Eco-Friendly Boat Rental in Telemark
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Eco-Luxury Yachting for the Modern Explorer
Meet the world’s first electric charter fleet, where luxury and sustainability come together. Rent a yacht powered by 100% renewable energy and discover Telemark – a hidden gem for yachting travelers in Norway.
Discover Norway in miniature
New modern quality of boating
Eco-friendly motor yachts
Luxury and sustainability
Electric Fleet
The world’s first electric boat charter company invites you on an adventure. Take the helm of a Greenline electric cabin cruiser and embark on an exceptional journey.
Discover Norway from the water — cruise silently through historic canal, lakes and the stunning coastline. Whether it’s a romantic escape, family adventure or slow-travel holiday with friends, our fully electric yachts offer comfort, freedom and a unique way to explore Telemark.
EXCELLENT
Based on 19 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Flu AVerified
Absolut empfehlenswert - eine einmalige Art Norwegen zu erleben! Top Service inklusive :) Wir hatten eine wunderbare Erfahrung mit den Canal Boats Telemark! Bereits die Betreuung vor der Anreise durch Jyditha war sehr persönlich, hilfreich und freundlich. Bei allen im Team spürt man die Passion für ihr Angebot. Wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt. Unser Boot war in einem top Zustand, sehr sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Der eigene Steg mit separat buchbarer Sauna ist sicher und hat einen schönen Blick auf die andere Kanalseite (auch wenn Porsgrunn kein touristischer Ort ist, dass sollte man wissen). Wir empfehlen unbedingt eine Kanalfahrt durch die Schleusen mit dem Skipper Joakim - das ist ein einmaliges Erlebnis! Für unser Auto haben wir in fußnähe einen sehr günstigen und guten Parkplatz am Bahnhof gefunden. Zum Ausladen kann man direkt am Steg parken (einzelne Plätze gegen Bezahlung, 1h kostenlos). Wir würden sehr gerne wieder kommen und empfehlen Canal Boats für alle Bootsfans und solche, die es werden wollen :)Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
ChristianVerified
We spent a wonderful week on a electric houseboat (Greenline 39) from Canalboats on the Telemark Canal, and it was an unforgettable experience. The owner and his staff were incredibly helpful, easygoing , straightforward and very responsive whenever we had questions – truly outstanding service. The boat itself was perfectly equipped and everything worked flawlessly. It was spacious and ideal for four people (2 adults and 2 children), offering all the comfort we needed for a relaxing holiday. We enjoyed extremely peaceful and laid-back days surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the region. We would absolutely do it again and can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and relaxing getaway.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Hervé MVerified
A Peaceful Family Adventure Through the Telemark Canal We’re a family of three with a 9-year-old daughter, and we rented a Greenline 39 at the end of May to explore the Telemark Canal all the way to Dalen. The boat was extremely comfortable and in excellent condition. Ernst and Judyta were incredibly helpful throughout the week, always available to answer any questions we had. Since it was still before the official holiday season and the canal locks weren’t yet open to the public, they went above and beyond to organize all the lock passages for us. Everything went flawlessly—at each lock, someone was waiting for us, and the transitions were smooth and stress-free. Being alone on the lakes and in the locks made the journey even more special. It was a truly unforgettable experience!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
BionJVerified
Just beautiful We had a delightful trip up the canal to Dalen. The electric boat was amazing -- so quiet and without nasty engine exhaust. The bow and stern thrusters made it a breeze to dock and navigate the locks with just two people. Absolutely recommend. We'll definitely be back.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
DominikVerified
