A recommended starting point is the city of Skien. It´s very easy to get here by train and you can get a smooth start on the Canal boat from Hjellebrygga. It leaves in the morning, so you might want to stay a night in Skien. The bikes are lifted onto the ship and loaded on the roof. On the boat you will enjoy the beautiful view and have a snack if you want. Two locks lift the boat on the way to Ulefoss. Here you get off and start cycling. (Cycling from Skien to Ulefoss is not recommended due to traffic).
Ulefoss is an old industry town. At Øvre Verket, some of the old worker homes have turned into museums, cafes, art and craft shops. These well-kept wooden houses are worth visiting before leaving the town. Ulefos Hovedgaard will be your next stop after a short km of cycling uphill. This manor house is a white jewel which oversees the canal. During summer it´s open for visitors and offers guided tours in the house and garden.
The gravel road then continues through the forest before a short, steep path down to the lock at Eidsfoss. Here you have to pass the lock with your bike – it´s a bit narrow so go slowly. A bike trailer would not be able to pass here. As you get close to the next lock, the new outdoor sculpture park “Sofia” is worth visiting. The viewpoints, such as the King´s View, gives you a fantastic overview of the largest locking system in the Telemark Canal – at Vrangsfoss. The café Slusemesterens Veranda is also located here, check for opening hours.
After 15 km you arrive at Lunde. It´s a stop for the Canal boats and it´s a nice café by the river. There´s a convenience store here and at Lunde Vandrerhjem you can stay the night. Today´s distance is easy and short. It is mainly gravel and very little traffic.
To take Telemarksbåten the first stretch from Skien to Ulefoss on the boat is a great start of your bike trip. Book your ticket for yourself and your bike.
At Øvre Verket, some of the old worker homes have turned into museums, cafes, art and craft shops. These well-kept wooden houses are worth visiting.
This manor house is a white jewel which oversees the canal. During summer it´s open for visitors and offers guided tours in the house and garden.
The Sculpture Forest Sofia was opened in 2023 and is located close to Vrangsfoss Locks. In this small park you can watch sculptures by Ferdinand Wyller.
This is the largest locking system in the Telemark Canal. Here, the boats are lifted 23 meters through five locks. This used to be a difficult river to float timber, hence the name...
Local grocery store at Ulefoss. Opening hours may vary.
Local grocery stores at Lunde. Opening hours may vary.
This is a nice summer café where you can enjoy food and drinks as you watch the boats at the Lock.
In Skien the bikes are lifted onto the ship and loaded on the roof.