Location
Uncover the Hidden Beauty of Skotfoss
With its serene riverbanks and rolling green hills, Skotfoss is a beautiful haven for those seeking nature
7 min
Skien City Center
2 min
Skotfoss Downtown
2 min
0 min
45 min
Torp Airport
2 hours
Oslo City
FAQ section
Find answers to common questions about Skotfoss, from outdoor adventures to everyday conveniences
What hiking trails are accessible?
Skotfoss offers a variety of beautiful hiking opportunities for all ages:
- One of the highlights is the Skotfoss Cultural Trail, a scenic 3.5 km route that starts at Løveid Locks and winds its way through lush forest areas along the Telemark Canal.
- Just behind Skotfoss Bruk, you’ll find Skotfoss Forest, a green and peaceful area with trails perfect for both short walks and longer hikes in tranquil surroundings.
- For those who want to explore further, marked paths continue up into Gulsetmarka, a larger hiking area located about 2.4 km from the historic site of Bruget.
If you would like more tour suggestions, we recommend visiting topptur.no to find more routes nearby.
Water adventures on the Telemark Canal
The river and lake surrounding Skotfoss provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, including:
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Diving
- Fishing for salmon and sea trout
- Boat trips on the Telemark Canal aboard vintage boats
For more details, visit Telemarkskanalen.no and Visit Telemark.
What winter sports are available in the area?
n winter, it is possible to ice skate on the river. Additionally, the surrounding forests offer great opportunities for cross-country skiing, with groomed trails for both classic skiing and skating.
For those who want to go downhill skiing, Siljan Ski Resort is just 25 minutes away, while Gautefall Ski Resort, a larger facility with several slopes and excellent amenities, is about an hour's drive from Skotfoss.
What sports facilities are available?
Skotfoss offers a wide range of sports and outdoor activities:
- Skotfoss Football Field is located 300 meters away.
- Gulset Sports Park, 4 kilometers from Skotfoss, offers facilities for football and athletics.
- Skotfoss Gymnastics and Sports Association organizes football, gymnastics, and skiing activities.
More information can be found on their official website.
Where do i find the nearest gym?
Where are the nearest grocery store?
Nearby grocery stores include:
- Coop Skotfoss (ca. 500 meter unna)
- Kiwi Myren (ca. 5 km unna)
Where are the nearest grocery store?
Local grocery stores include Coop Skotfoss, approximately 500 meters away, and Kiwi Myren, about 5 kilometers from here.
How far is it to the nearest shopping center?
There are several larger shopping centers near Skotfoss, whether you need groceries, a pharmacy, clothing, or want to dine out:
- Gulset Senteret: Approximately an 8-minute drive from Skotfoss. Gulset Senteret offers a variety of amenities, including a pharmacy, various shops, dining options, and diverse services.
- Herkules Senter: Located about 7.5 kilometers from Skotfoss. Herkules Senter is Telemark’s largest shopping center, boasting 111 stores and restaurants.
What public transport options are available nearby?
- Local bus routes stop within walking distance of Skotfoss Brug, providing easy access to Skien city center and nearby areas.
- Skien train station is about a 10-minute drive away and offers both regional and national train connections.
For timetables and more information, visit Farte.no.
Where can I find the nearest airport?
- Skien Airport, Geiteryggen: Is the closest airport to Skotfoss, approximately a 15-minute drive from Skotfoss. However, this regional airport has limited commercial flights.
- Sandefjord Airport, Torp: Around a 45-minute drive from Skotfoss. Torp offers a range of domestic and international flights.
- Oslo Airport, Gardermoen: Approximately a 2-hour drive from Skotfoss. Gardermoen is Norway’s primary airport, offering extensive flight options.
What kindergartens and schools are available in the Skotfoss area?
- Espira Kulturstien: A private kindergarten located next to Skotfoss Bruk in Skien municipality. The kindergarten focuses on friendship, play, and relationships to enhance children's social skills and well-being.
- Skotfoss School: Primary school that caters students from 1st to 7th grade, and is part of Skotfoss Oppvekstsenter. It is located along the Telemark Canal, near Skotfoss Church.
For more information, visit the official website.
Velkommen til Skotfoss
Skotfoss is a historic riverside town along the Telemark Canal, known for its industrial heritage and beautiful natural surroundings. Once a hub for Norway’s paper industry, the area has evolved into a welcoming community offering:
- Scenic hiking trailssuch as the Skotfoss Cultural Trail
- Water activities including kayaking and fishing
- A neighborhood with schools, kindergartens, and essential services
Only seven minutes from Skien, Skotfoss provides a balance between peaceful nature and modern convenience
The Telemark Canal
The Telemark Canal is a historic waterway connecting Skien to the heart of Telemark. Known for its impressive locks and breathtaking landscapes, it remains one of Norway’s greatest engineering achievements. Flowing through forests, lakes, and small towns, the canal offers:
- Løveid Locks, located in close proximity to Skotfoss Brug, Løveid Locks raise boats 10 meters between Norsjø and Skienselva through three connected locks.
- Scenic boat trips on the historic canal boats, MS Victoria and MS Henrik Ibsen, where you can experience the scenic waterway up close.
- Opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing along the canal, perfect for those looking to explore the area on the water.
