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.
Latitude: 59.2 degrees north
Population: 532
Tokke Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Dalen.
Located in an outdoor museum, Eidsborg Stave Church dates back to the 13th century and is a beautiful example of a stave church.
This is an open-air museum with houses collected from all over the Telemark region.
A 350 m cliff viewpoint with “buoyancy” winds. On a clear day the panorama over Tokke valley is stunning (a pavilion for royal visitors was built here in 1878
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
In the summer months, it’s possible to join a guided boat trip on the Telemark Canal. The Canal, completed in 1892, connects many of the villages in the Telemark region to the sea. It has been famous ever since, with people travelling from all over Europe to see the canal system.
Dalen is located close to the Hardangervidda Plateau, which is a very popular place for hiking and skiing.
This challenging but worthwhile hike is around 14 kilometres one way (allow about 6 hours) but offers spectacular views over the Telemark canal.
Click here to learn more about the hike.
A modern lakeside art installation – a gold-flecked sauna on Lake Bandak. Available for rent year-round, it offers scenic views of the fjord-like landscape
This is a gentle 4 km loop along the canal. It passes the pier by Dalen Hotel, a small riverside island with birch woodland, and the Soria Moria sauna site. Terrain is flat-to-rolling; suitable for families and mountain bikers
A 3 km path from Eidsborg museum up to the historic whetstone quarry. The trail crosses mixed forest; interpretive signs explain the 1,000-year whetstone industry here. Also Hell (Helveteshylen) Bridge – a short (1.5 km) return hike across the suspension footbridge over Tokkeåi in a canyon.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Dalen.
The traditional region of Telemark is known for its remote villages, large forests, and huge ski culture. In old times, Telemark was a rough and lawless place, but now it has transformed into a popular place for people to come for outdoor activities. Telemark is home to the iconic Telemark Canal, was the birthplace of skiing, saw one of the greatest acts of resistance during the war, and has some of Norway’s tall peaks. This drive on two highways – the Fv37 and Fv38 – will take you past the major highlights of the region.
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Dalen.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Dalen
Dalen’s story is tied to the Telemark Canal. Before 1892 the valley was remote; the canal’s completion made Dalen a bustling terminus port. Wealth from timber (river floats) and later hydro power built the town. The romantic Dalen Hotel was erected in 1894; it hosted dignitaries and royalty (in 1878 Crown Prince Gustav of Sweden rode from Dalen to see Raven’s Gorge.
Local industries included a whetstone quarry (Eidsborg stone was prized by Vikings) and the Åmdals Verk copper mine (19th c.). In the 1950s the Tokke power project (Tokke–Vinje dams) brought another boom; a memorial in Dalen honours the 23 workers killed building the hydropower plant. Through it all, traditional Telemark culture endures – from Hardanger fiddle music to folk costumes (several regional museums, like Vest-Telemark, preserve this heritage).
Today Dalen (pop.≈570) is a quiet village at the head of Lake Bandak. Tt remains Tokke’s administrative centre, with a school, shops, and municipal services. Tourism (canal boats, hotels) and a few factories (engineering, chemicals) underpin the economy. Local life is rural and community-oriented: in summer, the pier buzzes with tourists, in winter, neighbours gather for sauna evenings or community events. Small shops (bakery, grocer, hardware) and cafés serve daily needs. Folk traditions are strong – you’ll hear Telemark dialect and see bunad costumes at festivals. Despite its remoteness, Dalen has modern amenities (fibre internet, electric-car charging at local businesses, etc.) and year-round transport links to bigger towns.
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.
Dalen is a walkable village, though a car is recommended if you want to get to the stave church or museum.
You’ll find regional specialties like cured meats and cheeses (from local dairies) at some shops. Woollen goods (Telemark sweater) and traditional breads can appear seasonally at markets. A yarn shop in nearby Lårdal (Nøsteriet) is famous among knitters.
Cafes & Bakeries
Kafé Grimdalen – at the Grimdalstunet museum, offering coffee, waffles and traditional dishes. Museum Café Eidsborg – adjoining the Vest-Telemark Museum by the stave church, with light meals and baked goods. Lastein also doubles as a café when the boats dock.
Casual Eateries
Lastein Bryggje Kafe is located by the river and has nice meals. It’s also the town pub on weekends. Hallbjønnsekken Fjellstue is a cosy mountain lodge-restaurant en route to Rjukan, serving hearty Norwegian home cooking. Nova (Dalen) is small diner/bar in town (pizza, pub fare).
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Bandak (in Dalen Hotel) – a high-end eatery with French-inspired menu using local produce. The elegant setting (grand wood-paneled hall) is ideal for special-occasion meals.
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.
Camping
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.
Bandak Camping (Lårdal) is beachside camping next to Bandak lake, basic cabins and docks.
Lodges & B&Bs
Dalen Bed and Breakfast is a small family-run business with an excellent breakfast.
Chains & Mid-Range
Hallbjønnsekken Høyfjellsenter – mountain lodge high above Dalen (rooms and hostel-style dorms). Skattekammeret (Lårdal) – charming canal-side hotel/restaurant between Dalen and Åmot. Telemarkssylv Stable – unique cottage in an old stable, next to a silversmith’s workshop.
High End & Unique Properties
Dalen Hotel is one of Norway’s most historic properties. The hotel is designed in the dragestil architecture. The hotel opened in 1894 for the European royalty and elite who were coming to see the Telemark Canal. The hotel fell into disrepair during World War II, but was since restored and re-opened in 1992.
Telemark is a fascinating part of Norway and best viewed with a road-trip. Here’s where I recommend going.
Explore hidden valleys and high peaks when driving between two of the most attractive towns in Southern Norway.
Eidsborg Stave Church is an important pilgrim site and is located in the West Telemark open air museum.