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    4 days - Explore the Telemark Canal and stay at the historic Dalen Hotel

    The Telemark Canal is the waterway that connects the town of Skien to the town of Dalen in Southern Norway. It runs a total of 105 kilometres and is a beloved landmark in the region.

    During the 19th century, when a portion of the canal was carved out of a mountain to connect two previously separate canals, Norwegians considered it the eighth wonder of the world. Enjoy the trip along this canal from the deck on one of the historical canal boats M/S Henrik Ibsen & M/S Victoria - little has changed since it was done 150 years ago. Relax on-board as the historical landscape, steep mountains in the grand western fjords, narrow channels, open water and lakes pass you by.

    This four-day tour includes meals and lodging along the way at the luxurious Dalen Hotel, which looks as if it was plucked straight from a fairytale.

    Highlights include

    • Visit Skien, the birthplace of famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen
    • Cruise Telemark Canal to Dalen onboard a historic canal boat
    • Stay at the historic Hotel Dalen
    • Beautiful Norwegian countryside
    • Why not book at sauna at the new Soria Moria Sauna, down by the lake
    Day 1
    Depart Oslo by train to Skien
    Day 2
    Cruise Telemark Canal to Dalen
    Day 3
    Day in Dalen to explore the cultural history of the region.
    Day 4
    Return to Oslo
    Start/End Place
    Oslo, Norway tours
    Country Visited
    Norway tours
    Duration
    4 Days
    Type
    Self Guided
    Suitability
    Easy independent holiday suitable for singles & couples
    Code
    50DN0960

    Details

    Transportation

    Local train tickets, canal bus & historic Telemark Canal voyage.

    Included
    • Accommodation 3 nights at comfortable and well-located hotels
    • Daily breakfast and 2 dinners while staying in Dalen
    • Day trip on the Telemark Canal on either MS Victoria or MS Henrik Ibsen from Skien to Dalen
    • Canal bus from Dalen to Skien
    • Train tickets Oslo-Skien return
    • 24-hour emergency service
    • Taxes and service fees
    Not Included

    Accommodation in Oslo, international flights, meals not described in the itinerary and items of personal nature.

    Itinerary

    Day 1 - Depart Oslo by train to Skien

    Depart Oslo any time of day by train to Skien, the birthplace of the famous Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Between May - Sept, visit Henrik Ibsen’s childhood home, Søndre Brekke estate & Ulefos Manor.

    Stay centrally in Skien for the night.

    Accommodation
    Director's Choice

    Day 2 - Cruise Telemark Canal to Dalen

    In the morning join either of the two historic canal boats MS Victoria or MS Henrik Ibsen on the famous Telemark Canal from Skien to Dalen. Departing from Skien you may always start your day with a delicious on-board breakfast if you have not yet had this at your hotel (extra cost applies and is paid locally). The journey takes 10 hours and takes you through beautiful Norwegian countryside. Lunch is served on-board, also at extra cost. You will pass 18 locks and arrive in Dalen in the afternoon.

    Stay at the historic Hotel Dalen built in a Swiss style in the late 19th century. The hotel is a landmark for Norwegian cultural heritage. Dinner is served in the hotel restaurant and is inspired by Telemark as a region with high quality products and long culinary traditions.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Historic Hotel Dalen

    Day 3 - Day in Dalen to explore the cultural history of the region.

    Spend a free day in Dalen to explore the region by bike or on foot. There is plenty of beautiful nature and history in the area. You can also go canoeing, sauna down at the lake at the new Soria Moria Sauna, fishing or horse riding, or just relax at the hotel with a good book. Overnight Dalen Hotel with half board.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    1 Dinner
    Accommodation
    Historic Hotel Dalen

    Day 4 - Return to Oslo

    Take the canal bus back to Skien, and the train to Oslo. You will arrive in Oslo in the early/mid afternoon.

    Meals
    1 Breakfast
    Dates & Prices

    All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs.

    Please ask us about the small cost of including the new Sauna, Soria Maria into your package.

    Dates
    Valid From
    Valid To
    From Price
    Status
    Accommodation
    22 Jun 2023
    14 Aug 2023
    22 Jun 2023
    14 Aug 2023
    GBP 1,004
    Limited availability
    Standard
    15 Aug 2023
    9 Oct 2023
    15 Aug 2023
    9 Oct 2023
    GBP 901
    Limited availability
    Standard
    17 May 2024
    21 Jun 2024
    17 May 2024
    21 Jun 2024
    GBP 964
    Available
    Standard

    Important Information

    Please note that this trip can easily be shortened or lengthened. Call us for more options, as it is just such a lovely place in the world to explore.

    Inspiration

    Telemark Canal Cruise

    Three tours showcase the Telemark region and the historic Telemark canal cruises.

    Read Article
    View all Inspiration

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