Sauherad municipality has approximately 4.350 inhabitants and covers a area of 321,4 km2. It is a typical agricultural community with fruit growing playing an important role. The district features the Sauarelva river which twists its way between Lakes Norsjø and Heddalsvatnet with lovely farms along both banks. Other villages in Sauherad is Akkerhaugen, Gvarv, Hjuksebø, Holtsås, Hørte and Nordagutu.

AKKERHAUGEN

Akkerhaugen is the main centre of Sauherad and houses the district council offices, along with a station on the Sørland line as well as being a centre for the fruit-growing farms of Sauherad.

GVARV

Gvarv is considered Norway´s fruit capital, and the center is strongly influenced by the parish main industry. A large fruit warehouse occupies nearly half of one side of the center – while eatery “core house” is on the opposite side. Municipal weapon is a gilded apple tree on blue background. The Sagavoll Folkehøgskole (community college) is located in Gvarv. Here, too, is the Telemark Skogplanteskule (Forestry Planting School), producing a comprehensive range of conifers. Gvarv is also the host for the music festival Kartfestivalen and the apple festival Eplefest. The painter Erik Werenskiold painted a number of his famous rustic landscapes, such as Telemarksjenter (“Girls from Telemark”) here.

TELEMARKSKANALEN

The Telemark Canal stretches 105 kilometres from Skien to Dalen. There are six municipalities which are known as Canal Municipalities: Skien, Nome, Kviteseid, Tokke, Sauherad and Notodden.

The Telemark Canal is the only canal system in Norway connected to the sea. 18 lock levels divided over 8 lock systems litt boats 72 metres above sea level to the lake of Flåvatn. From here beautiful lake and river reaches take the traveller on to Dalen, 150 km inland, in the heart of the mountains of southern Norway. The contrast between the broad agricultural districts, the wilderness and the old industrial sites makes the Telemark Canal one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe.

In addition, the water is clean and the fish live well! The Telemark Canal was completed in 1892 and 500 men had worked for 5 years to bring this waterway into the heart of Telemark. The canal is a living heritage site, and has kept its nineteenth century air, with manual operation of most of the lock gates. The beautiful old walls and lock systems have been preserved in their original form. Along the hanks of the canal you can still see the old lock-keepers’ houses, the smithies, the sawmills, the watchmens’ cottages and the jetties with warehouses and other buildings.

THE PASSENGER BOATS

Experience the ancient cultural history, the bustling crowds and travel through the locks as people did over 100 years ago. Enjoy the journey from the deck of one of the nostalgic canal boats: M/S Victoria, M/S Henrik Ibsen or M/S Telemarken. The boats run between may and september.

EVJUTUNET

Evju Bygdetun museum and cultural centre maintains a varied collection of more recent local folk art in its houses, which are typical of local architecture at the turn of the century. Exhibitions featuring local folk artists, etc. are held here during the summer.

NES CHURCH

Nes Church is situated on a peninsula in the Norsjø lake, between Gvarv and Akkerhaugen. It was built of stone as a long church in about 1100. It is one of the most beautiful of the small Middle Ages churches in Telemark. The portals, corners and window apertures are finely hewn out of a marble-like limestone. The chancel is decorated with scenes from the fighting missionary church. Halry Fett, Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings, states that “it is, without doubt, the most beautiful intimate room preserved in Norway, among the best examples of Norwegian interior art”.

THE PATMOS SCULPTURE PARK

The sculpture park is situated near the Norsjø at Akkerhaugen. This is Norway’s first sculpture park for contemporary art. Most of the sculptures are replaced every year, and there is an annual opening event. Access: Signposted on the Rv. 360 at Akkerhaugell.

MICHAEL´S CAVE

Mikaelshulen, or “St. Michaels Church in the Rock”, is a cave on the east side of Norsjø, some 30 m above the surface of the water. Masses were held there even after the Catholic era. The cave may be reached by boat and on foot, but access is difficult. There is said to have been a burial ground on the top of the rock above the cave.

MARINA

Norsjø Ferieland (Holiday Land), with 30 berths. Good sanitary facilities. Shop, diesel pumps, cafeteria and boat rental.

WATERSKIING

Watersking at Lake Norsjø, aquaring and hire of canoes, rubber boats, fishing tackle etc. at Norsjø Ferieland.

HUNTING

6000 hectare region with many good cabins for hire.

FISHING

A region with many good lakes for fishing and boats for hire.

GOLF

Golfclubs in Telemark.