Fantastischer Bootsurlaub auf dem Telemark Kanal Den Urlaub kann man jedem empfehlen, der gerne auf einem Hausboot (Bootsführerschein erforderlich) faszinierende Kanäle und Seen erkunden möchte. Service: die Mitarbeiter von Canal Boats sind jederzeit erreichbar und super hilfsbereit und nett bei Fragen jeglicher Art. Das Boot: elektrisch, die Infrastruktur ist hervorragend. Bei einer Durchschnittsgeschwindigkeit von 5-6 Knoten kann man in einer Woche bis nach Dålen und zurück fahren. Die Gegend: Fantastisch; alte, handbetriebene Schleusen und Kanäle wechseln sich mit wunderschöner Seenlandschaft abPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Monty SVerified
Safest Adventure - must do excellent boats , lovely owners , very personalised .. the canal is just beautiful and safe … best way to do a family holidayPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Peter ZVerified
Super Urlaub mit dem Elektroboot auf dem Telemark Kanal Wir haben vom 12. bis 18.8.23 die Telemarkkanaltour von Porsgrunn bis Lunde und zurück gemacht. Landschaftlich sehr schön, die alten, teilweise in den Fels gesprengten und gehauenen Schleusen sind sehenswert. Ebenso die Seedurchfahrten. Die Orte Porsgrunn, Skien, Ulefoss und Lunde sind auf unterschiedliche Weise sehenswert, z.B. mit einer tollen Kirche mit Riesenorgel in Skien oder einem sehr urigen Heimatmuseum in Ulefoss (Oevre verket) - nur als Beispiele. Auf Grund der Kürze der Zeit haben wir nicht alles besuchen können, waren aber tortz etwas widrigem Wetter sehr glücklich insgesamt. Die Boote sind noch recht neu, gut in Schuss und für 4 Personen (39 Fuss - Boot) sehr bequem. Ein Highlight ist der Elektroantrieb, man gleitet weitgehend geräuschlos durch die Landschaft - echt toll. Mit Bug- und Heckstrahlruder fahren sie sich auch extrem einfach. Wer nicht extreme Strecken fährt, braucht nicht einmal die vorhandenen Schnelllader, auch der 3 KW-Anschluss lädt die Batterie über Nacht wieder auf - wir waren bei 2 bis 5 Stunden Fahrzeiten nie unter 65 % Ladezustand. Die Schleusen von Ulefoss aufwärts sind allerdings etwas für Fortgeschrittene. Es ragen Eisenbahnschienen, Betonsäulen und Eisenhaken aus den Wänden, teilweise über 30 cm, so dass gewöhnliche Fender nicht ausreichen. Die Inhaber Nora und Ernst haben deswegen extra dicke Fender an die Kanalgesellschaft zur Verfügung gestellt, die diese dann beim Schleusen zur Verfügung stellen sollten (die sind zu groß, um sie auf den Booten zu stauen) - nur wussten die Schleusenwärter offenbar davon nichts (wir waren in der Nachsaison mit bestellten Schleusungen - scheinbar nicht mit dem Stammpersonal) So haben wir ganz schön gekämpft, und nicht jeder Kratzer ließ sich vermeiden. Einmal haben die Wärter auch so schnell aufgedreht, dass selbst zwei Personen trotz großer Klampe das Boot nicht halten konnten (okay, wir mussten immer ganz nach vorn). Wir sind recht erfahrene Kanalfahrer (Götakanal, Obere Havelwasserstraße, Canal du midi z.B.), aber so was hatten wir noch nicht. Das Schleusenpersonal hat sich dann aber auch dafür entschuldigt. Die Inhaber Nora und Ernst sind damit aber sehr entspannt umgegangen, was uns natürlich einen Stein vom Herzen nahm. Überhaupt waren sie total engagiert, sehr nett und haben geduldig unsere Fragen beantwortet und mit uns zusammen die Tour geplant, da wir den Kanal bisher ja nicht kannten. Insgesamt sehr gelungen das Ganze, gern wieder.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Moni ZVerified
Med elbåt på Telemarkskanalen med Canal boats Vi har haft underbara dagar på Telemarkskanalen, för vår del första gången på en elektriskt driven båt. Helt fantastiskt: tyst, luktfri och absolut inga problem med räckvidden. Vi behövde inte ens använda snabbladdaren, det räckte med det ”vanliga” uttaget i hamnarna. Båten (39) är mycket komfortabel med fin inredning. Endast tvättfatet var mer fint än praktiskt: när man använder själva vattenkranen blöter man ner utanför själva tvättfatet och riskerar att få blött på golvet, men med en handduk på golvet var det inget stort problem. Nora och Ernst var väldigt rara och hjälpsamma, både vid reseplaneringen och medan resan och svarade med stort tålamod på alla våra frågor. Däremot gjorde vi tyvärr en lite dålig erfarenhet i en av slussarna. Vi har varit två gånger på Göta Kanal, en gång på Canal du Midi och en gång på Havel i Tyskland och verkligen slussat en hel del. Men i en av slussarna var det omöjligt att hålla båten i styr, trots att vi försökte hålla linan i fören med två personer, vilket