Deep in the Telemark highlands, where lake water mirrors dense forest and the air carries pine and woodsmoke, Norrøna Canvas Telemark offers one of Norway’s most distinctive off-grid wellness escapes. Run by the iconic outdoor brand Norrøna, this glamping retreat combines adventure heritage with a genuine appreciation for slow, restorative living. The centrepiece is a cluster of traditional Mongolian yurts — spacious, beautifully furnished, and set in a landscape that feels a world apart from the everyday.
Wood-Fired Sauna at the Water’s Edge
The wood-fired sauna sits just five metres from the lake — close enough that you step directly from the heat into cool, clear water. This is sauna as it should be: simple, elemental, and deeply satisfying. The stove is stoked with local wood, temperatures build steadily to proper sauna levels, and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the occasional splash. After each round in the heat, guests plunge into the lake or sink into one of the outdoor wooden bathtubs filled with warm water under the open sky. The combination of hot sauna, cold water, and fresh highland air produces a full-body reset that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.
The Glamping Experience
The yurts at Canvas Telemark are equipped for genuine comfort without compromising the off-grid spirit — handwoven rugs, quality bedding, wood-burning stoves, and thoughtfully curated interiors that feel cosy even on cooler evenings. The setting in Nissedal, a quiet municipality in the heart of Telemark, keeps things away from tourist crowds. Days here are structured around the rhythm of the landscape: morning walks along the lake shore, afternoon kayaking, evenings in the sauna, and nights under a dense canopy of stars. Private booking is available for groups seeking an exclusive retreat.
Getting There
Canvas Telemark lies within reach of the Telemark Canal system and the broader cultural landscapes of the region. The nearest town is Treungen, roughly 170 kilometres southwest of Oslo — a pleasant drive through some of inland Norway’s most rewarding scenery. A car is essential for the journey and for exploring the surrounding valleys and hiking trails.
