Telemark Canal Route

4 days / 3 nights

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Discover the perfect balance of adventure and heritage along Norway's iconic Telemark Canal, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and historic locks.

Starting point

Lunde

Finish point

Dalen

Fitness level

3/5

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  • Cycle along the historic Telemark Canal, a marvel of 19th-century engineering
  • Experience Norway’s cultural charm in quaint villages along the route
  • Witness the intricate system of 18 locks, some still operated by hand today
  • Enjoy a mix of paved paths and gravel trails suitable for all skill levels
  • Pedal your way past incredible interconnected lakes
  • Explore the serene town of Lunde, a gateway to the canal’s scenic beauty

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

3 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

E-bike
Gravel bike
MTB
Road bike

Stretching 105 kilometers, the historic Telemark Canal, completed in 1892, connects Skien to Dalen and has long been celebrated as a masterpiece of engineering. Its intricate system of 18 locks was designed to navigate the region's rugged terrain, earning it the nickname “the eighth wonder of the world.” 

Today, it provides the perfect backdrop for a scenic and culturally rich cycling adventure. 

This carefully planned route allows cyclists to follow the canal as it weaves through serene forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages. Here, you will experience Norway’s natural beauty firsthand, from tranquil lakes reflecting the surrounding landscapes to the majestic cliffs and valleys that define the region. 

Along the way, the locks – still operated by hand in some areas – are a highlight, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of a bygone era. 

The cycling path is well-suited for riders of various skill levels, combining paved roads and gravel paths that run parallel to the canal. 

To ensure a hassle-free experience, we take care of all the logistics. Accommodations are pre-arranged at comfortable, cyclist-friendly establishments and before your tour, you’ll receive a detailed itinerary full of recommendations and GPS routes, so you can fully focus on exploring the Telemark Canal route.

Our Bikes

To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.

To ensure the perfect match, our team will assist you in selecting the best bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the tour’s technical requirements.

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Trekking Bikes

Best for: Multi-day touring, relaxed pace, and varied surfaces


These high-quality trekking bikes are built for comfort over multiple days. They feature a relaxed riding position, smooth-rolling wheels, and often come with practical additions like an adjustable stem, rear rack, or mudguards. They're not necessarily built for speed, but more for enjoying the ride.

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Touring E-Bikes

Best for: Comfortable trekking, touring, longer distances, and hilly routes


These pedal-assist electric bikes are designed to make riding easier and more enjoyable—especially on longer or hillier routes. They come with powerful mid-drive motors, long-lasting batteries, and comfortable riding geometry for smooth support across varied terrain. With intuitive controls and quality components, they’re a great choice for riders who want extra assistance without giving up the feel of a real ride.


Frequently Asked Questions

Embark on a self-guided cycling odyssey, tailored for a flexible and personal journey on two wheels. Explore at your own pace, with the freedom to customize your path and plans. Our dedicated team handles all details, from accommodations to meticulous planning, GPS guidance, and continuous assistance, ensuring a serene and enchanting voyage. This adventure embraces autonomy, self-discovery, and genuine cultural immersion.

Explore our tours across three difficulty levels: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging, determined by daily itineraries with potential challenge variations.

Leisurely: Ideal for serene journeys amid scenic beauty, spanning 30-50 km/day and 500m elevation gain. Savour landscapes, local cuisine, and charming villages.

Moderate: Blend picturesque routes with moderate challenge, covering 50-80 km/day and 1000m elevation gain. Discover diverse terrains, villages, and a rewarding cycling experience.

Challenging: Tailored for seasoned cyclists, 80-120 km/day and 2000m elevation gain. Conquer steep climbs, and tough routes, and relish breathtaking views. A test of fitness and a triumphant adventure.

Our commitment is to discover your perfect cycling adventure match. Collaborating closely with various accommodation providers, all meeting our quality standards, though availability may vary, especially in peak seasons. Additionally, we provide the freedom to tailor your journey to your preferences and budget, ensuring the ideal accommodation for your needs.

Secure your tour promptly, especially for popular tourist spots with limited lodging. Prime selections fill up fast, often booked solid for summer well before spring arrives. Don’t miss out!

Addressing specific dietary needs can vary in Norway. Vegetarian options are often available, but sourcing vegan meals may be more challenging in rural regions or smaller towns. It’s important to note that lunch stops usually occur at traditional restaurants, where accommodating special dietary requirements beyond their regular menu might be limited. Please consider this when planning your cycling tour in Norway.

The ideal cycling season in Norway spans from mid-May to mid-September. In higher elevations, such as mountainous areas, it’s advisable to schedule your cycling adventures from mid-June to August.

In Norway, tours can proceed in light rain with appropriate clothing. Summers may bring afternoon showers, so beginning your tours early is recommended. If adverse weather conditions are expected, we will make efforts to adjust the tour schedule accordingly.

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

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Top Rated Brand
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Greg Martin

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Great holiday. Really easy to follow routes, good choice of hotels and the en route places to eat and visit was really helpful. Super responsive to questions during my holiday. Would definitely use them again.

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Miha Miklošič

Verified customer · 1 month ago

My self-guided cycling holiday in Provence was everything I hoped for and more. The routes took me through stunning lavender fields, vineyards, and historic towns like Gordes and Roussillon. With the GPS and detailed route notes, navigating was effortless, and I enjoyed the freedom to linger at scenic spots or explore local markets. The accommodations were full of charm, and the seamless logistics made for a stress-free experience. Timotej and the team were always available to provide advice and ensure everything went perfectly. Cycling through Provence on my own terms was absolutely magical!

Andrija V.'s profile photo

Andrija V.

Verified customer · 4 months ago

Mitch Taylor's profile photo

Mitch Taylor

Verified customer · 9 months ago

SHONA Goaman's profile photo

SHONA Goaman

Verified customer · 10 months ago

Well organised, great route and lovely hotels.

Sp/f Martin Mørk's profile photo

Sp/f Martin Mørk

Verified customer · 10 months ago

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All available guidance options

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations; You enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Hassle-Free

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree holiday.

Completely Customizable

Completely Customizable

Flexibility is our middle name — whether you want more or less, or just beyond ordinary, we’ll make it happen.

Book with confidence

Book with confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Unbeatable support

Unbeatable support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 560 € /person
Experience the best of Norway bicycle tours with our cycling holidays, offering unforgettable rides through Norway's breathtaking landscapes and fjords.

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Lan Lajovic
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