To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Allow cookies
Explore Telemark

Norsk

English

Cultural trail around Hjellevannet

Type:Hiking

3724, Skien

Add Cultural trail around Hjellevannet to your Itinerary

the cultural trail by Hjellevannet

Book Tickets Online

About

The Cultural Trail "Around Hjellevannet"

The cultural trail "Around Hjellevannet" is a 5.6 km long route—with no official start or end—circling Hjellevannet in Skien.

Scenic Surroundings
The trail follows the shoreline of Hjellevannet through central Skien, passing industrial and commercial areas at Klosterøya, Herkules, and Myren. It also winds through the scenic Bakkestranda area, crossing several bridges. There are rest areas at Bakkestranda with tables and benches. Most of the trail consists of gravel and asphalt paths for pedestrians and cyclists, but a short section after Elstrøm Bridge runs through a forested path. The route is well-suited for cycling.

Parking
Parking is available at Hjellen, Bakkestranda, Myren, and the Herkules area.

History
Hjellevannet was dammed when the Norsjø-Skien Canal was constructed. This oldest section of the Telemark Canal opened in 1861. The Skien Lock connects the canal to the sea and is part of the trail.

Hakastein Cultural Heritage Park marks the site of Norway’s oldest known church. Hakastein Church was built in the early 11th century, and findings suggest an even older church once stood there. Traces of a pre-Christian burial site have also been discovered. A narrow path leads to Galgeholmen, which was an execution site in ancient times.

Information Brochure
A printed information brochure is available at the Skien Tourist Office. It is published by the Historical Forum and Skien Municipality’s Cultural Department in collaboration with writer Ole Bjørn Ulsnæs.

Be a sustainable hiker
When exploring nature, it's essential to practice responsible behavior to preserve and respect the natural environment. This includes staying on the marked trails to avoid damaging ecosystems, taking your litter with you, and respecting local rules and restrictions. Make sure to avoid disturbing wildlife and be mindful of any special considerations related to protected areas. By acting responsibly during your outdoor activities, you contribute to maintaining the beauty and sustainability of nature, ensuring future generations to be able to enjoy it as well.

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Contact

Tel: 35 90 55 20

What's Nearby

  1. Skien sluse

    Skien lock is part of the first development of the Telemark Canal, Norsjø-Skien Canal,…

    160 m away
  2. The log driver monument

    The log driver monument on Smieøya.

    171 m away
  3. Ibsenhuset

    Ibsenhuset is Skien's cultural center and offers a wide selection of concerts and shows…

    245 m away
  1. Skiens Art Association

    Their gallery is in the Cultural Centre called Ibsenhuset, which opened in 1973.

    307 m away
  2. MS Skarsfos

    Veteran boat taking charter commission on the Telemark Canal.

    378 m away
  3. MS Erik

    The Tow boat Erik, was built in 1901. restored and run by volunteers in association Eriks…

    378 m away
  4. Spriten Kunsthall

    Spriten Kunsthall is located on Klosterøya, a few minutes walk from the center of Skien.

    459 m away
  5. Søndre Brekke Estate, Telemark Museum

    The main building, Søndre Brekke Manison at Brekkeparken, is truly magnificent and has…

    470 m away
  6. Telemark Kunstsenter, SKIEN

    Telemark Kunstsenter (Telemark Art Senter) is a center of competence for professional…

    518 m away
  7. MS Victoria

    MS Victoria, also known as the Canal Queen sails on lock cruises between Skien and…

    523 m away
  8. Brekkeparken in Skien

    Brekkeparken in Skien is a lovely park with beautiful flower beds, and with lots of…

    548 m away
  9. Gea Norvegica Unesco Global Geopark,Skien

    Skien has an exceptional geological diversity. A tour across the Skien-Gjerpendalen…

    1.50 km away
  10. Henrik Ibsen museum

    Visit the Henrik Ibsen museum in Skien and experience the playwright's childhood home as…

    4.40 km away
  11. Rock carvings

    Rock carvings offer a unique glimpse of a long-lost culture.

    4.57 km away
  12. Løveid lock

    The Løveid locks at Skotfosss has 3 lock chambers and an elevation of 10.3m and connects…

    5.12 km away
  13. Mikael's cave

    Mikaelshulen, or St. Mikael's Cave, is a mountain cave in the steep cliff face on the…

    7.17 km away
Previous Next

Don't Miss