Bø

Bø municipality has approximately 5.450 inhabitants and covers a area of 263,1 km2. The main attraction in Bø is Telemark Sommarland. Telemark Sommarland is a family entertainment park inc. waterpark / theme Park, concerts, bumper boats, stage shows, waterslide, wavepool.

TELEMARK 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.

KID´S WATERPARK

This children's fun area is specially designed for families with small children. Adults and children can play together in the water. In Vannland waterpark, you'll find a water fun area for small children where Mum and Dad can also join in. Parents can easily keep an eye on their children and there is a wide range of activities of varying difficulty. There is also a baby paddling pool, several slides and a graded-depth pool.

THE BEACH (Bøverstranda)

The Beach is the perfect meetingplace in Sommarland. There is something for everyone at the Beach. Sunbeds, safe water fun area for small children were Mum and Dad can join in or just relax enjoying the children play. There is a wide range of activities, ant the parents can easily keep an eye on their children. Slides (Sklier) Waterpark with water slides of all shapes and sizes, a paradise for water-loving children of all ages. The slides are fun for children of all ages. There is something for everyone here, whether you want to be a bit cautious at first or leap into safe, but exciting activities. For safety reasons, there are age restrictions on some activities.

THE SOMMARLAND RIVER (Sommarlandelva)

Go with the flow in the Sommarland River - a 250 metre long artificial river. The Sommerland River "flows" round an idyllic little island where sun worshippers flock and where you can buy a drink to quench your thirst or other refreshments. To really relax, try lying on a large rubber ring and just let yourself drift along with the flow of the river. Those who prefer more of a challenge, try to swim against the current and face a real struggle when the flow of water increases. Once every hour, all the water is collected and then released, giving those on rubber rings an unforgettable rafting experience on the wave. Lifeguards monitor all activities in and around the river to ensure your safety.

FLOW RIDER

The coolest attraction in Norway and Europe for those who love skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing. The huge artificial wave, Flow Rider, is thought to be the best in the world. The wave was designed by Tom Lochtefeld and the company Wave Loch of La Jolla, California. Tom lives near the rocky crags where the Pacific breakers crash and he has designed artificial waves after extensive study of the waves outside his home. The artificial wave is linked to the Sommarland River and when the wave is operating, the flow of water in the river increases.

ROLLERCOASTER FLUME

Mot i brøstet flume. 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! This rollercoaster flume will make you tremble with excitement. You have to have a bit of courage here, enjoy getting wet and steering through tunnels. Up to two people sit in a large rubber inflatable, which is blown up and down along the flume before the ride finishes in a dark tunnel.

MAGASUGET SLIDE

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. However, many ordinary mothers and fathers have risen to the challenge and have done something they never thought they would and have enjoyed it! Those waiting their turn applaud the achievement, which makes it all the more enjoyable. From the top, 26 metres above the ground, the descent begins with a free fall down a water slide, which gradually levels out as it heads towards the ground. The descent ends safely as you slide into a water-filled channel at the bottom. This acts as a brake.

SPACE BALL (Sentrifuga)

The Space Ball centrifugal slide is an amazing experience in which speed and centrifugal force create the illusion of being in a whirlpool. Space Ball is the season's major new attraction. You begin by throwing yourself into a dark tunnel where you can reach a speed of up to 60 km/h. After the tunnel, you enter the Space Ball itself. Spiralling down towards the centre, this is an experience like no other water slide. When you reach the centre of the ball, you drop into a deep pool.

STEINTJOENN LAKE (Steintjønn)

Sommarland is a busy activity park, full of fun and life. Not far from the entrance however, is the tranquil Steintjoenn lake. Here you can borrow a canoe for short trip and this can be a relaxing break. Many people enjoy a canoe ride, paddle up to say 'hello' to the large dinosaur which stands in the water or are lucky enough to see the lake's resident beaver, the real-life version of "Bøver´n", the park mascot.

LEKELAND PLAYWORLD (Lekeland)

Lekeland is a paradise for younger children. There are many exciting activities to choose from. One of Europe's largest playcastles opens this season! For very young children, there are climbing frames, sand boxes with diggers, climbing complexes, rocking horses, etc., and there are also lots of fun activities for older children: Our new playcastle has 3 high towers and a lot of slides. The Casle has indeed challenges for children of all ages! Melvin's Manesje (circus ring) is the arena for Melvin Tix, the park's clown and magician. The Tarzan Trail (Tarzanløype) On the Tarzan Trail, children meet challenges which really test their mobility skills. Balance, strength and suppleness are required - not to mention enthusiasm! The Tarzan Trail is one of the most popular land-based activities at the park. Children revel in the chance to climb, balance and swing on ropes. It's even more fun in the company of brothers and sisters or friends, but children who meet on the Tarzan Trail quickly get to know each other through taking part in the fun and games.

LAS BØGAS

The entertainment town of Las Bøgas is a large amusement area. Here you'll find a fairground with a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, casino and amusement arcade with more than 40 different simulators and games. Everyone who likes fairgrounds will love Las Bøgas. Enjoy the traditional fairground atmosphere and go on the Ferris wheel and merry-go-rounds as often as you like everything is free.

SETRA SUMMERFARM

On the edge of the park is the idyllic "Setra" summer farm like a calm oasis between "Las Bøgas" and the waterpark. Main stage (Hovedscenen). Next to Steintjønn lake is Sommarland's main stage. Events featuring well-known artists are staged throughout the season.

TELEMARK OUTDOOR CENTRE

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.

GULLBRING CENTRE

Sports hall, swimming facilities and exhibition halls. Conference facilities for 400 delegates.

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.

EG FANN - EG FANN (I FOUND - I FOUND) Activity centre at Skoghaugen with sales outlet and exhibitions of home crafts and handicrafts from all over Telemark.

HIKING

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.

GÅRAHAUG

Site of an old stave church situated some 200 metres from Valen school. There are many fine walks in the area.

CLIMBING

The Gullbring Centre offers a very good indoor climbing wall.

BIKE RENTAL

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.

BEAVER 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.