visit dalen norway

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Population 532 / 59.2 degrees north

Dalen, norway.

Located in a valley (hence the name), Dalen is a beautiful small town that is home to two things of interest: the historic Dalen Hotel and the Telemark Canal journey. 

Fun Facts About Dalen

Latitude: 59.2 degrees north

Population: 532

Tokke Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to see & do.

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Dalen.

Eidsborg Stave Church

Located in an outdoor museum, Eidsborg Stave Church dates back to the 13th century and is a beautiful example of a stave church. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Telemark Canal

In the summer months it’s possible to join a guided boat trip on the Telemark Canal. 

Hardangervidda

Dalen is located close to the Hardangervidda Plateau, which is a very popular place for hiking and skiing. 

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Dalen.

Telemark Scenic Drive

Follow this scenic drive through the highlights of Telemark. 

Egersund to Dalen

Follow this road from the south coast of Norway through the mountains to Dalen. 

Self-Guided Walks

We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Dalen.

Dalen on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Dalen

Join us for the drive from Egersund to Dalen. 

Here’s our drive through the traditional region of Telemark. 

Uniquely Dalen

Here are some things that you must do and try in Dalen.

History of Dalen

Dalen Today

Dalen is located on the western part of the Lake Bandak, and the River Tokke has its outlet here. Most of the locals work at the hydropower plant or in the timber industry, though the hotel is a major employer here too. 

Travel Information

Getting here.

Fly: No airport.

Drive:  Dalen is located close to the E134, the main highway between Oslo and the south-west coast of Norway. 

Train:  No train access. 

Ferry:  No ferry access, unless. you count the scenic Telemark Canal journey. 

Getting Around

Dalen is a walkable village. 

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

Lastein Bryggje Kafe is located by the river and has nice meals. It’s also the town pub on weekends. 

High End & Unique Eats

There is a high-end restaurant at Dalen Hotel. 

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Buoy Camping is located by the water and has activities for children as well as cute little cabins for rent. There’s also a restaurant here and bike rental. 

Lodges & B&Bs

Dalen Bed and Breakfast is a small family-run business with an excellent breakfast.

Click here to view rates & book 

Chains & Mid-Range

High End & Unique Properties

Dalen Hotel is one of Norway’s most historic properties. The hotel is designed in the dragestil architecture.

Click here to view rates & book

All Posts About Dalen

Drive it Yourself: Telemark

Telemark is a fascinating part of Norway and best viewed with a road-trip. Here’s where I recommend going.

Drive it Yourself: Egersund to Dalen

Explore hidden valleys and high peaks when driving between two of the most attractive towns in Southern Norway.

Eidsborg Stave Church & West Telemark Museum

Eidsborg Stave Church is an important pilgrim site and is located in the West Telemark open air museum.

Dalen Photo Diary

• 1 Understand
• 2 Get in and around
• 8.1 Splurge

Dalen is the administrative centre of the municipality of Tokke in Telemark , Norway.

Understand [ edit ]

The village, with a population of about 500, lies at the delta of the Tokke river in the western end of the lake Bandak, which is the western end of the Telemark Canal waterway. The extension of the canal to Bandak in 1892 made the village a tourist site, and the Dalen Hotel, one of the biggest wooden buildings in Norway was built. There are several hydroelectric plants in the vicinity, and the regional headquarters of Statkraft is in Dalen.

Other villages in the municipality include Eidsborg (3 km to the north), Høydalsmo (12 km to the north-east), Lårdal (10 km to the east, by the lake) and Åmsdals Verk (8 km to the south). Eidsborg has a medieval stave church, Åmsdals Verk was a mining site from 1540 to 1945.

Get in and around [ edit ]

The most touristic route to Dalen is by the canal , onboard Henrik Ibsen or Victoria . They may call also at Lårdal.

E134 from Oslo via Notodden passes through Høydalsmo, continuing to the north-west. Road 38 from Kragerø on the coast, near E18, leads through Åmsdals Verk and Dalen and continues northward. Road 450 comes in from road 9 in the south-west.

See [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], eat [ edit ], drink [ edit ], sleep [ edit ].

