The Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site is inscribed in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. This is where Norsk Hydro started its pioneering activities – in both a Norwegian and international perspective – to develop the electrochemical industry, which revolutionised food production globally. This area, with its spectacular scenery, provided the basis for power production, factories, industrial towns and transport arteries – a phenomenal development in a short time.
The Industrial Heritage of Notodden and Rjukan
The Norwegian engineer and industrial entrepreneur Sam Eyde, together with physicist Kristian Birkeland, developed a method for producing artificial fertilizer by extracting nitrogen from the air—a technology later known as the arc process. This was revolutionary for agriculture, as it provided access to artificial fertilizer and contributed to increasing global food production. The process required large amounts of electrical energy, which led to the development of hydropower plants and the industrial towns of Notodden and Rjukan.
Notodden was first chosen as an industrial site in 1905, and the first factories were built there to produce artificial fertilizer. The town quickly grew with modern infrastructure, factories, workers' housing, and transport systems. Notodden became a laboratory for new industrial technology, but space constraints and the need for more power led Hydro to move its main production to Rjukan.
Rjukan was developed as a planned industrial town from 1907, with factories, housing, schools, hospitals, and a railway—all designed to support the rapidly growing industry. The Rjukan Line and ferry transport across Lake Tinnsjø connected the town to the railway network, enabling the export of artificial fertilizer to the global market.
Internationally, the development of Notodden and Rjukan was groundbreaking during the Second Industrial Revolution. They were among the first places in the world where hydropower was systematically harnessed for heavy industry, representing an early form of modern industrial city development. This made Norway a global leader in the electrochemical industry, and Norsk Hydro became one of the most important players in artificial fertilizer production, significantly impacting food supply worldwide.
The UNESCO World Heritage status is due to Notodden and Rjukan representing one of the first major industrial developments based on hydropower and outstanding engineering. These sites illustrate how industry, power development, and societal growth went hand in hand in the early 20th century and how Norway became a key player in the global artificial fertilizer industry.
5 Unique Experiences in the World Heritage Towns of Rjukan and Notodden
1. Telemark Art Museum & World Heritage Center – Notodden
Combine art and industrial history in a beautifully preserved factory hall from the early 20th century. Learn how Norsk Hydro revolutionized global food production with artificial fertilizer at the World Heritage Center, and explore fascinating art collections from the industrial heyday and contemporary art at the Telemark Art Museum.
Highlights:
- The arc furnace – one of Norway’s most important inventions.
- Art from Telemark, including works by Christian Skredsvig and Theodor Kittelsen.
- The industrial park at Tinfos, a gem for architecture and history enthusiasts.
2. Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum & Heavy Water Cellar – Rjukan
Vemork was the world’s largest hydropower plant in 1911 and played a crucial role in the heavy water sabotage during World War II. Today, you can visit the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum and explore the legendary heavy water cellar.
Highlights:
- Learn about the heavy water sabotage, one of Norway’s most famous resistance actions.
- Discover industrial history from hydropower to world heritage.
- Admire the impressive architecture of the old power plant.
3. The Industrial Promenade in Notodden
Take a walk along the industrial promenade in Notodden, one of Norway’s best-preserved industrial heritage sites. Here, you’ll find historic buildings, river culture, and traces of how Notodden became a global industrial hub.
Highlights:
- Visit Hydroparken, the heart of Norsk Hydro’s early industrial adventure.
- See the first artificial fertilizer factory, which transformed global agriculture.
- Follow the river promenade and enjoy stunning views of Heddalsvannet.
4. Walking Tour in Rjukan – In the Shadow of Gaustatoppen
Rjukan was built as a modern industrial town in the early 1900s, and its unique architecture and history have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Highlights:
- See the workers’ housing, built for Hydro’s employees in a time when industry and community development went hand in hand.
- Visit Rjukan Square, where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the mountains.
- Experience the Sun Mirror phenomenon, which reflects sunlight onto the square during the winter months.
5. M/F Storegut – A Historic Railway Ferry on Lake Tinnsjø
M/F Storegut transported railway wagons filled with artificial fertilizer from Rjukan to the global market. Today, you can visit this impressive, preserved railway ferry and learn more about the transport network that connected the industrial heritage.
Highlights:
- Visit one of the world’s only preserved railway ferries.
- Learn about the Tinnos Line, one of Norway’s first electric railways.
- Enjoy a unique view of Lake Tinnsjø.
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