 = Friday, 6 = Saturday, 7 = Sunday Note: Check in 30 minutes before departure at Skien, Ulefoss and Lunde, 15 minutes before departure at other locks/quays.

Note: At Skien quay, you need a parking pass. See notice at quay. a) M/S Telemarken will not operate Friday, Aug 5, and Saturday, Aug 6. * Stops only by prior request

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To Haugesund/Bergen

E 134

Åmot

Flatdal

Høydalsmo

38

Morgedal

E 134

Eidsborg

45

TOKKE

Lifjell 1291m

Seljord Brunkeberg

Dalen Lårdal

Skafså

Kviteseid

Ban

dak

Bandaksli

41 45

Vråliosen

To Stavanger

KVITESEID

Krossli

38

Spjotsodd K vit

es

eid

Vrådal

va

K

tne

t

Fjågesund Storroan 1193m

Flåvatn

355

Bergen

Gro

NORWAY

38 TELEMARK Notodden Dalen

Fyresdal

Ulefoss

Skien

Stavanger Langesund

Tørdal

Sandefjord

41

Larvik

Kristiansand

Strømstad

SWEDEN Gøteborg Hirtshals

28

Nissedal

Oslo

Distances by road in km

Oslo Bergen Kristiansand Larvik Skien Dalen 225 271 210 165 134 Treungen Notodden 111 360 257 107 76 Ulefoss 155 351 213 62 31 Skien 134 381 186 34 -

NOTODDEN

E 134

To Kongsberg/Oslo

Heddal

Notodden dd He n van als et

m

Hjuksevelta

Lystang 36

360

SAUHERAD

Bø

Akkerhaugen

Gvarv Nes

Kilen

359

36

Flåbygd

n

Lunde

HOGGA

VRANGFOSS

KJELDAL

Norsjø EIDSFOSS

Ulefoss

LUNDE

32

ULEFOSS

NOME

36

Munken SKIEN

Løveid

ova

Skien

LØVEID

8

SKIEN

Porsgrunn Bostrak

To Kristiansand

Drangedal 356

West Telemark: culture and hiking

Lunde: centre of activity

Sauherad: orchards

Ulefoss: cultural heritage

Notodden: industrial heritage

Skien: canal city

Neslandsvatn

E 18

To Osl

356 Locks

Brevik

!

Stathelle

MORE INFO TELEMARKSKANALEN.NO

Langesund

E 18

29

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Cruise the canal on board M/S Victoria

Sit back and enjoy the fabulous scenery from the orchestra deck of M/S Victoria, the queen of the canal.

M/S Victoria is available to charter outside her scheduled operating season. An evening cruise on the canal, accompanied by fine food and drink, is an absolute must. M/S Victoria is certified to carry 180 passengers.

Welcome aboard!

For more information go to www.kanalbaatene.no

Photo: Ole Bjørn UlsnÌs

The canal queen operates daily trips between Skien and Dalen from May 21 until September 4.

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A destination steeped in history

Deluxe canal cruise Travel aboard the king and queen of the Telemark Canal.

Packages from NOK 4,995 per person.

Day 1: Depart Lunde on M/S Henrik Ibsen or M/S Victoria. Lunch on board, including a glass of wine or a soft drink. Overnight stay at the fairytale Dalen Hotel, including aperitif and fireside storytelling. Threecourse dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2: Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel and put a packed lunch and drink in your backpack before heading out to the West Telemark Museum. From the museum, we will walk to Ruigården. Back at the hotel, enjoy afternoon tea and homemade cakes in the garden. Three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant, followed by coffee at the fireside to the accompaniment of the resident concert pianist.

Day 3: Depart for Lunde on M/S Victoria or M/S Henrik Ibsen, with breakfast on board.

The fairytale Dalen Hotel, at the head of the Telemark Canal, has been a favourite destination for European royalty and other prominent guests for 120 years.

Lock cruise from NOK 475 per person Canal packages from NOK 750 per person See www.mshenrikibsen.no for more itineraries

Built in 1894, the hotel is surrounded by dragons and spires, by mystique and splendour. The architecture was inspired by Norway’s stave churches and Viking-age ornamentation. This one-of-a-kind establishment blends history with modern facilities and conveniences.