Splurge [ edit ]

Connect [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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Explore Dalen

Plan Your Trip to Dalen: Best of Dalen Tourism

Essential dalen.

• Restaurant Dalen Hotel
• Lastein Bryggje kafe
• Finstøga Dalen
• Kafe Hallbjoenn
• Soria Moria Sauna
• Grimdalstunet
• Dalen Church
• Mo Og Skafså Parish

Top Things to Do in Dalen, Norway - Dalen Must-See Attractions

Things to do in dalen.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Grimdalstunet

3. Dalen Church

4. Soria Moria Sauna

5. Mo Og Skafså Parish

• Grimdalstunet
• Soria Moria Sauna
• Mo Og Skafså Parish
• Dalen Church

Ready for your next adventure?

Why you should visit dalen in norway.

As some of you know, my sister and her husband own a Bed & Breakfast in Dalen in Norway. Dalen is a little town situated in a valley, beside a lake and surrounded by steep mountains! Ever since my first visit to Dalen in Norway, I have always loved to go back there to enjoy life at a slower pace in this idyllic village.

Where exactly is Dalen in Norway and how can you get there?

Dalen is situated in the south of Norway and is the westernmost endpoint of the Telemark Canal.

To get there you first need to fly to Oslo . From Oslo, you have a few options :

• Rent a car and drive to Dalen. This will take you about 3,5 hours and is the easiest and fastest way to get there.
• Take a train to Bø. From Bø you take the Haukeliekspressen or Telemarkekspressen to Åmot. In Åmot switch to the local bus to Dalen. Busses in Norway are really comfortable and most of the time there is wifi available.
• Take two busses : Haukeliekspressen and Telemarkespressen. Change busses in Åmot.

Where to stay in Dalen?

Obviously, I will tell you to stay at my sister’s Bed and Breakfast . But even if I was objective, the B&B would still be my choice. It’s the best value for your money, with a perfect location for all your activities. On top of that the owners will do everything in their power to help you make the most out of your holiday.

Dalen hotel also deserves a mention though. This luxury hotel, built in 1894 is very authentic and a delight to the eye. Unfortunately, it is really expensive to stay there. But you can visit the hotel, have a drink in the piano bar and pretend to go way back in time for a while.

Best things to do in Dalen, Norway

When visiting Dalen you get the complete ‘Norway Experience’ : endless hiking in the mountains, enjoying peace and quiet at the Bandak Lake whilst breathing in the freshest air and drinking water straight from the rivers. Although Dalen is a small town, there are lots of activities to be done and I will list the ones I like the best down here for you!

Hike to Rui : going back in time with a spectacular view

This trail starts right in the center of Dalen from where you can already see the stone staircase. Exactly 810 steps await you if you want to make it to Rui! The hike definitely is a challenge, but there are a lot of stops to sit and rest and enjoy the views! Once you get to the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view over the Telemark Canal and the mountains.

The little farm in the pictures was inhabited by two sisters (the Rui sisters). They lived there from birth till old age and even though society down in the village was evolving, they chose to live a simple life without modern aids.

If you have any energy left you can continue your hike to the Eidsborg Stave Church.

Visit Eidsborg Stave Church

The Eidsborg Stave Church is one of the best preserved Stave Churches of Norway and was built between 1250 en 1270. It has been restored from 2005 to 2008 and is still in use! In the summer months there are guided tours to the church several times a day. I adored this church because of its idyllic location, definitely worth a visit!

Hike Lårdastigen : A fantastic walk following the mountain ridge

This is without a doubt the hike that made me fall completely in love with hiking. I hiked Lårdalstigen for the first time three years ago, completely on my own. It’s a 14km walk (one way) so you’ll need an entire day to do complete it. I can still remember the jaw-dropping views I was rewarded with. And the quote ‘the best view comes after the hardest climb’ is in place here cause the hike is quite challenging.

This year, I hiked a small piece of the trail with my mother, niece and nephew. We started the hike and turned around at a certain point, and still got some amazing views from the edge of the mountain ridge.

Starting point hike : Top of Eidsborgberget. You can hike from Dalen to Lardal or the other way around. In summer you can take a one way ferry back, but be sure to book it in advance.

