Telemark Canal Experience

Glide the 105‑km Telemark Canal: 18 locks, mirror-like lakes, and timeless villages—cleanly electric.

7-night The Telemark Canal Journey with Greenline 39

Journey through one of Norway’s most remarkable waterways aboard a quiet, fully electric yacht. The Telemark Canal Journey follows a historic 105-kilometre route between Skien and Dalen, linking rivers and mirror-like lakes through a series of 18 impressive locks and a total elevation difference of 72 metres.

Rental type: Bareboat charter — self-guided 7-night cruising experience with a suggested route and daily highlights.

Boat: Greenline 39 E-drive (6 berths, 2 cabins, 1 bathroom)

Price starts from:
Low season (01.04-30.04 and 05.10-1.11) – 2521 EUR
Mid season (1.05-20.06 and 15.08-04.10) – 4207 EUR
High season (21.06-14.08) – 5990 EUR

Day 1 – Porsgrunn – Ulefoss
Day 2 – Ulefoss – Lunde
Day 3 – Lunde – Kviteseid
Day 4 – Kviteseid – Dalen
Day 5 – Dalen – Lårdal – Lunde
Day 6 – Lunde – Ulefoss
Day 7 – Ulefoss – Skien
Day 8 – Skien – Porsgrunn

What’s included

Boat ready to go
(bow and stern thrusters, chart plotter on board, mooring lines, life vests)
Equipment on board
(refrigerator and freezer, induction hotplate, microwave, basic consumables, bed linens and hand towels)
Fully insured yacht
(refundable deposit required)

What’s not included

Marina docking fees
(first come, first served is the general rule in Norway)
Electricity costs
(usually included in the docking fee)
Cleaning fee (250 EUR) and other extras
(WiFi on demand, parking, damage waiver, etc. — available to order online or at the office)

Important to know

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the skipper is required to have at least two seasons of boating experience. Guests born in or after 1980 must also hold a valid boating license. The minimum age of the skipper is 25 years.

A refundable security deposit of EUR 3,000 is required at check-in and will be fully returned upon safe and damage-free return of the yacht.

Payment terms

100% advance payment at the time of booking, or
Two installments: 35% with the booking, 65% no later than 42 days before check-in.

Cancellation policy

We understand that plans can change, and we’ll always do our best to find a good solution together. Please note the following rules for cancellations:

More than 42 days before your trip:
If you cancel earlier than 42 days before the start of your rental, the advance payment of 35% will be kept as a cancellation fee.

If the remaining 65% is not paid on time (42 days before departure), the booking will be treated as cancelled.
The good news: if you make a new booking with us within one year, your advance payment can be reused as a credit for that trip.

Less than 42 days before your trip:
If you cancel later than 42 days before departure, the full rental amount (100%) will unfortunately be charged as a cancellation fee.

If the full amount hasn’t been paid yet, we will send an invoice for the balance.

Changing the booking instead of cancelling:
You’re welcome to transfer your booking to another person if you cannot travel yourself. Just let us know in writing, and we’ll confirm it with you.

Please note: these rules apply even if we are able to rent the boat to someone else, or if the cancellation is due to illness or other personal reasons. Please use your private travel insurance in such a case.

Get started and secure your spot in high season

Select a start location, view available dates and pick the right time that suits your journey – booking starts here

Day 1

Porsgrunn – Ulefoss

approx. 5 hours
Locks: 2 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

Your journey begins in Porsgrunn, with an easy cruise toward Skien — just about one hour away — where the historic Telemark Canal officially begins. From here, the route leads inland through calm waterways and the first lock passages, gradually guiding you into the heart of Telemark. By the end of the day, you arrive in Ulefoss, a charming village on the shores of Lake Norsjø, and one of Norway’s oldest industrial communities. With roots reaching back to the 15th century, Ulefoss blends rich industrial heritage with a relaxed small-town atmosphere. Today, the village offers a cosy marina, cultural sites and scenic surroundings — an inviting place to slow down after your first day on the canal.

