Dalen Hotel

Dalen Hotel is often called the "fairy tale hotel" – and it's easy to see why. The hotel opened in 1894 by Lake Bandak, where the Telemark Canal ends, and is built in an extravagant national romantic style with dragon heads, towers, spires, and carved balconies. It is one of Norway's largest wooden buildings and one of the best-preserved hotels of its size from the 19th century, once a popular destination for Europe's royalty.

The rooms are decorated in historic style, and at Restaurant Bandak, seasonal menus are served featuring some of Telemark's best ingredients. There is also afternoon tea, a piano bar, and the Soria Moria sauna by the water. The hotel offers stays year-round – from summer canal trips to tranquil autumn and winter days, and Christmas ambiance in December.

Dalen Hotel is perfect for a romantic and cultural historical weekend – ideally combined with a trip on the Telemark Canal with the vintage boat M/S Henrik Ibsen.