Bø muncipality has approximately 5.800 inhabitants and covers a area of 263,1 km2 and lies in Telemark, Norway. It is a community based upon agriculture and forestry. The administrative centre of the municipality is Bøbyen. Bø muncipality highest peak is the mountain Jøronnatten (1275 meters). Bø is well-known for its folk traditions and for being home to one of the four branches of Telemark University College (Høgskolen i Telemark). Bø has several times been called “the most beautiful place on earth” in modern literature, among others in Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson´s story, A Happy Boy (“En glad Gut”).
Bø is famous for its waterpark Sommarland (the largest of its kind in Norway). Another popular sight in Bø is the traditional bar “Stallkroa”, with its wooden interior and hillbilly clientele and the Gygrestol rock formation. There is also Kroa i Bø, one of the oldest and most respected music scenes in Norway. The club won the award for “Concert promoter of the Year 2005” and is based on voluntary work from students of the Telemark University College.
BØ SOMMARLAND AMUSEMENT PARK
The family park which has become one of Telemark´s biggest tourist attractions. “Sommarland”, a world of fun adventures and exciting challenges. With more than 100 different activities, this is the place where children, young people and adults can have fun together. In Vannland waterpark, you´ll find a water fun area for small children where Mum and Dad can also join in. Slides (Sklier) Waterpark with water slides of all shapes and sizes, a paradise for water-loving children of all ages. The coolest attraction in Norway and Europe for those who love skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing. Europe´s first and so far only rollercoaster flume is an experience which makes you tremble with excitement, you need a bit of courage to try this one!
One of the world´s best free-fall slides has been Sommarland’s trademark for several years. From the top, it´s a sheer drop of 26 metres. Magasuget is a challenge for those who love high diving boards, bungee jumping or other activities which get the adrenaline pumping. The Space Ball centrifugal slide is an amazing experience in which speed and centrifugal force create the illusion of being in a whirlpool. There are more than 600 stuffed wild animals from all over the world to be seen at the Telemark Outdoor Centre, presented in their natural habitats with effective sounds and lighting. Nature films, demonstration of taxidermy techniques, cafe, playroom for children.
HIKE TO A WORKING ALPINE PASTURE FARM
The farm of Hollane lies among beautiful scenery a couple of hours walk onto the mountain of Lifjell. You can still see the cows and traditional pastural activities of churning butter and cheese making, and you can buy the products. The cafe sells traditional sour cream porridge, and other dishes. Hollane Farm also offers accommodation (with bed linen), self-catering, some groceries can be bought. The many lakes in the area around Hollane are also a paradise for anglers. Maps available from the Tourist Office.
JØNNEBU SETER
The month of July. The farm lies at Jønnebu on Lifjell mountain, on the right hand side just after Solstua guest house. We have cows and horses and you can drive a pony and trap. You can try your hand at milking here and you can taste the traditional sour cream porridge. Exhibition showing the running of alpine pasture farms over the years.
BØ GLASSWORKS
Glass, figures, decorative baubles are produced and sold. Visitors can watch glass being made. and can even voice their own preferences for the shape of schnapps and wine glasses.
BØ POTTERY
This houses a workshop producing works of art in earthenware and porcelain. The items are av ailable for sale.
TELEMARK FESTIVAL
International folk music festival. Participants and performers from 10 countries. Concerts, courses and exhibitions.
GÅRAHAUG
Site of an old stave church situated some 200 metres from Valen school. There are many fine walks in the area.
GULLBRING CENTRE
Sports hall, swimming facilities and exhibition halls. Conference facilities for 400 delegates. The Centre offers a very good indoor climbing wall.
Marked trails from Lillefjellstua cabin towards Hollane seter (alpine pasture farm). The Gavlesjåvegen road which stretches from Melbu Bridge to Heddal takes you to the hiking area on the north side of Lifjell mountain. There are short walks in easy terrain on Jønnebuplata plateau. Gygrestolen is a special rock formation with a fantastic view.
There are marked trails from Uvdalstjønna tarn, around 1 hour´s walk. The story goes that Gygra sat here and threw huge stones when the church on Gårahaug hill was being built. Helvete is a river gorge in Årmotdal valley, which is the starting point for trips into the valley. Hike from Sletteliberget.
Marvellous views of Bø, approximately a 10 minutes walk from the road highest up on Liheia. Hikes to Bryggefjell mountain. Trail along Bø river. Lay-bys and trails along the river. Trelsbog bygdeborg, a well-maintained ancient castle. Marked trail from the road.
CYCLING
Cycling is good exercise and relaxation for all the family, in close contact with nature. The Tourist Office rents bikes to children and adults, with children’s seats and helmets. Bike maps with suggestions for routes.
SAFARI
Educational and exciting guided tour for all the family in the Bø River. All of July. Bookings at the Tourist Oftice.
SWIMMING
Bøelva at the suspension bridge, the lake Uvdalstjønna, Norsjø Ferieland, Telnessanden Camping on the lake Seljordsvannet.
SKIING
Lifjell is only 12 km from Bø, and is the closest high mountain for tourists coming with the ferry from Denmark to Larvik, and for those who live in the South-East of Norway. In Lifjell Nordic skiers have access to 80 km of cross-country tracks on the mountain – From easy trails in the lower areas, to more demanding ones higher up. The alpine ski resort has 2 ski lifts and 3 runs of varying difficulty, as well as good conditions for offpiste skiing. “Lifjell Winterland” is a designated area for children, where safety and fun is the highest priority.
FISHING
Sports fishing with a rod is allowed in the Bø river and in the lakes of the Lifjell. The fish are jumping again in Lifjell; after many years, now you can fish! For information and fishing permits, contact the Tourist Office.
GOLF
Golfclubs in Telemark.