Recommendation:

Visit Ulefoss Hovedgaard, a neoclassical manor surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a unique insight into the region’s history.

Day 2

Ulefoss – Lunde

approx. 4 hours
Locks: 4 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

Cruise through one of the most iconic sections of the Telemark Canal. Along the way, pass the impressive Vrangfoss locks — the canal’s largest and most dramatic lock system, where boats are lifted nearly 23 metres through a remarkable five-chamber staircase. In Lunde, a charming village surrounded by forests and waterways, you’ll arrive at one of the canal’s most vibrant hubs. The area offers a wide range of outdoor experiences, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and cycling along scenic canal paths. For those seeking a more adventurous detour, nearby Bø Sommarland, Norway’s largest water park, is just a short taxi ride away.

Recommendation:

Enjoy dinner at Slusepark in Lunde, a relaxed and welcoming restaurant overlooking the canal — the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration.

Day 3

Lunde – Kviteseid

approx. 5 hours
Locks: 2 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

With long stretches of mirror-like water and a deep sense of tranquillity, Kviteseid is one of the most scenic inland stops along the canal. This quiet lakeside village is surrounded by vast nature and rooted in local cultural heritage. After docking, explore the surroundings or take a short hike or taxi ride to Kviteseid Bygdetun, an open-air folk museum offering insight into traditional life and regional architecture.

Recommendation:

Enjoy lunch at Kviteseid Bryggekafé, a relaxed waterfront café with beautiful views over the canal.

Day 4

Kviteseid – Dalen

approx. 5 hours
Locks: none
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

As you approach Dalen, the historic western endpoint of the Telemark Canal, the landscape opens into a dramatic valley framed by forested hills and still waters, creating a memorable sense of arrival. Once a celebrated destination for canal travelers, Dalen remains a place where time slows down and cultural heritage blends naturally with the surrounding wilderness. After docking, the area invites both quiet relaxation and deeper exploration. Enjoy a visit to the Soria Moria sauna, take a guided hike to the historic Rui sisters’ mountain farm, explore the West Telemark Museum in nearby Eidsborg, or admire sweeping views from the Raven Gorge viewpoint. This stage of the journey highlights the canal’s most tranquil and atmospheric landscapes.

Recommendation:

Enjoy an elegant dining experience or overnight stay at Dalen Hotel, one of Norway’s most iconic wooden hotels, known for its grand architecture, refined cuisine and timeless luxury (advance booking recommended).

Day 5

Dalen – Lårdal – Lunde

approx. 7 hours total cruising hours
Locks: 2 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

Leaving Dalen behind, cruise along the tranquil waters of Lake Bandak toward Lårdal — a small lakeside village often referred to as the fairy-tale village of the Telemark Canal. With its traditional wooden houses and peaceful surroundings, Lårdal offers a perfect pause in the journey. Recharge the yacht, enjoy a gentle hike, or stop for lunch in a beautiful natural setting before continuing onward. In the evening, continue to Lunde — an ideal place for a gentle stroll along the canal, a refreshing swim in calm waters, or an easy cycling trip along the flat canal-side paths. Enjoy dinner at one of the local restaurants near the marina, or simply unwind with a quiet evening by the water.

Recommendation:

Spend time at First Camp Lunde, a natural hub for outdoor activities, offering easy access to hiking routes, kayaking, paddleboarding and peaceful moments by the water.

Day 6

Lunde – Ulefoss

approx. 4 hours
Locks: 4 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Fast charger available
Harbor: yes

On the return journey toward Ulefoss, the atmosphere becomes increasingly serene once again. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lakeside setting, swimming in the warm waters of Norsjø, or strolling through the village at an unhurried pace. A return visit offers the chance to notice details you may have missed earlier — beautiful gardens of Hovedgaard, gentle light over the water and peaceful waterfront paths.

Recommendation:

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the local waterfront restaurants in Ulefoss, or dine onboard as evening settles over the lake — a calm and elegant close to your canal journey before the final day.