The Telemark Canal continues to be a vital link between past and present, attracting visitors who want to experience Norway’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Welcome to Telemark
Telemark and Grenland are among Norway’s most diverse regions, offering a mix of history, industry, and natural beauty. The area is known for:
- Diverse landscapes,from coastal areas and rolling hills to deep fjords and high mountains
- Rich industrial and maritime heritage,deeply rooted in Norway’s economic history
- Economic growth,with Skien as a key player in industrial development, technology, and green innovation
- Tourist attractions,including the Telemark Canal, cultural landmarks, and coastal trails that attract visitors from around the world
- A leader in sustainable industry,with several initiatives focused on green technology and environmental innovation
Telemark continue to shape Norway’s future while preserving their strong historical and cultural identity.
A Region on the Rise
Skotfoss is strategically located in the Telemark region, nestled between major industrial hubs and key areas of economic development. The region is increasingly attracting leading companies and new ventures within green industry and innovation.
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Google's establishment of World’s Largest Data Centers in Skien
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Close to major industrial sites in Grenland, including Herøya, Frier Vest and the Fens Field
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A growing demand for new housing and workplaces
- Strong regional focus on green technology and sustainable value creation
This gives Skotfoss a strong foundation for developing a forward-looking neighborhood where nature, business and community go hand in hand.
THE NEW SKOTFOSS BRUG
Skotfossvegen 275, 3720 Skien
Fens Field
Rundt 4.500 mål utenfor Ulefoss
2.000 mål på Gromstul i Skien
Frier Vest
3 700 mål ved Frierfjorden
Herøya Industrial Park
1.500 mål utenfor Porsgrunn
AT THE HEART OF DEVELOPMENT
20 min
Google Data Center
25 min
Frier Vest
30 min
Fens Field
25 min
Herøya Industrial Park
Fens Field
- Geologically Unique: The Fensfeltet area near Ulefoss in Nome contains one of Europe’s largest deposits of rare earth elements (REE).
- Critical Raw Materials: The region is rich in neodymium and praseodymium, essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and other high-tech products.
- Strategic Importance: Developing Fensfeltet could reduce Europe’s dependence on China for rare minerals, holding significant geopolitical value.
- Potential Mining Operations: Plans for mining are underway, promising economic benefits and job creation in the region.
Google Data Center
- Construction Underway: In 2024, Google began building its first data center in Norway on a 200-hectare site in the Gromstul area of Skien.
- Significant Investment: With an estimated investment of €600 million (approximately 6.8 billion NOK), the first phase of the facility is expected to be operational by 2026.
- One of the World’s Largest Data Centers: The project is planned to be developed in five phases, with the goal of becoming one of the largest data centers globally.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: The initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities during both construction and operations, attracting businesses and contributing to regional economic development.
Frier vest
- Strategic Location: Spanning 370 hectares, Frier Vest is positioned as a key center for green industry and sustainable innovation.
- Major Investments: Companies such as Vianode and Statkraft are leading the way in establishing new operations within the industrial zone.
- New Deep-Water Port: A 20-hectare terminal with a 14-meter deep quay enhances logistical efficiency, supporting industrial growth.
- Work Creation and Expansion: The development of Frier Vest is expected to create thousands of new jobs and attract increased industrial investments to the region.
Herøya Industrial Park
- Diverse Business Environment: Home to approximately 80 companies, Herøya Industrial Park supports a mix of large industrial enterprises, tech companies, and startups, employing around 3,400 people
- Local and National Impact: Herøya has been a cornerstone of the regional economy, solidifying Grenland’s reputation as a leading industrial and technological hub in Norway.
- Continuous Development: With a strong focus on attracting new businesses and advancing technological innovation, Herøya remains a driving force for industrial progress in the region.
Photos from the local area
Skotfoss Downtown
A small local town with essential services and a historic industrial past
Mikael’s Cave
An ancient cave with historical and religious significance, hidden in the cliffs near Skotfoss
Skotfoss Football Stadium
A gathering place for the local community, featuring football and outdoor activities. Here you'll also find the clubhouse for Skotfoss Gymnastics and Sports Association
Skotfoss bru
An important connection across the canal, connecting Skotfoss and Åfoss
Norsjø
Norsjø is a large lake connected to the Telemark Canal, and stretches through the region with ideal conditions for boating, fishing and water sports. The water flows through historic locks and scenic landscapes before continuing into the Skiensvassdraget, which passes Skotfoss Bruk and flows further down towards the center of Skien
Forest Walks
Explore peaceful forest trails surrounding Skotfoss, perfect for hiking and relaxation
Cultural trail
This scenic path takes visitors through the area’s industrial past while enjoying the surrounding nature and local heritage
Løveid Lock Guest Harbor
An important stop for boaters, the harbor provides easy access to the Telemark Canal and welcomes visitors with beautiful surroundings and essential facilities
Thor's Square
A historic area tied to the village’s industrial heritage. The square has been an important gathering place for the local community for generations and today serves as a space where history, culture, and community come together.
Skotfoss Church
A beautiful stone church with historical significance, it has been a gathering place for the local community since its construction. The church is beautifully located near the Telemark Canal and serves as a symbol of the area's cultural heritage
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