Welcome to Dalen in Norway – a picturesque village in Telemark, known as the endpoint of the magnificent Telemark Canal and home to Norway’s “fairytale hotel.” Surrounded by steep mountains, deep forests and tranquil lakes, Dalen combines nature with cultural heritage and charm.

Canal journeys and fairytale charm

Often described as stepping into a fairytale, Dalen marks the end of the Telemark Canal. A journey aboard the historic M/S Henrik Ibsen or M/S Victoria takes you through a series of impressive locks that lift boats 72 metres from sea to mountain, passing waterfalls, forested valleys and traces of Norway’s industrial past. The voyage ends at the iconic Dalen Hotel – a romantic wooden landmark from 1894, famous for its dragon heads, turrets and royal history; a masterpiece of Norwegian architecture that still welcomes guests today.

History, culture and craftsmanship

Just above the village lies Eidsborg Stave Church, a beautifully preserved 13th-century wooden church surrounded by peaceful countryside. Next door, the West Telemark Museum (Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg) brings local history to life through exhibitions, farm buildings and a miniature model of the Telemark Canal. South of Dalen, the Åmdals Verk Mines offer guided tours through historic copper tunnels, while the nearby Rui Farm (Ruiplassen) tells the touching story of two sisters whose simple mountain life came to symbolise Norway’s rural heritage. Art and craftsmanship also thrive across the region, with galleries such as Thor Fine Art Gallery and Grimdalstunet, as well as silversmiths who continue Telemark’s proud artisanal traditions.

Adventures in nature

Nature surrounds Dalen on all sides. The floating Soria Moria Sauna on Lake Bandak offers a unique blend of design, wellness and scenery, while the lake itself invites swimming, kayaking and canoeing beneath towering mountains. From the 350-metre-high Ravnejuv viewpoint, you can enjoy spectacular views of the valley below. Hiking trails such as Lårdalstigen lead you along ridges with panoramic vistas, while wildlife experiences in the surrounding area bring you close to nature, with opportunities to spot moose and other animals in their natural habitat.