Tips for hiking around Bolkesjø, Notodden, Telemark

The area around Bolkesjø is ideal for walks in the forest and fields, both summer and winter. Follsjø is a great bathing lake and there are also several nice lakes in the area. We recommend walks in the forest, preferably off the beaten track. How about exploring the Bjønnestille conservation area? Here are suggestions for walks on paths and forest roads:

Hike from Bolkesjø to Follsjø 

Nice trail from Bokkeryggen and down to Follsjø. Great view of Follsjø and the mountains from Bokkeryggen. From Follsjø you can choose to go north or south, alternative return routes both ways. Nice beach at Naustet (north), return via forest road and trail. South you can take the forest road up to Dalvika and the main road back to Bolkesjø. Length approx. 6-7 km.

Selsli DNT tourist cabin 

There is a marked tourist trail from Bolkesjø to the Tourist Association's cabin at Selsli. Follow the forest road to Summer pasture and then continue on the path. From there it is a day's walk to Knutehytta in Kongsberg. Approximately 4 km of the trip is on a forest road from Bolkesjø to Summer pasture , then approx. 4 km on the path. Read more about Selsli DNT cabin and see map here .

Explore Follsjø and the timber channel

At the south end of Follsjø, the Fulldøla River flows towards Grønvollfoss and Tinnelva. The trip to the outlet is on a nice gravel road, approx. 4 km. Along the way, you pass several swimming spots and viewpoints towards Blefjell. There is a path the last part and you have to cross an old dam to reach the timber channel.

In former times, timber was floated from Follsjø down the Tinnelva River. The river consists of several rapids, gullies and waterfalls. To avoid major damage to the timber, a timber flume was built across the wildest areas of the river. The timber flume still exists and is a fun sight. Moving in the flume is at your own risk, it is not considered safe. Trip descriptions and maps can be seen at Ut.no.

Walk Around Bokke (Bolkesjø) 

Around the lake Bokke, there is a nice, marked trail of about 4 km. Parts of the trip are on a forest road. From Bokkeryggen and down towards the outlet there is a section that is somewhat difficult to access. Great views of the village and nice swimming opportunities on the rock at the outlet.

Tours on Blefjell

Blefjell is an outpost of the Hardangervidda plateau and has a lot to offer. Blefjell is easily accessible from Bolkesjø, the most challenging hikes start from the village - but you can also drive up to one of the parking lots and easily get up into the high mountains. There are fantastic ski trails in the winter and great hiking conditions in the summer, as well as opportunities for cycling and lots of cloudberries.

Among alternative destinations we would like to mention;

• Bletoppen (1342 m)

• Sigridsbu tourist cabin

• The Brothers

• Flætebakkfjell, see tour description here .