Visit the Raven Gorge (Ravnejuv)

Only a 16 minute drive from Dalen, you can find another majestic nature phenomenon. Ravnejuv is a 350m high gorge with a steep drop of 350m! Down below you can see the river Tokkeåi and the views are really incredible. If you throw a bank note or a handkerchief down over the edge, it will come right back at you because of the rising air stream from below. If you try this, please be careful not to stand too close to the edge, and pick up your trash before you leave!

Walk over ‘the suspension bridge across Hell’

First of all, let me explain the name of this bridge. The waterfall you see on this hike used to cause a big challenge to the log drivers in the nineteenth century, so they renamed the waterfall to ‘Hell’s waterfall’. Later, the suspension bridge was built over, well, ‘Hell’ :D.

This hike is relatively easy, and lasts for about 3 hours (round trip).

Starting point hike : Tokke Kulturhus. (on your right just after the center of Dalen) Then you need to cross the river twice and after 2km you’ll see the Suspension Bridge.

Kayak or canoe on the Bandak Lake

You can’t visit Norway and not spend some time in a boat at least once! If you want to experience total serenity and get lost in the moment, kayaking is an activity for you. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the quietness of nature and discover some unique places you wouldn’t normally spot. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at Dalen Bed and Breakfast .

You can choose to kayak/canoe for a short period of time. For the more adventurous people : you can also kayak the whole Telemark Canal in 5 days and take the canal boat back.

Relax at Soria Moria, the most spectacular sauna I have ever seen!

Since 2018, Dalen is an eye-catching artwork richer : the Soria Moria sauna. The sauna is one of the six projects of the ‘Tales of the Waterway’, an art project for the Telemark Canal. The project wants people to rediscover the Telemark Region and view the unique landscape in a different way. The sauna can be rented for 2 hours and has place for 15 people.

Can you imagine chilling in a hot sauna whilst taking in the breathtaking view of the Bandak lake surrounded by mountains? Jump in the lake after to cool off and I’ll swear, you’ll feel like a completely different person!

Swim in Lake Bandak

In summer, there’s another activity not to be missed! Swim in the lake! Nothing compares to cooling off in the water, surrounded by green mountains. It might be a bit chilly at first, but just keep going, you’ll be surprised how fast your body will adjust! If you’re still not convinced, there’s also a little beach where you can lay down and just soak in some sun!

Last but not least : the most popular activity in Norway : go on a moose safari!

Just before nightfall you depart on a moose-spotting adventure! When you leave for the moose safari and follow the 40km route the owners of Dalen Bed & Breakfast will give you, there’s a 99% chance to actually see one. So get ready to encounter the largest land animal in Europe! I remember the first time I laid eyes on this magnificent creature; suddenly the moose appeared in the middle of the road.

I hope by now you have a clear view of all the perks this magical place has to offer and why I love to revisit this place time and time again. If you plan on visiting, or any other place on my blog that is, and you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me. I’m happy to help you with your travel planning 🙂

All the photos in this blogpost were shot on the Fujifilm X-T30, that I tested on my trip to Norway!

10 Comments

Well done sis!!

Thanksss and thank you for inviting me! ?

a wonderful report. Somehow I never noticed Norway. It’s fun to read your report, the pictures have a big impact

Thanks for your kind words Jann-Bernd. Norway should be on your list though, it’s one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to.

Hi, found your blog via AS Adventure… first destination I clicked on is Norway… to my surprise I see the B&B I stayed at in 2009 :)… nice to see Dalen after all these years!

http://kristofpattyn.be/page1/files/ff7ddd71a4c55e3eeb19a6fadf5549ed-73.html

What a small world it is, isn’t it 😀 So glad you had a good time at my sister’s bed and breakfast. Sure looked like an incredible journey you had in Norway!

Nice story and pictures! How are activities now during winter? Are hiking paths open for walking?

Thank you Antti! At the moment there is a lot of snow, so hiking would be difficult.. but cross country and alpine skiing are possible in Hallbjønnsekken. (you can rent skis at Tokke frivilligsentral.) The Soria Moria sauna is also open, so you can winter bath at Bandak lake. In the neighboring areas such as Vinje you can dog sleigh ride or snow mobile ride. There is also a cool Birdbox for overnight accommodation at Åmlivatn by Åmdals Verk (if you would be interested in photographing golden eagles). For more information you can always visit visitdalen.com. Hope you have a wonderful stay in Dalen!