vi aldrig behövt göra innan. Resultatet blev att vi kom emot slussväggen och förorsakade en skada på båten, vilket kändes väldigt ledsamt. Slussvaktaren medgav efteråt att det var deras fel, eftersom dom öppnat luckan för fort. Nora och Ernst har extra köpt stora fendrar till båtarna som ligger i dom slussarna där det kan vara lite knivigt att slussa. Här bör man fråga slussvaktarna om dessa, så att man får dom. Vi trodde att slussvaktarna automatiskt skulle räcka oss dessa, där det skulle vara nödvändigt, men vi varken såg fendrarna än mindre blev dom räckta till oss. Det skulle säkert ha underlättat en hel del. Annars är vi väldigt nöjda med vår semester, vacker omgivning, fin natur, god mat på trevliga restauranger (framförallt Strøm i Skien), fina parker och museer (Porslinsmuseet i Porsgrunb, Brekke-Parken i Skien och övre verket i Ulefoss är härliga utflyktsmål) och vi kan verkligen rekommendera Canal boats Telemark!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Joakim MVerified
En eventyrlig reise mellom fjell og daler Jeg kan ikke få fullrost Canalboats nok for den utmerkede opplevelsen de ga meg under min ferie. seile en av deres elektriske yachts med to kabiner, ett bad og 4 senger, som enkelt kan gi 2 ekstra sengeplasser, var en drøm som gikk i oppfyllelse. utforske Telemarks vakre natur mens man suser gjennom sluser og landskap var en unik opplevelse jeg sent vil glemme. Det som virkelig var en positiv overraskelse var det faktum at drivstoff ikke var en bekymring i det hele tatt. Lading av båtene var inkludert i leieprisen, noe som gjorde hele opplevelsen bekymringsfri og økonomisk gunstig. Alt jeg trengte for en behagelig reise var tilgjengelig i båten - fra kjøleskap og fryser til varmt og kaldt vann, TV og kaffetrakter. Jeg følte meg virkelig hjemme, selv om jeg var langt borte. manøvrere gjennom slusene var enklere enn forventet, takket være den fantastiske assistansen fra sluseteamet samt forhåndsbeskrivelsen fra Canalboats serviceinnstilte verter. Sluseteamet var alltid der for å hjelpe med tauene og ga veiledning når det trengtes, spesielt for de av oss som ikke var kjent med prosedyrene. Jeg vil anbefale denne båtutleien på det sterkeste til alle som ønsker en ferie fylt med skjønnhet, komfort og eventyr. Og for å toppe det hele, gir utleieren også opplæring, tips og triks som gjør hele reisen enda mer minneverdig. Terningkast 6 fra meg!"Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
MiaVerified
Fantastisk! Fantastisk tur på Telemarkskanalen, og etterpå til skjærgården. Blandet vær, men mye fint, så vi badet mye. Vi var en familie på fem (barna i alderen 7-10år). Båten har veldig høy standard. Sengene var redd opp når vi overtok båten, og håndkler til alle fulgte med. Romslig både inne i båten og på dekk. Båten egner seg for både solskinn og regnværsdager. Veldig god service hos Canal Boats Telemarkskanalen, og alle henvendelser ble godt tatt imot. Vi er imponert både av turen, båten og opplegget. Anbefales på det varmeste!
Experience Norway in miniature!
Our Tours – Telemark, Norway, is a place where you can experience the historic Telemark Canal, majestic fjords, and a coastline dotted with tiny islands – all in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
In Norway, boating license requirements depend on your year of birth. If you were born in 1980 or later, you must hold a valid boating license (as required by Norwegian law).
Our safety requirement (applies to everyone) Regardless of your year of birth, we require all drivers to have at least two seasons of boating experience, for safety reasons.
Our boats are comfortable and easy to handle, but we want every guest to have basic experience with:
safe manoeuvring
navigation
weather awareness and trip planning
Foreign licenses (EEA / ICC)
If your boating license or qualification is issued in another EEA country, it is generally valid in Norway, as long as it covers the necessary competencies.
ICC (International Certificate of Competence) is accepted only if it includes coastal navigation (Resolution 40).
Other foreign boating licenses may also be accepted if they are equivalent to the Norwegian boating license and issued in: English, or a Scandinavian language
If you’re unsure, feel free to send us a scan/photo of your license — we will gladly verify it for you.
