The trip starting at Løveid lock towards Norsjø. Further the trip from Ulefoss goes towards Dalen, while the trip towards Notodden, goes from Akkerhaugen and up towards Sauarelva over Bråfjorden and Haddalsvatnet and towards Notodden.
Norsjø
Boat people can stay overnight practically all over Norsjø. It is easy to find windless and beautiful islands, such as Kjeøya, Valsøya and Tjuvholmane. Norsjø is the drinking water source for the cities Skien and Nome. The lake got its name from old Norwegian nòr, which means narrow. The length is 30 km and the 3 km wide by Ulefoss. The depth is usually 170 meters.
Fyra
At Firingsodden in Norsjø there is a small white lighthouse with a orange roof, which was set up in 1912. At this time it was usually a lot of traffic all year round and the canal traffic was even late at night. Throughout the years the small lighthouse has lit up the canal during the whole winter time. A gas flame was lit during at Autumn time, and it was lit until there was no more gas left which was usually in spring time. During the summer time there was no need for the light. After the canal traffic stopped there was no need for the light, but in 2012 it lit again. The Telemark Canal friends group has replaced the lights powered by solar panel. The association has done the same at Skiftesnes, Tjonodden and Ottersnes.
Ulefoss
Ulefoss is administration office in Nome county and is one of Norway’s oldest industry communities with the oldest industry businesses in the Nordic countries, Ulefoss Jærnverk, which is still in use. Right by Ulefoss guest harbor you’ll find the entrance to the Ulefoss locks, the first lock is in Bandak – Norsjø Canal, which is the youngest part of the Telemark Canal. This canal goes all the way up towards Dalen. The locks sin Bandak – Norsjø canal is not modernized, the work is all done by hand just like the opening in 1892.
- More tourist information
In Ulefoss guest harbour you can fill gas. The Ulefoss city centre is only 300 meter away, with a shopping mall and a liquor store. There is a walking distance from the guest harbour to attractions such as:
- Ulefoss Hovedgaard is considered the napoleon's architectural masterpiece in Norway.
- Jern- og kanalutstillingen - is a display about the history of the iron and canal
- Øvre verket – the old workers housing to Ulefoss ironworks, includes gallery, guides, restaurant and activities.
The east canal
The east canal travels towards Notodden, which is a great alternative to get on to Bandak canal. There are no more locks as the trip goes further up Sauarelva river – which is a beautiful stretch of river. When we reach Akkerhaugen at the top of Norsjø is Nes church, a Romanesque stone-church from 1100, used as a white sailing mark at the tip of Nesodden by Gvarv. Sauherad is known for its fruit production.
Norsjø Ferieland
The first stop can be Norsjø Ferieland (A holiday area), which includes a guest harbour for day-visitors and sleepover. With access to petrol and diesel. With restaurants and activities, with one of Europe’s best place for wakeboarding, wake-skate and water-skiing.
Akkerhaugen
The trip can go by Akkerhaugen and up towards Sauarelva. In Akkerhaugen there is two piers on either side of the river, further in you’ll find the sculpture park Patmos.
The piers:
- Eastern Akkerhaugen pier
- Akkerhaugen guest pier with 10 spaces
M/S Telemarken sails from Akkerhaugen up through the locks towards Lunde in the summer season.
Activities:
- Bø sommarland (Waterpark): 17km
- Norsjø golf park: 20km
- Ulefoss hovedgaard(Stately summer residence of Niels Aall): 20km
- Fruktbygda (fruit farm)
Sauarelva
Towards Sauarelva the entrance is clearly marked. The current is strong, but no trouble with a small boat. There are multiple small piers towards Bråfjorden, for example the Kullhuset guest pier. After Nautesund is Lystang Camping, where you can ‘park’ your boat.
Hjuksebø
The last stretch travels along the Heddalsvannet, crowned by low hills, to Notodden. Midway on the east side of the water, is Hjuksebø guest harbour located.
Notodden – several piers
Notodden is Norway’s blues capital. August every year is the Blues festival arranged in Notodden. Inside Bok & Blueshuset is a blues museum and a outside park with lush trees, seating and playground.
Similar to Rjukan Notodden is on the UNESCO world heritage list. In the description of Rjukan and Notodden UNESCO says: “Located in a dramatic landscape of mountains, waterfalls and river valleys, the site comprises hydroelectric power plants, transmission lines, factories, transport systems and towns. The complex was established by the Norsk-Hydro Company to manufacture artificial fertilizer from nitrogen in the air. It was built to meet the Western world’s growing demand for agricultural production in the early 20th century. The company towns of Rjukan and Notodden show workers’ accommodation and social institutions linked by rail and ferry to ports where the fertilizer was loaded. The Rjukan-Notodden site manifests an exceptional combination of industrial assets and themes associated to the natural landscape. It stands out as an example of a new global industry in the early 20th century.”
Inside the Lysbuen industry museum you will find historic Norwegian inventions, the arc furnace and the product mineral fertilizers story is told.
Notodden has different types of boutiques and service offers.
- More tourist information
Notodden has many piers:
- Notodden boat association
- Notodden pier
- Blok and Blueshuset
- Nesøya marina
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