When hiking LÅRDASTIGEN you wrote “We started the hike and turned around at a certain point, and still got some amazing views from the edge of the mountain ridge.” How far did you have to hike to see views?

Hi Teri, it doesn’t take long before you get to see the magnificent views. I don’t remember how long exactly I hiked before seeing it, but I guess something around half an hour, an hour 🙂 Happy hiking!

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Welcome to Dalen Hotel, 

- the magic of fairytales.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and valleys, at the end of the Telemark Canal, you'll find the fairytale hotel Dalen, with its magnificent architecture in stunning scenic surroundings. The hotel is like something straight out of a storybook, with its origins dating back to 1894. 

Join us on a journey back in time with all the wonderful things that can be found here! You'll be treated to exquisite culinary experiences, Afternoon Tea, wine tasting, piano music and storytelling. Come and join the fairytale too!

News! We are extending the season until December 15th!

On Thursday, April 25 , we open our doors again, 130 years after the hotel's early days. We can definitely say you won't want to miss this season...

To celebrate our big anniversary year, we are delighted to announce that we are extending our season and will be open until mid-December. This year, our guests will be able to experience Dalen in fall and winter, but not least, we're creating a magical Christmas atmosphere at the hotel. Finally, it's Christmas at Dalen Hotel!

A warm welcome to the season of celebration!

Anniversary packages

Celebrating 130 years is absolutely magical! Bring your family, your good friends or your special someone and experience the anniversary year with us. Here you'll find our selected anniversary packages filled with memorable, fairytale experiences. Welcome to a unique journey back in time!

Romantic package

Romance in fairytale surroundings

Historical Sauna Experience

Sauna and our fairytale hotel in perfect harmony

Grand Experience

Your ultimate fairytale experience

Lock cruise from Ulefoss

On the magic waterway to Dalen   

Culinary Experiences 

Welcome to unique culinary taste experiences in our historic surroundings.

We serve classic lunch dishes and our traditional Afternoon Tea in our lounges or out on the terrace with wonderful views. Aperitifs can be enjoyed in our magnificent fireplace lounge, before you are welcomed into our eminent historic Restaurant Bandak.

This season we are serving a brand new culinary concept. Along with our traditional 3- and 5-course menus, this year we give our guests the opportunity to be served an exceptional tasting menu. This features dishes from our entire menu range and can of course be ordered with carefully selected wine packages.

Discover the world's most spectacular water journey

- on board m/s henrik ibsen.

The Telemark Canal was completed in 1892. Described as a technological masterpiece and one of the eighth wonders of the world, it attracted a huge influx of travelers from all over the world. Everyone wanted to travel on the fantastic canal with its fascinating Norwegian and unique nature.

Today, the beautiful cultural-historical waterway can be experienced on board the veteran ship M/S Henrik Ibsen from 1907. Along the way, you will see a varied and unique landscape, with narrow lakes and large waters, animals grazing in the summer, small and old farms, bridges, life on the pier and, not least, the art of the lock as it has always been performed. At Bandak, at the end of the canal, Dalen Hotel reveals itself with its magnificent and majestic architecture.

VIEW MORE & BOOK

The Story of Dalen Hotel

Once upon a time...

Among picturesque valleys, at the end of the Telemark Canal overlooking Bandak, Dalen Hotel reveals itself with its majestic architecture. The hotel was introduced to the world and completed in 1894, thanks to the successful completion of the Telemark Canal in 1892. The technologically advanced canal, known as one of the eighth wonders of the world, was the major attraction of the time and attracted a large influx of royalty and distinguished guests from all over the world. The guests needed a luxury hotel, and in 1894 the fashionable and grand hotel was officially opened.

This year marks 130 years since the doors opened for the first time.

Welcome to the iconic, magical and fairytale Dalen Hotel!

THE STORY CONTINUES...

Soria Moria Sauna

Soria Moria Sauna is situated at the end of Dalen Hotels property.  Designed by "Feste Landskap/Arkitektur", surrounded by epic natura and a marvellous view of Bandak, this is a great attraction. The sauna receives a large amount of international attention, has won several award and is imensly popular. Be sure to book it ahead of time.

