Notodden and Rjukan are home to one of Norway’s most remarkable cultural landscapes. The Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site joined UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2015. Rather than castles or churches, it preserves power stations, factories, railways and company towns built by Norsk Hydro in a dramatic landscape of mountains and waterfalls. The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum provides current visitor information for the major sites.
Why is it World Heritage?
In the early twentieth century, Norsk Hydro used hydroelectric power at Rjukan and Notodden to extract nitrogen from the air and manufacture fertiliser. Entire communities grew around the plants, with housing, schools, railways and ferries connecting production to international markets.
Notodden and Rjukan
Notodden, about 45 minutes from Ulefoss, offers the Tinfos power station and the beginning of the industrial story. It combines well with a visit to Heddal Stave Church.
Rjukan is close to two hours away and deserves a full day. Highlights include Vemork and the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, Krossobanen cable car and the Rjukan railway and ferry system.
- Notodden: about 45 km / 45 minutes
- Rjukan: about 120 km / just under 2 hours
- Good combinations: Heddal with Notodden; Gaustatoppen or Krossobanen with Rjukan
Stay nearby
Make Telemark Guesthouse your base
Turn your visit into a relaxing stay at our historic farmhouse in Ulefoss.
Travel time from Telemark Guesthouse: About 45 minutes to Notodden and just under 2 hours to Rjukan by car.