Notodden: Industrial heritage at Heddalsvatnet

Notodden combines the history of artificial fertiliser production with a waterfront area on Heddalsvatnet, a historic industrial park and trails through river and valley landscapes. The Rjukan–Notodden UNESCO World Heritage Site gives the place a distinctive theme, but your stay can also include exhibitions, water and a blues festival. When choosing a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide whether cultural activities and a festival visit, or trails and a bathing spot, should shape your travel plans.

Industrial history by the water

Notodden is one of the industrial towns of the Rjukan–Notodden UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heritage site’s industrial facilities were connected by rail and ferry to the ports where fertiliser was loaded. On Heddalsvatnet, the waterfront area that forms part of Notodden’s industrial heritage has an industrial frontage with buildings dating from 1907 to the 1920s. Hydroparken was the site of the world’s first industrial production of artificial fertiliser and is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Tinfos cultural environment conveys over 200 years of Norwegian industrial history and is a central part of the World Heritage Site. Tinfos II, also known as “Borgen”, is a power station over 100 years old that is still in operation, with original production equipment from the early 20th century. At Tinfos, the Verdensarvsenteret provides information about the electric arc furnace and artificial fertiliser production, as well as how production helped transform a difficult global food situation and develop Norway from a poor agricultural society into a modern welfare state. The centre is located at Tinfos in a protected industrial park, has a large free car park, and the entire site is accessible.

Museums and culture

Heddal Bygdetun in the municipality of Notodden features 15 historic buildings dating from the Middle Ages to 1930. A permanent exhibition includes seven Anne-Bamle bunads; two of them are over 100 years old. The Telemark Art Museum is also located at Tinfos in Notodden’s protected industrial park. It presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and historical exhibitions featuring art from Norway’s Golden Age. The different collections offer their own perspectives alongside the industrial history by the water. Check the latest visitor information before planning a visit.

Trails between lake, river and viewpoints

The “Industripromenaden” promenade is a two-kilometre walking route along the shore of Heddalsvatnet, right in the heart of Notodden. It combines natural surroundings with industrial history. Eikeskartoppen is a summit hike that can be done year-round, reaching 415 metres and covering about two to three kilometres return. From the summit, panoramic views extend across Heddalsvatnet and the town of Notodden, with Lifjell in the distance. These are different kinds of outings: a waterside walk and a summit hike with views.

The Folkestien follows the slow-flowing Heddøla through the broad, scenic Heddal valley in the municipality of Notodden. Tinnemyra is a family-friendly bathing spot in the municipality of Notodden, with a sandy beach, calm water and a bathing platform. Alongside industrial and cultural history, you can also enjoy riverside trails and spend a day by the water.

Blues in several formats

The Notodden Blues Festival includes club concerts, blues cruises on Heddalsvatnet, church concerts, band seminars for young people, and events for children and families. It has been held since 1988 and attracts 30,000 to 40,000 visitors to Notodden every year. As the programme formats may vary from one edition to another, check the specific dates and programme before your trip.

Getting there and planning your trip

Notodden is the terminus of the Bratsberg Line from Skien. If you are planning a train journey, check the current passenger service in advance.

Explore more places

Discover more destinations: Notodden, Gransherad, Sauherad, Hjartdal, Siljan, Nissedal, Tokke, Porsgrunn.

Go to the main travel overview: Telemark.