Discover Ulefoss

Ulefoss is best explored through its locks and the history of the Telemark Canal. The lock system consists of three chambers and overcomes a lift of 10.7 metres. The way it operates is also remarkable: the locks are still opened and closed by hand. Their chambers are built of dressed natural stone. As the first lock system on the Bandak–Norsjø Canal, they offer a tangible insight into the construction and function of this waterway.

Locks, canal history and architecture

Directly opposite the locks is the Iron and Canal Exhibition. Pictures, models and historical objects tell the story of the Telemark Canal. If you like to alternate between exploring engineering works and historical exhibits, this gives you two different ways to discover the canal. Ulefos Hovedgaard, an exceptional Empire-style building in Norway, is also nearby. It was built as a summer residence for the Aall family and completed in 1807. Ulefos Hovedgaard can be reached by boat via the Telemark Canal.

Øvre Verket is another place with its own history: this protected settlement comprises workers’ homes associated with Ulefos Jernværk. Today, the workers’ houses accommodate museums, exhibitions, shops and workshops. In summer, visitors can explore the gift shop, exhibitions, galleries and second-hand bookshop.

Church ruins and geological traces

The ruins of Holla Church, also called Holla gamle kirke, date back to a stone church built around 1100 on Hollahaugen near Ulefoss. The site is part of the Gea Norvegica Geopark. From Holla Hill, visitors can look out over the area where the Fen volcano once stood. The volcano has eroded, but traces of its former volcanic conduit are still visible. The history of the church is thus connected with a landscape whose geological past can be read at the surface.

The Fensfeltet Geology Exhibition offers another perspective on geology. It displays rare minerals and rocks from Fensfeltet near Ulefoss. Together with the view from Holla Hill, it offers insight both into the exhibited specimens and the traces of the former volcanic landscape. If you are interested in cultural history and geology, these topics can provide different focal points for your days in Ulefoss.

Getting around by bike, bus and boat

The Norsjø Panorama cycling route includes a detour to the Ulefoss locks. The route connects industrial history, medieval culture, activities and lovely waterside picnic spots. For a trip together, it offers an active way to see the region, with stops focused on culture and history; the detour leads specifically to the locks. To reach the ruins of Holla Church, take the bus to Ulefoss sentrum and then walk for about 15–20 minutes. Ulefos Hovedgaard can be reached by boat via the Telemark Canal. These different ways of getting around make choosing the right kind of outing part of the planning.

Choose Ulefoss as your holiday destination

If you are interested in a holiday apartment in Ulefoss, you can choose where to stay based on the experiences that appeal to you most: the hand-operated locks, canal and industrial history, exhibitions, or traces of the Fen volcano. The places described offer a range of themes rather than just one main attraction. Access to individual sights also varies: the ruins of Holla Church can be reached by bus and on foot, while Ulefos Hovedgaard is accessible by boat via the Telemark Canal. So choose Ulefoss according to which of these stories and routes you want to shape your trip. You can also include Lunde in your wider choice of places to stay.

For the main travel overview: Nome.