Discover Skien

Welcome to Skien – one of Norway’s oldest cities and the birthplace of Henrik Ibsen. Here, rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse nature experiences meet in a welcoming and charming city centre – offering unique experiences in the heart of Telemark.


Culture, History, and City Life


Skien offers a rich cultural scene and many historical attractions. Here, you can explore the life of Henrik Ibsen and see how the playwright’s legacy continues to shape the city’s identity. Skien hosts concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions throughout the year, blending historical charm with modern urban life. The old town of Snipetorp provides a glimpse into the city’s traditional wooden architecture, while its parks and riverside promenades invite peaceful strolls.


The Telemark Canal and Cultural Heritage


The Telemark Canal flows through the heart of Skien, connecting the city with lakes and valleys further into Telemark. This remarkable canal is a living piece of cultural history – an engineering masterpiece that has fascinated visitors for generations. A boat trip along the waterway offers stunning natural scenery and insight into the region’s heritage, while the canal areas in the city provide peaceful spots for recreation, activity, and reflection by the water’s edge.


Nature and Outdoor Experiences


Surrounding Skien are forested hills, rivers, and lakes that invite exploration year-round. Enjoy hiking on marked trails, swimming in calm waters, or cycling and paddling through diverse landscapes. The city’s recreational areas offer great facilities for both exercise and play, and in winter, cross-country ski trails are just a short distance away. Skien is also part of a geologically unique landscape, where mountains and waterways tell the story of Telemark’s natural history over thousands of years.


Restaurants and Conferences


Skien features a variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars, where local ingredients and regional flavours take centre stage. The city also offers comfortable facilities for meetings and conferences, ranging from intimate venues to larger arenas – making it easy to combine professional gatherings with culture, history, and outdoor experiences in Telemark.


Nearby destinations


Porsgrunn
Langesund
Larvik
Sandefjord

Hotels in Skien

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Breakfast & dinner always included

Home Hotel Bryggeparken

500 m from Skien city center

4.1/5(468)
7.6/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy breakfast, fika & dinner during your stay
Warm & cosy atmosphere with homely design
Walking distance to Skien's attractions

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Laundry service, Lobby bar, Luggage room, No smoking, Gift shop

Nearby hotels

(7 hotels)

Comfort Hotel™ Porsgrunn

8.2 km from Skien city center

3.8/5(83)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning
Everything you need for a great price
Central location near the train station

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Work area, Sun terrace, Laundry service, Check-in service station, Lobby bar, Breakfast, Luggage room, No smoking
Opens 9 April 2026

Comfort Hotel™ Grenlandsporten

17.9 km from Skien city center

Everything you need for a great price
The hotel is located along the E-18 motorway
Comfortable rooms and flexible solutions

24 h reception

Parking

Climate control, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Work area, Laundry service, Check-in service station, Bikes to borrow/rent, Lobby bar, Breakfast, Luggage room, No smoking

Quality Hotel™ Skjærgården

23.1 km from Skien city center

3.5/5(720)
7.4/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning
Gathering place with games, food and drink
4000 m2 large water park

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Pool, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Work area, Relax area, Sun terrace, Table tennis, Air hockey, Sauna, Bar, Lobby bar, Breakfast, Restaurant, Jacuzzi, Luggage room, No smoking

Farris Bad

29.4 km from Skien city center

4.2/5(1726)
8.9/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning
Enjoy fantastic views of the Larvik Fjord
Enjoy 2,500m² of pools, saunas & treatments

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Climate control, Air condition, Room service, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Sun terrace, Laundry service, Bikes to borrow/rent, Lobby shop, Bar, Breakfast, Restaurant, Luggage room, Turndown service, No smoking, Gift shop

Quality Hotel™ Grand Larvik

29.7 km from Skien city center

4.1/5(50)
8.0/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning
Good facilities for meetings and events
Gathering place with games, food and drink

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Climate control, Room service, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Laundry service, Check-in service station, Lobby bar, Breakfast, Restaurant, Luggage room, Turndown service
Breakfast & dinner always included

Home Hotel Atlantic

36 km from Skien city center

4.2/5(652)
6.9/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy breakfast, fika & dinner during your stay
Warm & cosy atmosphere with homely design
Walking distance to the main shopping area

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Work area, Sun terrace, Laundry service, Lobby bar, Breakfast, Luggage room, No smoking, Gift shop

Quality Hotel™ Tønsberg

45.8 km from Skien city center

3.8/5(891)
8.5/10Sustainability Rating
Enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning
Versatile meeting rooms
Gathering place with games, food and drink

24 h reception

Parking

Gym, Pool, Pets allowed, Lobby lounge, Sun terrace, Laundry service, Sauna, Breakfast, Restaurant, Luggage room, No smoking