Notodden – Industrial History, Culture and Routes

Notodden is shaped by the Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage: workers’ housing, technical facilities and sites where artificial fertiliser was produced are part of the city’s history. Museums, routes by the water, public art and events also invite you to discover different sides of Notodden. When planning your trip, you can decide whether industrial history, art or an event should be the focus.

Industrial history in Notodden

In Notodden, the Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage includes workers’ accommodation and social facilities that were connected by rail and ferry to ports where artificial fertiliser was loaded. The Tinfos cultural environment presents more than 200 years of Norwegian industrial history and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hydroparken is also part of this history: the first experimental production took place there in 1905. The site was also the location of the world’s first industrial production of artificial fertiliser and is now part of the Rjukan–Notodden World Heritage Site.

One of the facilities in the Tinfos cultural environment is Tinfos II, often called “Borgen”. The power station, which is more than 100 years old, is still in operation and has original production equipment from the early 20th century. Its operating status may change; check if this is important for your visit. A walk through the cultural environment also takes in the remains of a wood-pulp mill, a paper mill and three power stations. The Birkeland-Eyde furnace stands outside Ovnshus A in Hydroparken.

The houses also tell the story of how the industrial town was organised. Grønnbyen has 25 semi-detached houses divided vertically for workers’ families, as well as three detached houses for the caretakers of the Notodden Saltpetre Factories. The different types of houses show how housing was allocated to different groups associated with the factories.

Museums and art in an industrial setting

The Verdensarvsenteret is located in Tinfos, in a protected industrial park. It covers the electric arc furnace and the production of artificial fertiliser. The centre and the Telemark Museum of Art are located at the same site in Notodden and share an admission ticket; check the ticket arrangements before your visit. Groups can book guided tours of Notodden with the Verdensarvsenteret, with tours of different durations. Confirm availability directly with the provider.

At the Telemark Museum of Art, exhibitions of contemporary art alternate with historical exhibitions featuring art from Norway’s Golden Age. The museum displays the art in a beautiful industrial hall from the early 20th century. It also offers activities for the whole family, a museum shop and a café. As visitor facilities can change, it is a good idea to check what is currently available in advance.

You can also encounter industrial history in the city: the 10.5-metre-high polished steel sculpture TRE stands on a grassy mound at the mouth of the Tinnåa river, on Heddalsvannet. It brings together art and Notodden’s waterside landscape in a single view, while keeping the city’s industrial sites in sight.

Routes, cycling and activities

The approximately two-kilometre-long Industripromenaden runs along Heddalsvannet in the heart of Notodden. It connects the waterside path with the industrial town centre. A cycling tour through the World Heritage Site starts and ends at Bok & Blueshuset in Notodden. It is suitable for cyclists of all ages and can also be done as a walk. Bok & Blueshuset is Notodden’s cultural centre and houses, among other things, a cinema, a café or restaurant, a concert stage, a library and the tourist information office. Facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit.

If you are looking for a sporting activity, you’ll find Notodden Skatepark in Nesøya Activity Park. The facility covers 1,100 square metres and is designed for beginners and more experienced users, with a low to medium difficulty level. It is intended for non-motorised wheeled equipment such as skateboards, kick scooters, roller skates and BMX bikes; regular bicycles and motorised vehicles are not allowed. As park rules may change, check them on site.

Events and getting here

The Notodden Blues Festival has been held since 1988. Programme formats include club concerts, blues cruises on Heddalsvannet, church concerts, band seminars for young people, children’s and family events, and large concerts. The programme varies from one edition to the next; check the dates and events for your travel period.

The Tinnosbanen and Bratsbergbanen railway lines meet at Notodden station. Notodden bus and train station is also the nearest transport hub to the Telemark Museum of Art, 1.4 kilometres away on foot. Check transport services and walking distances again before your trip.

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