Notodden: Industrial Heritage on Lake Heddalsvannet

Notodden brings together the history of Norwegian artificial fertiliser production with art, blues and paths along Lake Heddalsvannet. The Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Industrial history at Tinfos and Hydroparken

The Tinfos cultural environment presents more than 200 years of Norwegian industrial history. On a walk, you can see the remains of a wood-grinding mill, a paper mill and three power stations. Tinfos II, often called “Borgen”, is a power station that is more than 100 years old and still in operation. Inside, original production equipment from the early 20th century is preserved. The industrial facilities and their history give Notodden’s World Heritage a tangible presence.

Hydroparken is also part of this history: the world’s first industrial production of artificial fertiliser began there, with the first trial production taking place in 1905. The Birkeland-Eyde furnace stands outside Ovnshus A. Another part of the industrial heritage shows how closely production was linked to transport: workers’ accommodation and social facilities in Notodden were part of a system in which railways and ferries connected to ports where artificial fertiliser was loaded.

Grønnbyen is one of the residential areas associated with the factory’s history. It has 25 semi-detached houses divided vertically for workers’ families, and three detached houses for the caretakers of the Notodden saltpetre factories. The buildings illustrate the different forms of housing within the industrial community of the time.

Art and culture in an industrial setting

The Telemark Art Museum features changing exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as historical exhibitions of art from Norway’s Golden Age. The art is housed in an industrial hall dating from the early 20th century. The museum also offers activities for the whole family, a museum shop and a café. If you would like to combine art and industrial history, the Verdensarvsenteret and the Telemark Art Museum are in the same location, and a joint admission ticket is available for both.

The Verdensarvsenteret is located in Tinfos, in a protected industrial park. Its themes include the electric arc furnace and the production of artificial fertiliser. Groups can book guided tours of Notodden in different durations. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you would prefer to explore the town on a guided tour or focus on your own interests.

By the water and around town

The Industripromenaden is a path about two kilometres long along Lake Heddalsvannet, in the heart of Notodden. The mouth of the Tinnåa is also on the lake: on a grassy mound there stands TRE, a polished steel sculpture 10.5 metres high. These stops offer a different perspective on the town from the industrial heritage sites and exhibitions.

A cycling tour through the World Heritage area starts and ends at Bok & Blueshuset. It is suitable for cyclists of all ages and can also be done as a walk. Bok & Blueshuset is Notodden’s cultural centre; it includes, among other things, a cinema, a café or restaurant, a concert stage, a library and the tourist information office. If you would like to combine some exercise with an introduction to the town during your stay, you can consider adding this type of tour to your plans.

For public transport, Notodden skysstasjon is the nearest bus and train hub to the Telemark Art Museum; it is 1.4 km away on foot. Notodden station is also where the Tinnosbanen and Bratsbergbanen railway lines meet.

Blues and activities for different interests

The Notodden Blues Festival has been held since 1988. Its programme includes club concerts, blues cruises on Lake Heddalsvannet, church concerts, band seminars for young people, children’s and family events, and large-scale concerts. The different formats range from music events to activities for younger festivalgoers.

For wheeled activities, there is the Notodden Skatepark in Nesøya Activity Park. The facility covers 1,100 m² and is designed for beginners and more experienced users, with a low to medium level of difficulty. It is intended for non-motorised wheeled equipment such as skateboards, kick scooters, roller skates and BMX bikes; ordinary bicycles and motorised vehicles are not allowed. Your trip’s particular interests—such as art and history, blues, a walk or skating—can therefore provide a starting point for choosing a holiday apartment in Notodden.

If you would like to include other places in your search, you can discover Gransherad.

For the broader travel overview: Notodden.