Telemark Canal Route

National Cycle Route 2

Telemark is a unique area of Norway and a hidden gem on the cycling radar. Bring a tent and explore the wonders of this vast forest and mountainous terrain. It’s the Norway you didn’t know existed.

Route Download GPX

When

18th May* – September

Written by

Matthew Tolley

Distance

379.5

Days

2-6

High point

1172m

Difficulty

6/10

Unpaved

20%

Total Ascent

4788

Tunnels

Where History and Nature Combine

Telemark is probably the most underrated place in Norway. A quietly forgotten area nestled in the middle of the country between a high mountain plateau and lush dense nordic forests. It was once the industrial powerhouse of the country. Both hydro and the timber trade brought wealth and jobs to the area in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The route passes many historical areas including the world heritage town of Rjukan where there are plenty of tales to be told. However, it’s the quiet laid back life that makes cycling this route very special. Follow the old canal system along tranquil water and pine forests before climbing up over mountain plateaus and down deep narrow valleys. Some of the valleys are so deep that the sun struggles to reach the floor casting a permanent shadow for parts of the year. This route experiences some of the best cycling in Norway and should be filled with cyclists but you’ll probably see more moose and deer.