Day 7

Ulefoss – Skien

approx. 4 hours
Locks: 2 (opening hours 9:00-18:00)
Charging: Standard charger available
Harbor: Yes

Skien marks the point where the serene waterways of the Telemark Canal gently transition back into urban life. As the historic heart of the canal and one of Norway’s most culturally significant cities, Skien is best known as the birthplace of Henrik Ibsen, one of the world’s most influential dramatists. Visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum for insight into his life and creative legacy, or explore nearby Brekkeparken for a relaxed walk among landscaped gardens, historic farmhouses and scenic viewpoints overlooking the city and the canal. For families, Skien Fritidspark offers warm-water pools and a variety of outdoor activities, while nature lovers may enjoy spotting Mikaelshulen — a remarkable viewpoint accessible directly from the water, just before Skien.

Recommendation:

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Strøm Mat & Bar or Jacob & Gabriel — both excellent choices for refined cuisine in a relaxed setting, perfect for celebrating the final evening of your Telemark Canal journey.

Day 8

Skien – Porsgrunn

On the final day, enjoy a calm and easy cruise along the last stretch of the canal from Skien to Porsgrunn. You may already moor the yacht after passing the final lock the day before, allowing for a relaxed morning return to our base and check-out by 10:00 am. After check-out, take time to explore our charming hometown — often called the city of porcelain — and visit Norway’s only porcelain factory, located just across the river.

BOOK THIS ADVENTURE NOW

Looking for an extension? Contact Us

Flu A

Highly recommended - a unique way to experience Norway! Top Service included:) We had a wonderful experience with the Canal Boats Telemark! Already the care before the arrival by Jyditha was very personal, helpful and friendly. Everyone in the team feels the passion for their offer. We felt very comfortable. Our boat was in top condition, very clean and very well equipped. The private jetty with separately bookable sauna is secure and has a beautiful view of the other side of the canal (even if Porsgrunn is not a tourist place, that should be known). We strongly recommend a canal cruise through the locks with the skipper Joakim - this is a unique experience! For our car we found a very cheap and good parking space at the train station within walking distance. To unload you can park directly at the jetty (individual places for payment, 1h free). We would love to come back and recommend Canal Boats for all boat fans and those who want to become one:)

Christian

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.

Hervé M

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!

BionJ

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.

Dominik

Fantastic boating holiday on the Telemark Canal The holiday can be recommended to anyone who would like to explore fascinating canals and lakes on a houseboat (boat license required). Service: the staff at Canal Boats are always available and super helpful and nice with any questions.The boat: electric, the infrastructure is excellent. At an average speed of 5-6 knots, you can drive to Dålen and back in a week.The area: Fantastic; old, hand-operated locks and canals alternate with beautiful lake scenery

Monty S

Safest Adventure - must do excellent boats , lovely owners , very personalised .. the canal is just beautiful and safe … best way to do a family holiday

Peter Z

Great holiday with the electric boat on the Telemark Canal We did the Telemark Canal tour from Porsgrunn to Lunde and back from August 12th to 18th, 2023. The scenery is very beautiful, the old locks, some of which were blasted and carved into the rock, are worth seeing. The lake crossings are also worth seeing. The towns of Porsgrunn, Skien, Ulefoss and Lunde are worth seeing in different ways, e.g. with a great church with a giant organ in Skien or a very quaint local history museum in Ulefoss (Oevre verket) - just as examples. Due to the short time we didn't have, we weren't able to visit everything, but despite the somewhat bad weather we were very happy overall. The boats are still quite new, in good condition and very comfortable for 4 people (39 foot boat). A highlight is the electric drive, you glide through the landscape largely silently - really great. With bow and stern thrusters they are also extremely easy to drive. If you don't drive extreme distances, you don't even need the fast chargers available, and the 3 KW connection also recharges the battery overnight - we were never below 65% charge during 2 to 5 hour journeys. The locks from Ulefoss upwards are, however, something for advanced users. Railway tracks, concrete pillars and iron hooks protrude from the walls, sometimes more than 30 cm, so that normal fenders are not sufficient. The owners Nora and Ernst have therefore provided extra thick fenders to the canal company, which were then supposed to make them available when locking (they are too big to be stored on the boats) - but the lock keepers apparently didn't know about it (we were in the off-season with ordered locks - apparently not with the regular staff). So we had to fight quite a bit, and not every scratch could be avoided. Once the keepers turned up the speed so fast that even two people couldn't hold the boat despite a large cleat (okay, we always had to go right to the front). We are quite experienced canal drivers (Göta Canal, Upper Havel Waterway, Canal du Midi, for example), but we had never experienced anything like this before. The lock staff did apologize for it, though. The owners Nora and Ernst were very relaxed about it, which of course took a weight off our minds. In general, they were totally committed, very nice and patiently answered our questions and planned the tour with us, as we didn't know the canal before. Overall, the whole thing was a success, we would definitely do it again.

