Set on a small, wooded island in Telemark, Norrøna Canvas Telemark feels less like a hotel and more like a thoughtfully orchestrated experience. Here, nature is not simply a backdrop; it is the main character, shaping every moment from arrival to departure.

Tucked away in the forests of Telemark, Norrøna Canvas Telemark offers a rare kind of escape, one that feels both remote and carefully considered. This off-grid retreat created by the Norwegian outdoor clothing and equipment brand Norrøna, invites guests to experience nature not as spectators, but as participants. With its blend of understated comfort, curated activities and deep respect for the surrounding landscape, it represents a new direction in Scandinavian travel.

“Norrøna Adventure is our experience branch, a natural extension of what we create,” says Christian Schmidt, chief experience officer at Norrøna. “Normally, we take people to some of the most beautiful destinations in Norway and abroad, creating carefully planned adventures in nature. Canvas Telemark, however, is our brand’s first fully owned destination.”

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

From idea to island community

“The whole idea started with a respect for the nature in Telemark, as well as a fascination with how mountain biking can open it up to visitors,” says Schmidt.

Since then, this spark of imagination has been translated into a distinctive physical space. The camp is built like a small island community with yurts inspired by traditional Kyrgyz tents, rendered in muted earth tones. Wooden bridges connect the structures, and the forest trails begin quite literally on your doorstep. “Here, you move straight from the breakfast table into the woods,” he says.

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

At the heart of the experience is mountain biking. Guests ride world-class trails guided by experienced locals, using high-end bikes from Specialized, but the experience extends far beyond the trails. Meals are treated as an integral part of the journey and are made from local ingredients and served communally.

“When guests arrive, they’re welcomed by local host Thomas Svendsen, whose incredible knowledge of the area helps anchor the experience. He knows the trails, the people, and the rhythm of this place better than most,” Schmidt says.

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

The atmosphere encourages a shift in pace, and after a day outdoors, guests can unwind in a wood-fired sauna by the water, soak in an outdoor bathtub, or simply retreat to the quiet of their yurt.

Schmidt says that it is not one single feature that makes Canvas Telemark unique, but the sum of its details. The scale is intentionally small: a maximum of 34 guests, gathered around two long communal tables, a sauna that sits just five metres from the water’s edge, and a floating fire pit that almost hovers on the lake itself.

“And perhaps the most wonderful of all is the peace: the late evenings lying in your yurt and looking up through the window, hearing how the wind catches the canvas, the sound of wood crackling in the stove. The contrasts. The presence.”

It offers a different kind of luxury that is less about polish and more about authenticity. Heat comes from firewood, and social life centres around flames rather than screens. The camp operates off-grid, free from traffic noise and unnecessary distractions. “Of course, there’s space here to do a lot, but also to do very little,” says Schmidt. “While mountain biking is the core, guests are equally welcome to run, hike, practice yoga, swim, or simply do nothing at all,” Schmidt adds.

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

Canvas, community and connection

Interestingly, the destination has also over time become popular with companies seeking an alternative to traditional offsites. “We believe in genuine encounters between people, whether it’s colleagues, family members, or friends. Companies like to come here to get away from the meeting room, and to connect through conversations that happen around the fire and not around a screen,” says Schmidt.

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

In addition to connection and community, Canvas Telemark holds sustainability high on its list of priorities. The camp has been constructed so it can be removed without leaving permanent traces, and the kitchen prioritises local sourcing. “The aim is to create a form of hospitality that is both responsible and deeply connected to its surroundings,” he adds.

Canvas Telemark is not an isolated project, but part of a broader ambition to create the world’s best outdoor products and experiences. “The idea is to invite more people into nature, not just by lowering the threshold, but by designing experiences that are genuinely appealing and accessible. Canvas serves as a starting point for this vision,” says Schmidt.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Canvas Telemark invites you to step into nature, to slow down, and rediscover the value of simply being present.

Canvas Telemark: A carefully composed escape into Norwegian nature

Web: destinations.norrona.com/no/campen/canvas-telemark/
Facebook: Norrøna Canvas Telemark
Instagram: @norronacanvas

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