M/S Henrik Ibsen, built in 1907, has been sensitively overhauled to meet today’s standards of comfort and service. Treat yourself to a classic cruise all the way up the Telemark Canal to Dalen. A wonderful experience steeped in history.

Photo: Dalen Hotel

Dalen Hotel is open for the season from April 15 to October 30. M/S Henrik Ibsen operates daily trips on the Telemark Canal from May 20 to September 19.

Reservations +47 350 79 000 – post@dalenhotel.no

www.dalenhotel.no

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Telemark Museum welcomes you this summer!

Henrik Ibsen Museum and Brekkeparken, Skien Ulefos Manor, Ulefoss Porcelain Museum, Porsgrunn Kittelsen House, Kragerø

Camp within walking distance of Lunde lock The three canal ships meet here in the middle of the day. Lunde Slusekro offers an extensive menu, ranging from snacks to dinner. Plenty of day trip options on the canal and on shore.

Opening hours and programs: www.telemarkmuseum.no

• Canoe, kayak, bike and SUP rentals • Suggested itineraries and maps • Campground for motorhomes, caravans and tents

www.telemarkmuseum.no

• Canoe/kayak trips with or without passage through locks • Waymarked cycle and hiking trails • Canal bus stop Slusevegen 21, 3825 LUNDE post@kanalcamping.no www.kanalcamping.no Tel: +47 91575421

A beautiful place to stay!

TELEMARKSGALLERIET & LYSBUEN The industrial heritage of Rjukan and Notodden became Norway’s eighth UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The four cornerstones of the area’s industrial heritage are hydroelectric power, the electrochemical industry, transport systems (rail and ferry) and urban structures.

Explore the story of an industrial miracle alongside exciting art exhibitions in an atmospheric setting teeming with history. The industrial community of Notodden was established in response to a growing need for agricultural fertilizer in the early 20th century. The intersection of scientific and technological progress with economic and political developments at this time gave rise to what was called the second industrial revolution.

Café and gift shop.

Summer hours (Jun 1–Aug 31, 2016) Tuesday–Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Winter hours (Sep 1, 2016–May 31, 2017) Tuesday–Friday 12 noon to 4 p.m. Saturday–Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Telemarksgalleriet & Lysbuen • O.H. Holtasgate 27, Notodden • Tel: +47 35010080 • www.telemarksgalleriet.no

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SKIEN b 182 b 194 b Canal bus

ULEFOSS b 182 b Canal bus

LUNDE b Canal bus

KVITESEID b Canal bus

DALEN b Canal bus

No matter where you wish to get on or off the canal ships, our express bus services will either take you all the way to the canal or connect with the canal bus service.

Express bus services b 180 Haukeliekspressen Oslo - Kongsberg - Notodden - Bø - Seljord - Åmot - Haugesund/Odda - Bergen b 182 Telemarkekspressen Tønsberg - Larvik - Porsgrunn - Skien Ulefoss - Bø - Seljord b 194 Grenlandsekspressen Oslo - Drammen - Kronlia - Sundbyfoss - Siljan Skien - Porsgrunn Plan your journey to/from the canal ship at telemarkbil.no.

Go online for the best fares!

Canal bus services b Skien - Lunde b Ulefoss - Lunde b Ulefoss - Kviteseid b Ulefoss - Dalen b Dalen - Seljord - Bø - Lunde - Ulefoss - Skien b Kviteseid - Seljord - Bø - Lunde - Ulefoss - Skien Canal buses operate during the canal season, May 20–Sep 17. Contact Visit Telemark to book canal packages including cruise, canal bus and accommodation if required. More info: visittelemark.no or call +47 35 90 00 20.

Photo: Harald Naper/VisitTelemark

nor-way.no Haukeliekspressen Telemarkekspressen

Grenlandsekspressen

Local services in western and central Telemark

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West Telemark Museum

SOMMERENS VAKRESTE

EVENTYR

VTM Eidsborg and Norsk Skieventyr Morgedal are our two main museums, with up-to-date exhibits, café and gift shop. We also operate nine summer-only museums featuring heritage buildings, art and ER NÅ TIL LEIE cultural heritage. Our closest locations to the Telemark Canal are:

VTM Eidsborg and Canal Park Stave church, open-air museum, exhibits and hiking trails. Activity park with 105-metre working canal model. Café and gift shop.

