Places to stay and activities in Skien

Around halfway between Oslo and Kristiansand and beautifully located in the very heart of the Skienselva river and at the bottom of Telemarksvassdraget, you'll find one of Norway’s oldest cities, Skien. 

Telemark’s largest city is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of playwright Henrik Ibsen. Today, it houses both a museum in his childhood home and two large theatre buildings: Ibsenhuset and Teater Ibsen. The city also boasts a rich cultural scene, with several art galleries, its own food festival and Parkjazz concerts in Brekkeparken in the summer. 

In other words, with such a fantastic combination of picturesque fjord living and an urban lifestyle, Skien is an excellent holiday destination for almost everyone. 

Here we provide useful information for visitors to Skien: 

Telemark Canal

If you've ever dreamed of travelling by boat on the beautiful Telemark Canal, Skien is an excellent starting point. The entrance to the spectacular sluice system is located in Skien and the first sluice is located roughly in the centre of the city. The famous waterway was built in the mid-1800s and was called the 'eighth wonder of the world' on completion in 1892. 

The waterway stretches around 105 kilometres from Skien to Dalen, with a difference in altitude of 72 metres. You can experience the canal by both ferry and private pleasure boat, or you can join a day tour. The Telemark Canal is also a great starting point for activities like canoeing, cycling and hiking. 

Did you know that Skien is Norway’s only canal city? In fact, there are only four Scandinavian cities with sluices in the centre of the city like in Skien. 

Ibsenhset 

Looking for a cultural activity? Visit Skien’s cultural centre Ibsenhuset, which attracts 250,000 visitors each year. The cultural centre is located in the heart of the city centre and organises everything from concerts and performances to lectures and exhibitions. Also check out Teater Ibsen, Vestfold and Telemark’s local theatre, located on Klosterøya in the city centre. 

Henrik Ibsen Museum

Want to learn more about Henrik Ibsen and see the home where this world-famous playwright grew up? Head for Venstøp and visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Here you can visit Ibsen's childhood home, where you can go on a tour, learn more about the author’s life and work or challenge yourself in the Peer Gynt Escape Room. The Henrik Ibsen Museum is part of the Telemark Museum, which is planning lots of exciting activities for Ibsen’s 200th anniversary, to be celebrated in 2028. 

Brekkeparken 

Picturesque Brekkeparken is located on a hill above the centre of Skien and has plenty of activities for young and old alike. The open-air museum, which is part of the Telemark Museum, consists of old farmhouses from Telemark, the mediaeval estate Søndre Brekke and a new museum building with exhibitions like 'Karsten and Petra’s playroom'. There is also an escape room and two cafés in the park. Skien also has a vibrant and active jazz scene and in the summer, Parkjazz organises weekly concerts in Brekkeparken. 

Skien recreational park  

If there are water enthusiasts in your group, head for the Skien recreational park. Here you'll find a large water park with six different pools and a slide, diving tower and climbing wall. For those who prefer to relax, there are also saunas and whirlpools, while those looking for action can enjoy tennis, miniature golf, a climbing park, frisbee golf, hiking and table tennis – and lots more.

Klosterskogen Travbane

Interested in harness racing? Head to the Klosterskogen racing track, only five minutes by car from the centre of Skien. Races are held weekly and if you’re feeling lucky, why not place a bet? Our best tip is to travel to Skien at Easter – the Easter race is the highlight of the year and attracts thousands of horse race lovers. 

Skien Cinema  

Whether you need a break from the sun or the rain, a day at the movies is always fun. ODEON Kino Skien is around a ten-minute walk from Thon Hotel Høyers, located right behind Hjellebrygga. It has five movie theatres, which show up to 25 films a day. In other words, there's sure to be something for all ages and tastes. 

Popular places to eat in Skien 

If you've worked up an appetite, you'll find plenty to satisfy you in Skien. You don't have to go far either, because the restaurant considered Skien’s most traditional and enjoyable restaurant, Brasseriet Madame Blom, is located inside Thon Hotel Høyers. Enjoy both Norwegian and international cuisine and one of Telemark’s best wine lists in stylish surroundings, with chandeliers on the ceiling and art on the walls. Other great options are the Gamle Skien Restaurant at Langbryggene, famous for its great food, charm and rustic surroundings, Henrik & Kompani, with a focus on seafood, sushi and tapas, and the trendy Strøm Mat & Bar, beautifully located with a views of Hjellevannet. 

If you’re ready for a coffee break or in the mood for lunch or something sweet, make sure to check out Brekkeparken Kafé and Sitt Ned Kunst & Kafé. The first one is beautifully located at the end of Brekkeparken, with great views of the city centre and Telemark Canal, and serves everything from prawn sandwiches and wraps to cheese platters and Afternoon Tea in the summer. Sitt Ned is only a three-minute walk from Thon Hotel Høyers and has everything from coffee and homemade soup to art exhibitions, concerts and a shop selling ceramics, glass art and jewellery. 

Thon Hotel Høyers

If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel with a distinctive and historic vibe, Thon Hotel Høyers is an excellent choice. The newly renovated hotel has 107 rooms and is centrally located in the city, close to the Skienselva river and around 1.5 kilometres from the Skien railway station. The hotel is within walking distance of the Telemark Canal, Telemark Museum, Henrik Ibsen Museum and Brekkeparken, as well as nightlife and shopping in Skien. In other words, it’s the perfect base for exploring this charming waterside city.