Telemark

The Telemark is the cradle of modern skiing — in Morgedal, Sondre Norheim invented the Telemark turn in the 19th century, and the first organized ski races were held here in 1868. But the region offers much more than ski history:

Highlights

• Telemark Canal: A technical masterpiece from the 19th century: 18 locks overcome 72 meters of elevation over 105 kilometers between Skien and Dalen. The historic locks are still operated by hand today. The canal boat ride (MS Victoria from 1882 or MS Henrik Ibsen) takes 8–10 hours and is a journey through time. Day ticket from 650 NOK (57 €).
• Rjukan & Vemork: Here stands the former heavy water plant, sabotaged by Norwegian resistance fighters during World War II (Operation Gunnerside) — one of the bravest operations of the war, filmed as "The Heroes of Telemark" and as the Netflix series "Kampen om Tungtvannet". The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork tells the story compellingly. Rjukan itself is located in such a deep valley that the sun does not shine in during winter — in 2013, mirrors were installed to reflect sunlight onto the market square.
• Gaustatoppen (1,883 m): The most beautiful viewpoint mountain in Southern Norway — on a clear day, you can supposedly see one-sixth of Norway's land area. Inside the mountain: the Gaustabanen, a secret NATO funicular from the Cold War, 1,040 meters of elevation in 15 minutes. Now open to the public.
• Heddal Stave Church: The largest preserved stave church in Norway (around 1250). Three naves, dragon heads, rosette ornaments — a masterpiece of medieval wooden architecture. 120 NOK (10 €).