NB, the Sauna is owned and operated by Tokke Municipality, unfortunatly we can not guarantee that the sauna is available during your stay.

M/S Henrik Ibsen

"King of the Telemark Canal" is Dalen Hotel's own canal ship and our pride. M/S Henrik Ibsen is a historic canal ship from 1907 and runs a daily shuttle service from Dalen - Skien throughout the canal season. The ship has all rights and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on its journey through the locks. Several canal packages, day packages and canal trips are offered which can be booked on the ship's website.

Dalen Hotel - the story

Dalen Hotel - the Story

Canal packages

The Ducks of Dalen Hotel

Every year, Dalen Hotel adopts Peking ducks from Holte Farm. The ducks live in the duck pen in the hotel's garden, but are released daily where they can roam freely and take a bath in the pond. Unlike ostriches, Peking ducks cannot fly, so they can wander freely around the hotel garden to the delight of guests and staff. The ducks arrive at the hotel when it opens in the spring and move to a local farm in the fall. 

At the start of the season when the ducks are new arrivals, they are a little shy and reserved. But gradually, they become confident, curious and a wonderful addition to our beautiful garden. Feel free to join us when we feed them!

The ducks are a very popular attraction at the hotel.

We remind you that leashes are required on hotel property.

Our Popular Hotel packages

A selection of our more popular packages.

Culinary package

Enjoy a tasteful and culinary journey 

Canal cruise from Lunde to Dalen

Canal cruise from Lunde to Dalen  

Our veteran car fleet

The Arboretum

Easily locate those European hidden gems

Select your travel preferences and be ready to explore the unexplored!

Visit Dalen - Dalen Tourist Office

Visit Dalen tourist office in the center of Dalen, in Hotellvegen 16. We offer: - Advice and tips for holiday adventures in our region - Hikers Welcome tourist office with hiking advice and hiking maps- Guided historic hikes in the summer season- Fishing permit, hiking maps, postcards and stamps, brochures and information. - Souvenirs - Bike rental - Booking of Soria Moria Sauna. - Booking for The Telemark Canal. -... more

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• Country Norway
• Region Eastern Norway
• Destination Telemark
• Provided by Visit Norway

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Dalen Hotel

Leilighet 6

Dalen Studio 1

Dalen studio 3

Things to discover near Visit Dalen - Dalen Tourist Office

Åmdals Verk Mines

The Rui Farm

Nature Photography

Eidsborg Stave Church

Whetstones from Eidsborg

Dalen Villmarkssenter

Lauvikøy Kanocamp

Stålekleivloftet - one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world

Snowshoe rent at Groven Camping

Dalen Guest Marina

Guest marina Lårdal

Bufjordstigen in Dalen

The Museum Farmer

The whetstone walk

The suspension bridge across Hell

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Nature Photography

Vikavegen 92, Tokke, Dalen

[email protected]

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Tokke is a paradise for those interested in nature photography, lying as it does in the middle of one of the most rich and varied environments for both plants and wildlife.

Dalen Villmarkssenter is a place where one can experience varied wilderness and really get close to both birds and animals in a unique way. A life with a detailed interest in nature has given the owner Jostein Hellevik the best prerequisites for facilitating both film and photo arenas that are specially designed for great and memorable experiences.

The small farm Døli, situated high above the mountain side above Dalen, is the starting point for various photo sheds in the area that are located in various beautiful natural environments - altitude variations and biotopes belonging to a variety of species of birds and animals.

Dalen Villmarkssenter has six permanent photo sheds, which are used for different species, different times of the year. Most well-known is perhaps their shed for golden eagles, where award-winning nature photographers from home and abroad have visited. Both BBC and National Geographic have filmed several scenes for their nature films here.

In a photo shed  you have a great opportunity to be completely invisible to the outside world. Inside the shed you have a nice view through sooted glass to a ready-made photo arena that birds and animals seek unaware that you are present in their everyday lives.

We can accommodate individuals - friends and groups up to 12 people.

Last updated: 01/02/2024

Source: Vest Telemark

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