Summary
A former lumber city located in Southern Norway’s Telemark County, Skien is encircled by various water bodies, with lakes, fjords, and idyllic islands nearby.
The esteemed playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen was born in Skien and resided in various locations around the city until the age of 15. One of his childhood residences, at Venstøp, is now a museum that elaborates on his early years within a preserved early 19th-century property that still features a bowling alley used by the Ibsen family.
Commencing at Skien, the Telemark Canal is an extensive waterway extending to Dalen, over 100 kilometers to the west. Visitors may hike or cycle along sections of the canal or enjoy the breathtaking mountainous scenery and historic locks aboard a heritage boat.
Now, let us delve into the top attractions in Skien:
1. Telemark Canal
This canal was a remarkable development that rendered a significant section of Telemark County navigable during the latter half of the 19th century.
A living heritage site, the Telemark Canal encompasses two waterways: The Norsjø–Skien canal, which links Skien to Norsjø Lake, and the longer Bandak–Nordsjø Canal, completed 40 years later, reaching Dalen, 133 kilometers to the east.
Numerous ways exist to experience the canal and its splendid natural surroundings, whether through hiking, driving, canoeing, kayaking, or by chartering personal vessels.
Nevertheless, the most straightforward option is to board one of the heritage boats, MS Henrik Ibsen or MS Victoria, traversing 18 locks, including the impressive flight of five chambers at Vrangfoss.
2. Brekkeparken
Situated on a hilltop adjacent to downtown Skien, Brekkeparken is an outdoor museum featuring historic buildings relocated from various parts of Telemark County.
The structures comprise farmhouses, mills, and workshops, dating from the 17th century to the early 20th century, allowing visitors a glimpse into the modest living conditions of bygone eras.
The park also includes a café with stunning views of the city, a duck pond, and vibrant flower beds.
Approximately in mid-May, Brekkeparken is adorned with thousands of blooming tulips.
The grand 19th-century manor house hosts seasonal exhibitions.
3. Henrik Ibsen Museum
Located at Venstøp, five kilometers north of Skien, you can visit the home where Henrik Ibsen lived from ages seven to fifteen.
The estate features a preserved farmhouse from 1815, accompanied by a washhouse, barn, worker quarters, and storehouse.
In the orchard, you can find a bowling alley constructed in the 1830s, where guests of Knud and Marichen Ibsen (Henrik’s parents) entertained friends nearly two centuries ago.
The exhibitions focus exclusively on Ibsen’s childhood and educational experiences, exploring how they influenced his writing.
At the café, do indulge in a slice of honey cake, a childhood favorite of Ibsen.
4. Skien Kirke
Among the largest churches in Norway, the neo-Gothic Skien Kirke was consecrated in 1894, following the destruction of its predecessor by fire.
This church was constructed with the intention of becoming a cathedral, which accounts for its substantial size.
Except during the occupation government in World War II, Skien Kirke has consistently served as a parish church.
The interior features exquisite decorations, including floral and fleur-de-lis pattern paintings, alongside stunning stained-glass windows in the choir, sacristy, and transept.
The pulpit is another artistic highlight, showcasing portraits of nine notable figures from Norwegian ecclesiastical history framed by glazed bricks.
The organ situated above the gallery on the west side is one of the largest in the nation, comprising 5,000 pipes.
5. Skien Fritidspark
Established in 2008, Skien Fritidspark is a large recreational park accommodating activities catered to individuals of all ages, throughout the year.
From November to March, the park features an outdoor ice rink and, weather permitting, a slope for skiing and snowboarding.
During this season, you can also support Skien IK, the local ice hockey team, as they host home games within the arena.
Curling is available throughout the year, while the facility’s indoor water park, spa and wellness center, and fitness area are accessible in all seasons.
In the summer months, activities include an outdoor rope course, mini-golf, 24-hour frisbee golf, or utilizing one of the five tennis courts.
Other sports available include indoor climbing, badminton, and beach volleyball, ensuring an activity to accommodate everyone.
6. Ibsenhuset
Named in tribute to Skien’s most renowned resident, Ibsenhuset was Norway’s most contemporary cultural center upon its inauguration in 1973. All rooms within are named after Ibsen’s literary masterpieces.
The main auditorium, dubbed “Dovregubbens Hall,” accommodates 800 spectators, while “Peer Gynt Hall” seats 250. Both venues feature a diverse schedule of classical concerts, ballet performances, rock concerts, seminars, plays, and children’s shows.
The foyer serves as a space for art exhibitions organized by the Skien Art Association.
In September, Ibsenhuset hosts the ceremony for the Norwegian Ibsen Award, recognizing the nation’s leading playwrights.
7. Gjerpen Church
Situated by Skien’s Børsesjø lake, Gjerpen Church is among the oldest churches in Norway, completed in 1153, merely a century after Christianity was formally introduced to the nation.
