Southern Norway - Norway - page 235

DON'T MISS
A SLOW BOAT THROUGH TELEMARK

Every day from June to mid-August, a variety of different boats, mostly old-fashioned
steamers, chug along the canals of Telemark. Although full-day trips are available, for
most people a half-day package is sufficient. One particularly good route involves catch-
ing the boat (adult/child Nkr450/225, 3¾ hours, daily at 10am) from Akkerhaugen,
24km south of Notodden, from where you travel to Lunde. A bus takes you back to your
starting point at Akkerhaugen. The trip can also be done in reverse by leaving your car for
free at the Norsjø Hotell in Akkerhaugen and taking the bus to Lunde (it stops at the
hotel) from where you catch the boat and sail serenely back to Akkerhaugen.
For a full-day trip you can make the leisurely 10-hour journey between Skien and Dalen
(adult/child Nkr975/488; late June to mid-August). Boats leave Skien around 8am and
arrive in Dalen a little after 6pm, from where you can catch a special 'canalbus' back to
Skien. It's also possible to jump off (or board) in Lunde, the halfway point, as well as vari-
ous other combinations.
For seasonal departure times, boat details and to book, contact Visit Telemark ( 35

90 00 30; www.visittelemark.com ) .
A great way to see the canal is by canoe, kayak or bicycle. Ferries will transport your
boat/bicycle for Nkr250/150.

Notodden

Pop 12,200
Unless you're here for the hugely popular Blues Festival ( www.bluesfest.no ) in early
August, drive straight past industrial Notodden and keep going until you reach the marvel-
lous, imposing Heddal Stave Church, about 5km northwest of town on the E134. Other-
wise, the only reason to pause in town is the Notodden tourist office ( 35 01 50 00;

www.notodden.kommune.no ; Teatergate 3; 8am-3pm Mon-Fri) .

Sights

Heddal Stave Church CHURCH