Moni Z

By electric boat on the Telemark canal with Canal boats We have had wonderful days on the Telemark Canal, our first time on an electrically powered boat. Absolutely fantastic: quiet, odorless and absolutely no range issues. We didn't even have to use the fast charger, the "regular" socket in the ports was enough. The boat (39) is very comfortable with a nice interior. Only the wash basin was more nice than practical: when you use the faucet itself you get wet outside the wash basin itself and risk getting wet on the floor, but with a towel on the floor it was not a big problem.Nora and Ernst were very kind and helpful, both when planning the trip and during the trip, and answered all our questions with great patience.However, we unfortunately had a slightly bad experience in one of the locks. We have been twice on the Göta Kanal, once on the Canal du Midi and once on Havel in Germany and really sluiced a lot. But in one of the locks it was impossible to keep the boat under control, even though we tried to hold the line in the bow with two people, which we never had to do before. The result was that we came up against the lock wall and caused damage to the boat, which felt very sad. The lock guard later admitted that it was their fault, because they opened the hatch too quickly. Nora and Ernst have bought extra large fenders for the boats that are in the locks where it can be a bit tricky to lock. Here you should ask the lock guards about these, so that you get them. We thought the lock guards would automatically hand these to us where necessary, but we neither saw the fenders nor were they handed to us. That would certainly have helped a lot.Otherwise, we are very satisfied with our holiday, beautiful surroundings, nice nature, good food in nice restaurants (especially Strøm in Skien), nice parks and museums (Porslinsmuseet in Porsgrunb, Brekke-Parken in Skien and upper work in Ulefoss are wonderful excursion destinations) and we can really recommend Canal boats Telemark!

Joakim M

An adventurous journey between mountains and valleys I cannot praise Canalboats enough for the excellent experience they gave me during my holiday. Sailing one of their electric yachts with two cabins, one bathroom and 4 beds, which can easily accommodate 2 extra beds, was a dream come true. Exploring Telemark's beautiful nature while speeding through locks and landscapes was a unique experience I won't soon forget.What was really a positive surprise was the fact that fuel wasn't a concern at all. Charging the boats was included in the rental price, making the whole experience worry-free and financially beneficial. Everything I needed for a comfortable journey was available on the boat - from fridge and freezer to hot and cold water, TV and coffee maker. I really felt at home, even though I was far away.Maneuvering through the locks was easier than expected, thanks to the fantastic assistance from the lock team as well as the advance briefing from Canalboat's service minded hosts. The lock team were always there to help with the ropes and provided guidance when needed, especially for those of us unfamiliar with the procedures. I would highly recommend this boat rental to anyone looking for a vacation filled with beauty, comfort and adventure. And to top it all off, the landlord also provides training, tips and tricks that make the whole trip even more memorable. Dice roll 6 from me!"

Mia

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!

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to have a boat driver’s license to rent a boat?

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. 

Do I get any training?

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.

What are the speed limits, and are some stretches easier to navigate than others?

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

Where can I charge the boat?

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.

What is the range of the boat?

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

Are there any restrictions on where I can drive the boat?

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.

Ready for your adventure?

Book your trip now and cruise the canal for free this summer! Get started and secure your spot in high season!

BOOK THIS ADVENTURE NOW