We kindly ask you to send us a copy of your boating license in advance, or present it upon arrival.
If the license rules don’t apply to you, please send us your sailing resume in advance or bring it with you for check-in.
To make sure you feel confident and comfortable on the boat, we will give you a thorough introduction upon arrival. We will go through:
– safety routines
– the boat’s equipment
– the devices on the captain’s console
– practical tips you may find useful before your holiday begins
This introduction takes around 1 hour before you leave the marina.
If you would like even more confidence on the water, we also offer an optional 2-hour training session with our captain.
You can add it during the booking process under Extra equipment.
General Rules
(applies to both coastal waters and the Telemark Canal)
The speed limit is 5 knots when you are close to land (within 50 meters), and this is the most common restriction you will encounter during your trip.
Always follow navigation markers and local signage.
Navigation markers can change position from year to year, and the physical markers always take priority over what you see on the chartplotter.
Other restrictions are usually clearly signposted.
You can also monitor your speed and battery consumption using the onboard instruments.
Telemark Canal
On the Telemark Canal, the speed limit is 5 knots.
When going upstream, you will see:
– green/white markers (sticks) on the starboard side, and
– red markers on the port side.
Keep a distance of around 3–5 meters from the markers.
Coastal waters
In most coastal areas, the same speed limit applies as on the Canal: 5 knots.
Further away from land, speed restrictions may not apply — however, you should always consider the boat’s range:
– at a steady speed of 5 knots, the battery typically allows for around 10 hours of cruising
– the boat’s maximum speed is 10 knots
You can charge the boat at any marina with a standard 16A charging point, which is available at most jetties across the Telemark region — both along the canal and the coastline.
In addition, there is a network of fast chargers (21 kW) located along the Telemark Canal and in Kragerø Rørvik. This allows you to cruise between key harbours without worrying about battery levels.
During check-in, we will show you how charging works and provide guidance on local charging points, so you can relax and enjoy your journey.
At the optimal cruising speed of 5 knots (which is also the maximum speed allowed on the Telemark Canal), you can travel approximately 100 km (57.6 nautical miles) — equivalent to around 10 hours of cruising.
On board, you will always have a clear overview of your remaining battery level and estimated range, so planning your journey is simple and stress-free.
Please note that the solar panels supply only the onboard “house” systems (12V), not the main propulsion batteries (400V).
Approximate range in headwind conditions:
– 4.9 knots – 57.6 nm
– 5.6 knots – 43.9 nm
– 6.2 knots – 33.5 nm
– 7.5 knots – 20.9 nm
No — as long as you return the boat to Porsgrunn at the agreed time, you’re free to explore wherever you’d like within the cruising area.
Any questions remaning?
Don’t hestitate to send us a message via the contact form below.
Google Reviews
Your opinion matters
EXCELLENT
Based on 13 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Flu ATrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wir hatten eine wunderbare Erfahrung mit den Canal Boats Telemark! Bereits die Betreuung vor der Anreise durch Jyditha war sehr persönlich, hilfreich und freundlich. Bei allen im Team spürt man die Passion für ihr Angebot. Wir uns haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt. Unser Boot war in einem top Zustand, sehr sauber und sehr gut ausgestattet. Der eigene Steg mit separat buchbarer Sauna ist sicher und hat einen schönen Blick auf die andere Kanalseite (auch wenn Porsgrunn kein touristischer Ort ist, dass sollte man wissen). Wir empfehlen unbedingt eine Kanalfahrt durch die Schleusen mit dem Skipper Joakim - das ist ein einmaliges Erlebnis! Für unser Auto haben wir in fußnähe einen sehr günstigen und guten Parkplatz am Bahnhof gefunden. Zum Ausladen kann man direkt am Steg parken (einzelne Plätze gegen Bezahlung). Wir würden sehr gerne wieder kommen und empfehlen Canal Boats für alle Bootsfans und solche, die es werden wollen :)Posted on Google![]()
Katie sTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
So helpful and kind. Had the the locks look out for us, were quick to help when a repair was needed, and had toys ready for the kids on the trip.
Owner's reply
Dear Katie, Thank you for your kind words! We are so happy that we could host you :) All the best!Posted on Google![]()
Eliot BoothTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great experience, strongly recommended! Special thanks to Judyta who was great in helping us to prepare our trip. The boat is super nice, confortable and super easy to steer once you get a hold on the thrusters. We went up the canal to Ulefoss and First Camp Nordsjø. Lot of nice experiences and activities for both kids and adults. We will definitely try to come back next year and explore more places!! Thanks to Judyta and Ernst for creating amazing holidays for us!
