Experience the spectacular fjords and mountains of Western Norway then join a canal trip to enjoy Telemark’s fantastic scenery in the luxury of a bygone age.

This short break is all about Fjord Norway and the scenery of the interior. Enjoy high-quality accommodation in the centre of Sandnes, and spend a night in the fairy-tale castle of Dalen in Telemark.

This self-drive holiday starts in the city of Sandnes with dinner and one night’s accommodation at GamlaVærket, a former brick factory where the walls breathe history and the cuisine is based around local ingredients.

Board the tourist ferry in your car for a trip on the Lysefjord, then continue to Telemark and Dalen Hotel for a trip on the canal.

The Lysefjord is a majestic fjord within easy reach of Stavanger, the capital of Norway’s oil industry. This is the nearest fjord to mainland Europe, and was carved out and shaped by glaciers during the ice age. People have clung to the slopes and mountainsides of this brutal mountain landscape for many thousands of years.

It’s a journey of approx. 25 minutes from Sandnes to Lauvvik, where the tourist ferry branches off through the Lysefjord.

Your driving tour then continues via Suleskard and Sirdal across the mountains to Dalen.

The drive takes approx. 6½ hours, and we estimate you’ll reach Dalen Hotel at around 6 p.m.

Dalen Hotel, popularly known as the “fairy-tale hotel”, dates from 1894 and is built in a lavish romantic style with dragon heads, towers and spires, balconies, and elaborate projections and cornices. It boasts an attractive location at the head of the Telemark Canal. The surrounding area is one of beautiful scenery and lots of history.

Step back in time and enjoy the hotel’s old-style luxury, paired with high-quality beds and gourmet meals, then round off your short break with a magical canal trip down to Ulefoss aboard one of the boats known as the king and queen of the Telemark Canal.

Depending on which day it is, the boat leaves Dalen at 8.10 or 8.35 a.m. Breakfast is served on board. A connecting bus service meets the boat for the return trip, and you’ll be back at the hotel around 6.30 p.m.

The package includes:

• Two nights’ accommodation in a standard room
•  Breakfast at GamlaVærket
•  Breakfast on the Telemark Canal
•  “Teglstein” three-course dinner and lunch pack at GamlaVærket Hotel (drinks are not included)   Three-course dinner and storytelling at Dalen Hotel (drinks are not included)
•   Canal boat trip from Dalen to Ulefoss.

•  Ticket for the bus journey back to Dalen not  included
•  Ticket for the Lysefjord ferry not included