About

Discover the idyllic cycling route to Langen in Landsmarka, a perfect trip for families and history enthusiasts. This 19 km loop combines flat terrain, scenic swimming spots, and fascinating cultural heritage along the Telemark Canal.

Key Facts

  • Distance: 19 km (round trip)
  • Duration: Approx. 1 hour (cycling time)
  • Difficulty: Easy / Family-friendly
  • Terrain: Suitable for standard bicycles and hybrid bikes.

Starting Point: Lunde Lock

Lunde Lock (Lunde sluse) is the ideal hub for cycling adventures in the region. The area serves as a vibrant meeting point along the Telemark Canal with the following facilities:

  • Dining & Parking: A charming restaurant, park area, and free parking.
  • Logistics: The canal boats meet here daily, and the canal buses have a scheduled stop.
  • Bike Rentals: The neighboring First Camp Lunde – Telemark is a certified "Cyclist Welcome" establishment, offering rentals and equipment.
  • Proximity: Only 1 km from Lunde town center with grocery stores.

Explore Landsmarka: Nature and History

The route leads you into Landsmarka, a beautiful area known for its tranquil nature and rich industrial past. Interestingly, the water system here flows north, unlike most other waterways in Telemark.

Tyri – From Industrial Hub to Riverside Idyll

Take a break at Lake Tyrivatnet and dive into the local history:

  • Industrial Heritage: For centuries, Tyri was a center for brickworks, grain mills, and sawmills. Farmers traveled from far and wide to grind their corn here.
  • Cultural Remains: Walk 200 meters downstream to see the ruins of the old brickworks dating back to the 1860s.
  • Activities: Excellent opportunities for a refreshing swim in the river or the lake.

Hike Highlight: Hestefjell (405 m.a.s.l.)

For those looking to combine cycling with hiking, Hestefjell is a great choice:

  • Trail: Well-marked with red indicators.
  • Time: Approx. 1 hour to the summit.
  • The View: A historic fire watchtower stands at the top. From the nearby viewpoints, you get a stunning panoramic view of the entire Landsmarka region.

Hike Highlight: Vestre Nuke

Another scenic detour is the loop to Vestre Nuke:

  • Distance: 4.5 km loop in varied forest terrain.
  • Terrain: Follows an old timber road. Note that some sections are quite steep.
  • Reward: Incredible views overlooking Landsmarka. This hike is part of the local "Top Ten" list.

Practical Information

The Landsmarka waterway consists of a chain of lakes: Tyrivatn, Langen, Sannavatn, and Børten. The entire route is well-signed, making it easy to combine your cycling trip with short walks on foot.

Tip: Pack your swimwear and a picnic. There are numerous idyllic spots along the shores of Lake Langen to relax and enjoy the view.