Drive it Yourself: Scenic Telemark Drive on the Fv37 & Fv38
Telemark is a fascinating part of Norway and best viewed with a road-trip. Here’s where I recommend going.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 13,000 / 59.3 degrees north
Notodden, Norway
Notodden is an industrial town and part of the UNESCO World Heritage area for industry in Norway. Close by is the famous Heddal Stave Church, the largest of the 28 remaining stave churches.
About Notodden
Latitude: 59.3 degrees north
Population: 13,000
Hottest month: July
Coldest month: February
Wettest month: October
Windiest month: January
Annual precipitation: 555mm
Notodden Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Notodden
Uniquely Notodden
Here are some things that you must do and try in Notodden
Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage
Notodden’s unique industrial history has put it on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the towns of Rjukan, Odda, and Tyssedal.
Festival
Notodden Blues Festival
Notodden hosts one of Europe’s largest blues festivals.
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Notodden
Church
Heddal Stave Church
Located a short drive out of Notodden, Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church and is from the 13th century.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Notodden
The E134 from Oslo/Drøbak to Haugesund
The E134 follows one of the historic routes between east and west Norway. It provides a nice alternative to taking the E16 (the main highway) between Bergen and Oslo. On this drive you pass a number of historic churches, most notably Heddal Stave Church, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage region of Notodden-Rjukan. As you approach the mountains, you can see some of the original roads that the earliest travellers used – and even drive on them in the summer! This drive ends at Haugesund, a known Viking settlement located halfway between Bergen and Stavanger.
Scenic Telemark Drive (Fv37 & Fv38)
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.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Notodden
Notodden on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Notodden
History of Notodden
The original community was based around Heddal, while Notodden was a small agricultural community. In the mid-19th century, it was realised that the large waterfalls would be perfect for hydropower. By 1900, Notodden had emerged as an industrial town.
The city’s population went from 1,000 to 5,000 in 10 years and the town was built up by Norsk Hydro.
Much of the industry died down in the 1980s, and since then Notodden has emerged as a trade and service centre.
Notodden Today
Today Notodden is an administrative centre. It has a department of the University of Telemark here.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Notodden has a small airport.
Drive: Notodden is located on the E134 coming from Oslo and heading towards Haugesund.
Train: No train access
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
You’ll need a car to get to the stave church.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Places to Stay
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
Lystang Glamping & Cabins: Click here to view rates & book
Cabins & B&Bs
Bolkesjø Gård: Click here to view rates & book
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Brattrein Hotel: Click here to view rates & book
All Posts About Notodden
Heddal Stave Church
Explore Norway’s largest and most famous stave church, Heddal Stave Church.
Industrial Heritage in Rjukan, Telemark
Overview of Rjukan’s development from remote ski destination to industrial powerhouse. Includes Vemork & the heavy water production.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 9:07am
Sunset: 3:57pm
Average Temperature: -4.5C (24F)
February
Sunrise: 8am
Sunset: 5:14pm
Average Temperature: -3.5C (26F)
March
Sunrise: 6:40am
Sunset: 6:24pm
Average Temperature: 0.5C (33F)
April
Sunrise: 6:08am
Sunset: 8:38pm
Average Temperature: 5.6C (42F)
May
Sunrise: 4:49am
Sunset: 9:50pm
Average Temperature: 10.8C (52F)
June
Sunrise: 4:04am
Sunset: 10:43pm
Average Temperature: 14.6C (58F)
July
Sunrise: 4:30am
Sunset: 10:26pm
Average Temperature: 17.1C (63F)
August
Sunrise: 5:38am
Sunset: 9:14pm
Average Temperature: 15.5C (60F)
September
Sunrise: 6:50am
Sunset: 7:44pm
Average Temperature: 11.2C (52F)
October
Sunrise: 8am
Sunset: 6:16pm
Average Temperature: 4.9C (41F)
November
Sunrise: 8:17am
Sunset: 3:56pm
Average Temperature: 0.6C (33F)
December
Sunrise: 9:15am
Sunset: 3:20pm
Average Temperature: -4.2C (24F)