Even though the coastline of Telemark is every boat enthusiasts dream, however the county has more to offer for the boat enthusiasts. Langøytangen lighthouse in Bamble marks the start of a boat trip inward Telemark, either to Dalen or Notodden. After a couple of hour-long boat trip along Bamble coastline and over Frierfjorden, where you will find yourself in small waters of the river toward Skien. At this location you’ll find Skien lock, which marks the start of the adventure of Telemarkskanalen.
Langøytangen lighthouse
The lighthouse in the further south of Langøya, has shown the way for boats since 1839. The lighthouse was automated in 1990. Its owned by the state and can be rented through Langesundfjorden kystlag. The offer is open for everyone – all year round. The small boat harbour in Langøya is a guest harbour.
Langesund
Langesund is a charming, small seaside town with well kept wooden houses and cosy streets. The town is known for the concert area Wrigtegaarden and its many festivals. Langesund includes a guest harbour, tourist information and service facilities. There is many restaurants and boutiques around town. Right outside the city centre is the Hotel Quality Skjærgården Hotel and a aquapark including a guest harbour. Langesund guest harbour includes Kongshavn and Dampskipsbrygga. Across the pound is Langøya located with the summer restaurant Langøya Hovedgård, Langøya can also offer a guest harbour. More tourist information on www.visitgrenland.no.
Stathelle
Stathelle is located on the southside and Brevik on the northside of the Brevik-stream at the inlet to the Frierfjorden. Before the Brevik bridge was finished in 1962, there was two ferries between the cities. This was a part of something called Sørlandske main transport. Stathelle is a small town with a marina including service and boats and boat equipment for sale. Multiple restaurant and boutique in the area. Only a walk up a small hill you’ll find Brotorvet shopping mall. The guest harbour in Stathelle has room for 10 boats.
Brevik
Brevik used to be a small seaside town. While now the town is a part of Porsgrunn county, you can still see traces from the maritime traditions. Experience walking around the small cosy streets around Brevik on a hot summer day with an ice-cream. You can fill gas, walk around the boutiques and eat at restaurants. The guest harbour is located by the most popular restaurants. Small boats (1,7 meter) fits under the bridge, while bigger boats must go around the island, where Brevik boat association is located with room for boats. More tourist information on www.visittelemark.no
Grenland bridge and Brevik bridge/stream
The way inwards the Frierfjorden – Brevik stream – is approx. 300-meter-wide and with Brevik bridge above. Further inside the fjord will the Grenland bridge (E18) cross, as the highest mainland building in Norway. The Brevik bridge is 45 meters and the Grenland bridge is 50 meters.
Frierfjorden
The Frierfjorden extend from Brevik to the beginning of Skien river. The fjord has a lot of boat traffic, especially by the industry areas in Rønningen and Rafnes in Bamble and at Herøya industry park in Porsgrunn. Normally you’ll see big ships outside the industry park loading and unloading. The name “Frier” originated from norse meaning “the beautiful” and the fjord is beautiful even though it is surrounded by industry.
Herøya Canal
From the Frierfjorden is Herøya Canal, which is a perfect for little small boats. The entrance is located south of the Herøya Industry park. Head towards the big tanks in the industrial area, when you get close you’ll be able to see the entrance easier. The canal includes a tunnel with lights and a small passage ending in Gunnekleivfjorden, which is located between the industry area and the residential area at Herøya.
Frednes bridge and Porsgrunn bridge
By the entrance to Porsgrunn there is two bridges that opens, there is always staff there 24/7. The first bridge you’ll meet is 13 meters (Frednes). And the next bridge is 8 meters (Porsgrunn). The opening of the bridges can be ordered at the bridge watch on the VHF channel 12 or by phone 35 93 16 08. The bridges are staffed 24/7, however it will not be opened for boats on weekdays between 07.30 – 08.30 and 15.00 – 16.00.
Porsgrunn
The trip goes through the city centre, close to cafés and attractions, like Du verden and Porselen museum. Porsgrunn is located idyllic by the river. Along the river promenade you’ll find cosy “drop-in” places for food or drinks. It is only possible to stay at the guest harbours:
- By the shopping mall Down Town
- Østre pier
- And a smaller guest harbour by Porsgrund porselenfabrikk on the other side of the river.
More tourist information: www.visitgrenland.no
Up Skien river
From Porsgrunn you can sail up the river towards Skien. The trip is well marked. In between the cities the bridge Menstad bridge is located, with a height of 27 meters.
Skien
Skien is Telemark’s administration centre with approx. 55 000 habitants. Close by the harbour is the city’s businesses and restaurants. The city has two ‘water mirrors’, Bryggevannet and Hjellevannet, and it is possible to leave your boat both below and above the lock. The guest harbour in Langbrygga has 35 guests’ spaces. By Langbrygga there is a strong stream, so its recommended to go through the Skien lock to Hjellebrygga pier, which consist of 15 spaces in a quiet water. The canal boats have departure from Hjellebrygga pier every morning during the season May to September. More tourist information: www.visitgrenland.no
Some attractions in Skien:
- Skien activity park with both a tropical aqua land and a climbing park
- Henrik Ibsen Museum located in Ibsens childhood home at the farm Venstøp
- Brekkeparken is a recreation museum with a country house and farm houses from Telemark
Skien lock
Skien Lock starts at Telemark Canal. On the trip Skien – Notodden you’ll meet 2 locks, the Skien lock and Løveid lock. The trip from Norsjø towards Dalen consists of 6 locks, river stretches and the three waters Flåvatn, Kviteseidvatn and Bandak. If you’re experienced with locks or is your first time, the staff will accept you and your boat and make sure everything is ok.
Map over the whole canal, is sold by the locks in Skien, Ulefoss and Hogga.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
