Originally the Bandak Canal, which opened in 1892
This is a waterway running 105 kilometres from the town Skien by the sea through four lakes connected by canals. There are 18 locks in 8 groups lifting the vessels 72 metres to lake Bandak with destination Dalen. It was intended for transport of people and goods, but tourism took over long ago. Now (2021) MS "Henrik Ibsen", MS "Victoria" and MS "Telemarken" take tourists up and down the waterway during the summer.
This is "Victoria" going up at Vrangfoss. The staircase lock here is the biggest one with 5 chambers, lifting the boats 23 metres. The sluice gates are operated manually like when they were new in 1892.
(2003-07-30)
The canal at Vrangfoss when it was quite new and called the Bandak Canal; Bandak is the upper lake. As you see, it was also used for floating lumber.
"Foss" means waterfall and you see it in the background. It's gone; now we have dams and hydroelectric power plants.
U.S. Library of Congress, Photochrom Print Collection.
This is "Victoria" going down at Ulefoss.
(2010-07-19)
This is "Telemarken" going up at Ulefoss.
(2003-07-30)
Private boats are also admitted to the waterway.
(2003-07-30)
The journey up the canal ends in Dalen where you find "The Fairytale Hotel", Dalen Hotel. It was built in 1894 to accommodate rich travellers on the Canal. It has been renovated to have modern facilities, while keeping much of its traditional look.
(2015-08-12)
