Author: Thor

Every August, Telemarkfestivalen turns Bø into a meeting place for folk music, dance and musical encounters. Held since 1990, the festival brings Norwegian and international performers to venues in and around Bø town centre.

This guide is for visitors planning a festival break in Mid-Telemark. Accommodation is not normally included in the festival ticket.

When is Telemarkfestivalen?

The festival normally runs for four days in August. The 2026 edition took place from 6 to 9 August. New dates and programmes are published on the official Telemarkfestivalen website.

Dates, venues and concert times vary, so check the current programme before booking travel or accommodation.

What can you experience?

Telemarkfestivalen presents traditional and contemporary folk music through concerts, courses and activities. Recent programmes have used Gullbring Cultural Centre, Bø town square and smaller venues in the area. The free Torgfestivalen has also offered families an accessible introduction to folk music and dance.

• Norwegian and international artists
• Traditional music, new interpretations and collaborations
• Family activities and free events
• Concerts and courses at several venues

Planning your festival stay

Bø is served by train, express bus and road. Many events are in the centre, but individual programme items may use other venues. Check the location on each ticket and allow enough travel time.

Accommodation can fill during festival weekends, particularly for families and groups. Booking early gives you a better chance of staying together.

Stay together in Mid-Telemark

Telemark Guesthouse is a historic holiday home in Ulefoss, near Lunde and the Telemark Canal. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms and space for up to 15 guests, it suits families, friends and small ensembles that want shared living areas and a calm base between events.

Read more about Telemark Guesthouse. We do not organise Telemarkfestivalen; always confirm programme details and tickets with the festival.

The Nordic Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships bring riders from across the Nordic region to Norsjø Cable Park in Akkerhaugen. The Norwegian Waterski and Wakeboard Federation lists the championship as an international event on 18–19 September 2026.

This guide is for riders, teams, families and spectators planning their trip. Dates and practical details can change, so always confirm the organiser’s latest information before booking.

When and where is the championship?

• Dates: 18–19 September 2026
• Venue: Norsjø Cable Park, Akkerhaugen in Mid-Telemark
• Disciplines: cable wakeboard and wakeskate
• Status: international Nordic championship

Check the current calendar published by the Norwegian Waterski and Wakeboard Federation. Entry lists, schedules and rules should be confirmed with the organiser closer to the event.

About cable wakeboarding and wakeskating

In cable wakeboarding, riders are pulled by an electric cable system rather than a boat. The course combines speed, jumps and technical tricks on ramps and other features. Wakeskating uses a board without bindings and demands a different kind of balance and control.

Read about the venue, regular opening times and activities on our guide to Norsjø Cable Park.

Planning the competition weekend

September weather in Telemark can bring sunshine, wind and cool spells. Pack warm layers and waterproof clothing, even if you are spectating. Riders should confirm registration, practice times, safety equipment and licence requirements with the organiser or their federation.

Akkerhaugen is easiest to reach by car. For teams and families, booking a whole holiday home can simplify shared meals, rest and transport planning. Reserve early if your group needs several beds for the same weekend.

Telemark Guesthouse is not the event organiser. Programme and participation details must be confirmed with the federation and Norsjø Cable Park.