A cherished example of Norwegian heritage, Gjerpen Church is one of the few remaining Medieval structures in Norway still in use today, frequently sought after for christenings and weddings.
The architecture primarily reflects Romanesque design, evident from the square western tower and the small semicircular window openings.
In 1959, Vidkun Quisling, head of the occupying government, was interred in the adjacent cemetery, 14 years following his execution during the legal purge.
8. Island-hopping on the Langesundsfjord
Located south of Skien, just beyond Porsgrunn, the Skien River flows into Friefjord, which is an extension of the larger Langesundsfjord.
Conveniently accessible from the city, this fjord is adorned with small islands, where one can enjoy delightful days exploring various locations, dining at charming restaurants, cycling through meadows and forests, and swimming in natural pools.
A total of nine islands can be reached by ferry services from Helgeroa, Brevik, and Stathelle Langesund.
Sandøya, a ten-minute ferry ride from Brevik, is a hiker’s paradise, featuring lush forests and gently sloping hills.
9. DuVerden Maritime Museum and Science Centre
Located five kilometers south is the small town of Porsgrunn, home to a science and maritime museum housed within an asymmetrical building along the riverfront.
This center integrates Porsgrunn’s maritime and industrial heritage with high-tech interactive displays, enabling children to learn through active participation.
Visitors can experience the control of a container ship, simulate weather conditions with a dedicated weather turntable, operate a crane, measure their reaction times, and enjoy 3D films about the International Space Station in the amphitheater.
10. Porsgrund Porcelain Factory
Porsgrund, Norway’s sole china manufactory, was established in 1885 as a partnership between ship owner and entrepreneur Johan Jeremiassen and German ceramicist Carl Maria Bauer.
Within two years, the factory produced its first set of fine china, and 130 years later, it continues to employ traditional production methods.
Porsgrund supplies tableware to Norway’s royal family, and visitors can observe the firing and painting processes while conversing with the factory personnel.
There is also a small museum displaying significant pieces from the brand’s history, where one may find it challenging to leave without acquiring a piece of this “white gold.”
11. Borgestad Church
This church was established in 1907 by Norwegian Prime Minister Gunnar Knudsen as a memorial for his daughter, who passed away at the age of 16 in 1902. At first glance, the building, characterized by its crenellated tower and ogival arches, appears much older.
The design was attributed to architect Henrik Nielsen, while the renowned artist Emanuel Vigeland crafted the 24 stained glass windows, painted between 1918 and 1919, depicting biblical tales such as the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Upon exiting, visitors may notice a cheerful angel dancing among the clouds with a harp adorning the gallery.
12. Ulefos Hovedgaard
A visit to this estate, constructed in 1807 as a summer residence for landowner and businessman Niels Aall and his wife Christine Johanne Blom, is not to be missed.
Surrounded by an English park, Ulefos Hovedgaard is recognized as the finest exemplification of Empire architecture and decor in Norway.
The palace is topped with a grand dome and situated on an elevated location offering distant views of the sea.
The Telemark Museum manages the property, and the highlight of the tour is the great hall, Havesalen, featuring marble-effect pilasters flanked by striking murals depicting Norwegian waterfalls, two of which were painted by a Swedish prisoner of war.
13. Adventure Factory
This indoor facility provides an excellent environment for children aged 1 to 13 to unleash their energy through climbing, jumping, playing games, and overcoming puzzles.
The Adventure Factory is recognized as the largest indoor play park in Scandinavia, equipped with slides, ball pits, and soft obstacles.
A designated area is reserved for children aged one to three to engage in activities.
Parents can enjoy a peaceful hour or two at the café, watching one of the large-screen televisions, playing billiards or table tennis, and utilizing the complimentary Wi-Fi.
14. Langesundstangen
Skien is conveniently close to the Skagerrak strait on the coast, and just over 20 kilometers to the south, a natural park can be found at the southern tip of the Langesund Peninsula.
However, what makes this area captivating is its history as a site of a German coastal fortress during World War II.
Subsequently, the fortress was adopted by the Norwegian Home Guard and Coastal Artillery until its decommissioning in 1993. Even to this day, the peninsula is dotted with bunkers, secret tunnels carved from rock, and artillery positions.
The chalky soil and moderate climate foster a diverse range of rare plant life, making the peninsula one of the region’s prime locations for observing migratory seabirds.
15. Mersmak i Skien
If your visit coincides with the final weekend of August, you will be in time for the Mersmak i Skien food festival.
Now in its eleventh year, the festival features cooking courses, competitions, demonstrations, and a massive organic breakfast on Saturday morning, accompanied by evening concerts.
Children are also included in the activities, with workshops designed to teach them fish preparation and another for creating their own confectionery.
Moreover, if you fancy stockfish or sweet Norwegian cheese, local producers assemble stalls at the waterside market, where international street food is also available for tasting.
