Skien Population 2026
Skien has a population of 50,595, making it the #15 biggest city in 🇳🇴 Norway, located in Telemark. Roughly 0.9% of Norway's population lives here. It is about 21× smaller than Oslo, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
50,595
Rank in Norway
#15
Coordinates
59.21°N, 9.61°E
~27 m elevation · Europe/Oslo
Distance to capital (Oslo)
101 km
63 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Telemark
| City | Population | Rank in Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Porsgrunn | 34,377 | #20 |
Cities near Skien
FAQ
What is the population of Skien?
Skien has a population of 50,595 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #15 biggest city in Norway.
What region is Skien in?
Skien is located in Telemark, Norway.
Is Skien the capital of Norway?
No, the capital of Norway is Oslo, about 101 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.