Set in the postcard-perfect landscapes of inland Telemark, this peaceful village is the starting point for hiking and biking trails.
Lakes, rivers and mountains, which pierce clear blue skies, set the scene for magnificent outdoor adventures in Dalen. With a pretty village set on the banks of Lake Bandak, it is an idyllic blend of human development and nature. Spend your days in Dalen hiking to mountain lookouts, visiting art galleries and cruising one of the world’s most beautiful waterways.
The compact centre is pleasant to discover on foot and glimpses of the wondrous surroundings await at the turn of every corner. Dalen Hotel is a good example of Dragestil architecture and Goldsmith Vinjerui showcases centuries of glassmaking traditions. The world-famous Telemark Canal flows for 65 miles (105 kilometres) from the lakeshore, through 18 locks and past numerous lakes to Skien. Discover it aboard historic boats, such as M/S Henrik Ibsen and M/S Victoria, cruise the clear water via rented kayak or bike waterfront trails.
A few miles south of the village is Grimdalstunet, the former home of sculptor Anne Grimdalen with an exhibition of her works. Join a guided tour of Tokke Power Station. In the neighboring village of Eidsborg, the West-Telemark Museum Eidsborg celebrates the art and history of Western Telemark. Admire the wooden architecture of the 800-year-old Eidsborg Stave Church.
Put on a pair of comfortable shoes and follow marked trails into the Telemark countryside. Visit Rui, a farmstead set on a mountainside where two sisters lived a solitary life until their 90s. Peer down the sheer walls of Raven Gorge and marvel as fallen leaves are blown back up by a powerful airstream. The Lårdalstigen is a 9-mile (14-kilometre) long walking route high above the Telemark Canal.
Keen anglers will enjoy fishing for trout on Lake Bandak and the Tokke River. Learn about the area’s copper mining heritage at Åmdals Verk Mine. Whatever you decide to do, keep watch for wildlife such as deer, eagles and foxes.
Buses reach Dalen from Bergen, Oslo and several towns in Telemark county. Once here, settle into the easygoing way of life and experience attractions without large tourist crowds.