Owner's reply
Dear Eliot, Your kind words really make our work worthwhile! :) Thank you for letting us host you and for choosing us. We’d love to organize another unforgettable holiday for you and your family. You’re always welcome to visit again! All the best, and we look forward to seeing you soon!Posted on Google![]()
Conrad GuntherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Perfect days on the water with this amazing electric powered yacht. Outstanding service. Highly recommended!
Owner's reply
Dear Conrad, Thank you so much for your wonderful comment and for appreciating our work! We would be delighted to welcome you again next summer. Wishing all the best to you and your family!Posted on Google![]()
Hervé MTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We’re a family of three with a 9-year-old daughter, and we rented a Greenline 39 at the end of May to explore the Telemark Canal all the way to Dalen. The boat was extremely comfortable and in excellent condition. Ernst and Judyta were incredibly helpful throughout the week, always available to answer any questions we had. Since it was still before the official holiday season and the canal locks weren’t yet open to the public, they went above and beyond to organize all the lock passages for us. Everything went flawlessly—at each lock, someone was waiting for us, and the transitions were smooth and stress-free. Being alone on the lakes and in the locks made the journey even more special. It was a truly unforgettable experience!
Owner's reply
Dear Hervé, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We’re truly delighted that you and your family had such a memorable experience with us. It was a pleasure to assist you, and we're so happy that everything went smoothly during your journey. Your words mean a lot to us, and it makes us incredibly proud to know we could help make your adventure on the Telemark Canal so special. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for another unforgettable trip! Wishing you all the best to you and your family!Posted on Google![]()
Ted GTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Företaget har också Porsgrun Gjestehavn Bra placerad liten brygga. Ström och vatten på bryggan är väldigt bra. Varken dusch, toalett, eller sophantering i en gästhamn är uselt. Trevlig man som har hand om bryggan dock.Posted on Google![]()
wolfgang wTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
i rented a greenline 33 from canalboats for 10 days in late november/early december. simply amazing! the host: both, during email contact and later during the boat handover, Nora was super friendly, answered all questions in detail, was flexible, correct, and helpful - beyond expectations. THANK YOU! the boat: mint condition both inside and outside, looked so new I was afraid to use it and covered the seating area with spare towels :) the main cabin has 2 beds that can be joined to a double bed and there are 2 bunk beds; plenty of outlets for 220V and USB-A (and C), coffee machine, all cutlery, plates, pans, glasses, TV for streaming Netflix, youtube, amazon, etc. (no regular TV reception), spacious fridge+small freezer, induction+microwave. boat has airco and heating. with outside temperatures around freezing levels, you get the inside to around 15 degrees, which was perfect for winter. i switched off the heating over night, the cabin cools down to around 5 degrees, the supplied bed linens keep you really warm. for winter travel i recommend a small portable fan heater, too. the helm and the side deck are rather narrow, the greenline 39 seems to be a better fit for a big person. electric boating is an experience in itself. smooth, precise throttle control when maneuvering, no noise, no vibration, no fumes, phantastic! the electronic navigation (with autopilot) was a great help in the fjords range is no issue. cruising at 4-5kts should give you 12-15 hours, 6kts should give you just about 10 hours. i sailed 5-7 hours per day and usually arrived with the battery around 50%. charging is no problem, all marinas had 16A (around 3 - 3.5kw charge current) and the next morning the battery was full. handling is easy, boat is equipped with both bow and stern thrusters. running hot water in the shower was good for max.10 minutes, but that could be because of the cold outside temperatures. open sea is ok for waves up to 1 meter or so, any more is definitely stretching comfort, but it's much nicer staying inside the fjords anyway. the trip: telemark canal is closed in winter, so i travelled along the coast, through the fjords, via brevik, langesund, trosbyfjorden, kragero, risor, tvedestrand and returning via valle, nevlunghavn, helgeroa. The scenery is very beautiful, with all its little (and big) rock formations along the route, the beautiful summer houses - sometimes built on tiny islands, forests and wildlife, and all those picturesque towns. In some areas i'd slow down to walking speed or less, to silently drift through the fjords to enjoy this amazing scenery on calm waters