Pre-tour 1: M/S Victoria at the Telemark Canal from Skien to Notodden
Welcome to a journey from coast to inland on the Telemark Canal from Skien to Notodden with M/S Victoria. The journey starts at Hjellebrygga in Skien, via Løveid locks, over Norsjø, up Suaherad river and over Lake Heddal to Notodden. On the trip there are a lot of historically interesting places, and the guide on board will tell you about what we pass along the way. A tasty buffet is served on board the boat.
Duration: 4,5 hours
Price: 1690,- excl. VAT
The Telemark Canal
The Telemark Canal was carved into the mountain, well over 100 years ago. When the canal was completed in 1892 it was designated as one of the “eight wonders” in Europe. 500 men had worked for five years, blasting through the mountain. With a total of eighteen lock chambers, the canal between Skien and Dalen, became a 105 km voyage with a height difference of 72 meters.
The canal was called “Hurtigruten” (the fast route) between eastern Norway and Western Norway and was also the most important route between upper and lower Telemark for people, livestock, goods and timber. Today, there are tourists from near and far who come to experience this unique waterway that looks just like it did a hundred years ago.
M/S Victoria
D/S Victoria was built in 1882 at Aker’s Mechanical Workshop in Oslo. In 1953, the boat was converted into a motor ship and has been the subject of several rebuilds over the years. Today M/S Victoria is the queen of the canal.