If there is one area that personifies Norway in the eyes of the foreign visitor it is Telemark. From the coastal area on the Skagerak sea to the mountains and the birthplace of skiing, Telemark certainly is a county of contrasts and an ideal holiday destination for the whole family.

Telemark Canal
Over 100 years ago reaching the inland areas of Telemark took days of hard travel over mountains and along difficult tracks. In 1892 however a new "fast route" was completed with the opening of the Telemark Canal. With a total of 28 lock chambers, the route was cleared from Skien to the ancient Norwegian town of Dalen, a sailing route of 105 km and with an elevation difference of 72 meters.

Today the canal is very much a leisure attraction where you can discover the ancient cultural history, the bustling crowds and travel through the locks as people did over 100 years ago. Enjoy the journey from the deck of one of the nostalgic canal boats: m/s "Victoria", m/s "Henrik Ibsen" or m/s "Telemarken".

Vemork and Rjukan
Inland. almost as far as Telemark will reach is the community of Rjukan. Many will know the name of Rjukan from their history books. Back during World War 2 when the country os occupied by Nazi Germany, resistance set out on a daring mission to destroy the power station at nearby Vemork which was being used to produced heavy water, needed to enrich uranium. Today, Vemork is a museum and you can see the route through the valley that was used during the attack.

Sommarland in Bø
For the family, Sommarland is Norway's largest water park and open from early June to August.

Vrådal
Vraadal is an attractive place for ski sports, and has almost everything - from varied alpine slopes to fine ski tracks in forests and on the highlands. Vraadal tempts you with all kinds of skiing activities in its lovely and varied scenery.

The alpine slopes offer all grades of difficulty for skiers, and here you will also find a separate toboggan lift. Vraadal Ski Centre can also boast an 8-seater chair lift; the world's largest. In addition, tourists can participate in sleigh rides, horse riding in the winter landscape, and the children can take part in the Troll Club's activities. In the village centre there are a number of shops, post office, bank etc.