The Landscape of Telemark

The landscapes of Telemark varies from the lighthouses and fishermen's dwellings on the coast, the inland farmland with flower fields and beautiful old wooden buildings to the impressive high mountains in the north.

When crossing the Skagerrak strait to Telemark by boat, you sail through a stunning archipelago. Its numerous islands and protected waters make this area popular with anyone interested in boats. The largest island is Jomfruland whose geology dates back to the shrinking of the ice sheet in the last ice age. (www.geanor.no <http://www.geanor.no/> ) Many of the islands are farmed to this day. The fishermen living along the coast harvest fresh seafood from the waters of the Skagerrak strait daily, and there are several annual fish festivals, such as the Baccalao Festival in Brevik, as a result of the abundance of the catch from these waters.
The history of the inland landscape is interesting. For centuries, the geological resources have supported local industry, such as limestone quarrying and porcelain production. Following the ice age, large areas were submerged below the sea leading to some of the best agricultural areas being located in lower Telemark where the soil is especially suitable for the cultivation of vegetables and potatoes. The Telemark Canal starts in Skien, allowing you to travel through this fertile landscape right into the heart of the county.

(www.telemarkskanalen.no <http://www.telemarkskanalen.no/> ).
Further inland, in the central part of the county, the landscape is dominated by the impressive Lifjell mountain and by lake Norsjø. The climate here is conducive to the cultivation of corn and fruit. Every fourth apple produced in Norway is grown in this part of the country. (www.eplefest.no <http://www.eplefest.no/> ).
Whether travelling by water or on land, the journey further inland to the upper parts of the county reveals a varied landscape. This is where you will see what most typifies Telemark as the landscape fluctuates between deep forests to open villages with picturesque lakes and imposing mountains. The Telemark cattle, one of the oldest breeds in Norway, are prevalent in this region. Today they epitomise the optimism of current developments in agriculture. (www.telemarkfe.no <http://www.telemarkfe.no/> )