Discover Vestfold and Telemark

Explore Norway’s cultural treasures, natural wonders, and adventurous spirit

UNESCO & Cultural Heritage

• Telemark Canal – historic waterway with hand-operated locks and veteran boats
• Heddal Stave Church – Norway’s largest stave church with medieval carvings
• Henrik Ibsen Museum – explore the playwright’s childhood home in Skien
• Slottsfjell Tower – medieval fortress ruins with panoramic views over Tønsberg
• Midgard Viking Center – museum and reconstructed longhouse exploring Norse life

Nature & National Parks

• Gaustatoppen – iconic mountain with panoramic views and cable car inside the peak
• Hardangervidda National Park – vast plateau with wild reindeer and alpine lakes
• Jomfruland National Park – island with pebble beaches, birdlife, and cycling trails
• Mølen – Norway’s largest beach of rolling stones and geological formations
• Færder National Park – coastal archipelago with lighthouses and marine life

Outdoor Adventures

• Hiking Lårdalstigen – cliffside trail above the Telemark Canal
• Kayaking in Bandak Lake – paddle past steep cliffs and quiet coves
• Climbing in Gautefall – granite walls and bouldering routes
• Surfing at Unstad Beach – Arctic surf spot with consistent waves and dramatic scenery
• Ziplining in Vrådal – adrenaline rides over forested valleys

Historic Towns & Villages

• Rjukan – industrial town with WWII history and sun mirror installation
• Skien – birthplace of Henrik Ibsen with parks and cultural venues
• Notodden – UNESCO town with blues festival and industrial heritage
• Kragerø – coastal town with art galleries and island-hopping
• Tønsberg – Norway’s oldest town with Viking history and summer festivals

Art & Local Craft

• Porcelain Museum in Porsgrunn – interactive exhibits and design history
• Galleri Straume in Øyfjell – local art inspired by mountain landscapes
• Woodcarving Studios in Rauland – traditional motifs and handmade furniture
• Textile Workshops in Morgedal – wool weaving and ski-themed patterns
• Pottery Studios in Bø – fjord-inspired ceramics and sculpture

Culinary Experiences

• Bjaaland Bygderestaurant – award-winning restaurant in Morgedal serving local, organic dishes
• Canal Café in Dalen – lakeside dining with views of Bandak and traditional Norwegian fare
• Farm-to-Table Dining in Åsgårdstrand – seasonal menus featuring coastal herbs and local lamb
• Seafood Platters in Horten – crab, mussels, and smoked mackerel served by the harbor
• Fish Soup in Kragerø – creamy coastal specialty served in harborside restaurants

Festivals & Cultural Events

• Notodden Blues Festival – Europe’s largest blues event with international artists
• Rjukan Winter Festival – snow sports, concerts, and local traditions
• Kragerø Art Festival – exhibitions, workshops, and open studios in coastal galleries
• Tønsberg Medieval Festival – reenactments, crafts, and concerts at Slottsfjell
• Seljord Folk Festival – music, dance, and storytelling in a valley setting

Scenic Drives & Viewpoints

• Telemark Canal Road – winding route alongside locks, lakes, and forested hills
• Gaustatoppen Summit Drive – mountain road with panoramic views and cable car access
• Kragerø Coastal Route – beachside drive past islands, cliffs, and fishing villages
• Færder Lighthouse Route – coastal drive past islands, cliffs, and sea views
• Vrådal Valley Drive – tranquil route through lakes, farms, and forested slopes

Wildlife Encounters

• Reindeer Spotting in Hardangervidda – guided hikes across tundra plateaus
• Birdwatching in Bandak Lake – eagles, herons, and migratory birds
• Otter Tracking in Fyresdal – shoreline walks with wildlife guides
• Seal Watching in Færder National Park – boat tours to rocky islets and marine habitats
• Moose Safari in Nissedal – twilight tours through forested valleys

Seasonal Highlights

• Midnight Sun (June–July) – long daylight hours along Vestfold and Telemark’s coast and valleys
• Northern Lights (Sept–March) – aurora sightings from mountain plateaus and fjord edges
• Spring Bloom in Skien and Larvik – wildflowers and green parks near the sea and canal
• Autumn Color Hikes – golden foliage in valleys and forest trails
• Christmas Markets in Tønsberg and Notodden – festive stalls with crafts and treats