Winter adventures in Telemark – no skis required

Looking for an active winter holiday without putting on a pair of skis? Telemark offers plenty of winter activities for all ages. Drive your own team of huskies across the mountains, head out on a snowmobile safari or explore Norway’s largest snow fort. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy winter in Telemark without skis.

Join a snowmobile safari in the mountains

If you’re looking for speed and excitement surrounded by beautiful winter scenery, head to Rauland Adventure for a guided snowmobile safari through snow-covered mountain terrain.

The experience lasts around three hours, including thorough instruction before setting off. There’s also a break along the way, with a packed snack from local Lega Bakery and a cup of hot cocoa.

If you hold the required Class S driving license and prefer to explore the trail network at your own pace, snowmobiles are also available to rent for the day.

Discover Telemark’s winter landscapes by dog sled

For a memorable experience with both animals and nature, try dog sledding at the foot of Hardangervidda. Haukeli Husky takes you into the mountain landscape with its friendly Alaskan huskies.

Choose from shorter seven-kilometer trips to half-day tours through gently rolling mountain terrain. No previous experience is required, as professional guides provide all the instruction you need before setting off.

Nearby in Rauland, you’ll also find Telemark Husky Tour. With a team of eager huskies, they offer:

• introductory tours where two people share a sled and take turns driving
• family-friendly trips in Holtardalen
• longer day trips including a hot lunch in a traditional lavvo tent

Fun winter activities for the whole family

Sledding and ice skating are winter classics that the whole family can enjoy. Telemark has plenty of good sledding hills, both natural ones and slopes at ski resorts. Several resorts have dedicated children’s areas, making it easy to combine sledding with a day of skiing.

For ice skating, there are both indoor and outdoor options. Skien Fritidspark offers indoor ice skating throughout the winter, while Porsgrunn has an outdoor ice rink in the city center when temperatures are cold enough.

Norway’s largest snow fort at Vierli

At Vierli in Rauland, the snow fort is a winter playground for both children and adults. More than just a fort made of snow, it offers plenty of opportunities to play, explore and have fun together.

Children can race down the sledding hills, crawl through tunnels and explore their own snow-covered kingdom while adults enjoy the winter atmosphere. The snow fort is conveniently located in the children’s area at Rauland Skisenter, making it an easy addition to a family day in the mountains.