- Address: 3724 Skien, Norway
- Phone: +47 35 91 73 63
- Website: http://www.visittelemark.com
- Year of foundation: 1892
- Length: 105 km
- Height: 72 m above sea level
The shortest road between East and West Norway passes through the Telemark Canal. Nowadays it is a rather popular tourist attraction , which attracts tourists with its history and nature.
Description of the channel
The Telemark channel was built in 1887, and finished in 1892. About 500 people were involved in its construction. They manually and with the help of dynamite cut a waterway in the rock. After the official opening, the canal became known as the 8th miracle of the Light.
The canal connects the cities of Dalen and Shien, as well as several lakes (Norsjo, Bandak, Kvitesadvatnet and other water bodies). The total length of the channel is 105 km, and the maximum height is 72 m above sea level. Telemark has 18 locks and 2 waterways: Notodden and Dalen.
Through the channel the ships went from sea to mountain and back. They transported goods, forest, people, animals. At the end of XIX in the early twentieth century, this path was considered the main transport artery of the country.
What is the famous channel?
Today Telemark is considered one of the most picturesque waterways on the planet. To this day, original opening mechanisms and sluice gates have been preserved. Along the banks of the canal there are 8 ancient castles, restaurants, forests, etc.
From May until the end of September, cruise yachts, motor boats and other liners cruise here. They offer visitors to completely go through the whole historical path. The most popular vessels are:
- Victoria;
- Telemarken;
- Henrik Ibsen, etc.
Things to do?
If you want to sail by yourself on the Telemark channel, then on the coast you can rent a kayak or canoe. Such a walk will not be difficult for tourists of any age.
Tourist paths and special routes along which you can ride a bike or walk can be built along the waterway. You will get acquainted with local surroundings and visit such attractions:
- the historical museum of Eidsborg;
- an ancient church in Ruiplassen;
- castle Vrangfoss.
The Telemark channel is quite long, so along it on the coast there are small settlements where you can spend the night. Here, visitors are offered to rent a hotel room , apartments or a bed in a hostel. For lovers of sleeping in tents are provided with equipped campsites .
If you are hungry, you can visit the coastal catering establishments. For example, in the castle Lunde there is a restaurant serving traditional national dishes prepared according to local ancient recipes.
How to get there?
From the capital of Norway to the Telemark can be reached by car on the road E18 and Rv32. The distance is about 130 km. From the central station in Oslo every day to the attractions of the bus goes R11. The journey takes up to 3 hours. The ferry runs along the channel, on which it is possible to transport cars.