Kviteseid Bygdetun Early 19th-century farm buildings. Sculptures to designs by Gunnar Utsond.

13th-century stone church.

Light refreshments.

Åmdals Verk Mines Explore copper mines dating back to 1691. Mining museum with mechanical models. Light refreshments.

Grimdalstunet Sculptures to designs

by Anne Grimdalen. Art exhibition. Historical mountain farm preserved in original condition. Café.

• Leies ut som møte- og selskapslokale hele året 35069090, www.vtm.no •post@vtm.no, Bevertning tel. fra+47 rekebord til selskapsmat • Sertifisert for 68 passasjerer • Skjenkebevilgning med alle rettigheter

CHARTER YOUR OWN

M/S Skarsfos AS v/Asbjørn Lia

SAGLANDET MARINA

Røråstangen 82, 3720 Skien Telefon: 907 63 686 E-post: info@skarsfos.no www.skarsfos.no

ADVENTURE

THIS SUMMER

•• •• • • •

Salg avsale båtplasser Berths for Lagring av båt inne Indoor boat storage Lagring båt og annet ute Outdoor boat and equipment storage Løft av båt til Norsjø

• Boat launching on Norsjø

• Available year-round for canal and archipelago cruises • Catering options range from buffet to fine dining • Certified to carry 68 passengers • Fully licensed

M/S Skarsfos AS v/Asbjørn Lia Røråstangen 82, 3720 Skien Tlf: 907 63 686 E-post: info@skarsfos.no www.skarsfos.no

Kontaktinfo: Contact: SAGLANDET EIENDOM AS SAGLANDET EIENDOM AS prop. Asbjørn Lia v/Asbjørn Lia tel: +47 907 63686 tlf.: 907 63686 e-mail: info@skarsfos.no mail: info@skarsfos.no saglandet marina

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What to see in Skien and Grenland We have plenty to be proud of here in Grenland. The beautiful Telemark Canal starts at Lock 1 in downtown Skien. Enjoy the region’s natural and cultural heritage on a fabulous journey aboard the canal ships MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen.

Henrik Ibsen Museum. The world-famous playwright was born in Skien and grew up on the farm at Venstøp, which is now the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Take a guided tour of Ibsen’s childhood home and visit the exhibitions to learn about his early years and his relationship with his family. Other attractions include a children’s dress-up attic, outdoor bowling, café and gift shop.

Visitors love the Porcelain Museum! A collection of 1,000 artifacts illustrates the 130-year history of Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik, while digital multimedia installations encourage creative participation and dialogue. Don’t forget to visit the production line too! The museum shop carries a selection of fine craft and designer artifacts.

For more information on Skien and the Grenland region, call VisitGrenland at +47 35 90 55 20 or visit the tourist information centre at Henrik Ibsens gate 2 in Skien.

Stay in comfort in the heart of Telemark

Photo: Inge Fjelddalen

visitgrenland.no

Norsjø Hotell – 5 minutes’ walk from the Telemark Canal -- Only 2 hours from Oslo -- Great conference suite -- Cruise the canal – often with musical accompaniment -- Golf packages at Norsjø Golfpark available -- Wakeboarding and waterskiing packages to Norsjø Ferieland available -- 15 minutes from Bø Sommarland Enjoy the one and only Telemark Canal, with its locks that open and close just as they have for more than a century. From May to August, the canal ship M/S Telemarken calls daily at our quay en route to and from Lunde.

M/S Telemarken is perfect for group travel, either as a private charter or in regular service.

Canal package

Cause for celebration, or just fancy a cruise on the Telemark Canal?

Bring your friends and family along for dinner, bed and breakfast, and a canal cruise from Akkerhaugen to Ulefoss and Lunde (optional return by bus not included).

Welcome!

NOK 1,360 per person

Tel: +47 35 95 50 00 www.norsjohotell.no

For information call +47 35 95 50 00 or visit www.norsjohotell.no

36 Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs Photo: