Vemork was once the largest power station in the world and is now part of the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rjukan also offers a preserved railway station complex, guided city tours, hiking trails and winter ice climbing. If you’re looking for hotels in Rjukan, you can plan your trip around these specific interests: history, technology, outdoor activities or a stay focused on a particular season.

Industrial history in a World Heritage Site

Rjukan was the site of Norway’s first heavy industry operation. The industrial heritage includes the town as a company town, with workers’ housing and social facilities. Historic rail and ferry connections linked it to ports where fertiliser was loaded. The heritage therefore tells not only the story of industrial production, but also of the living conditions and transport links that were part of this history.

Rjukan Railway Station is a preserved ensemble of buildings, tracks, technical installations and railway vehicles. Its components can be viewed as a cohesive railway station environment: the tracks and vehicles are part of the preserved site, along with the buildings. This makes the railway’s importance to the industrial history visible in a tangible way.

Museum, railway station and film history

At the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, there is an exhibition about the Second World War and the industrialisation of Rjukan. The Heavy Water Cellar at Vemork houses an interactive exhibition; its content may change. The two exhibitions offer different perspectives on the history of the place: one covers the war and industrialisation, while the other uses an interactive format.

Rjukan Church also has a distinctive historical story. After a fire during filming of “The Heroes of Telemark” in 1965, it was rebuilt and renovated in a modern style. The history of the church is thus connected to a specific event during filming.

Sun mirror and city tour

The sun mirror is installed on a mountain face 742 metres above sea level and lies about 450 metres above Rjukan’s market square. Three computer-controlled mirrors follow the movement of the sun and reflect its rays onto the market square. The two elevations refer to different points of comparison: one gives the height above sea level, while the other gives the approximate difference in height from the square.

The Hydrant Safari explores Rjukan on a guided city tour. Along the way, the distinctive hydrants lead to stories about industry, architecture, community building and influential figures. The tour therefore draws attention both to architectural themes and to the development of community life.

Trails, waterfall and winter activities

The walk through central Rjukan starts at Torget and can lead via Kjærlighetsstien into a nature reserve. Rjukan Railway Station is also the starting point for the hiking trail between the town of Rjukan and Gaustatoppen. When choosing between these trails, the main differences are their starting points and destinations; no walking time is specified.

Rjukanfossen is 104 metres high and contributed to the growth of tourism in Rjukan. Ice climbing is a distinctive winter activity in the destination: Rjukan has more than 192 frozen waterfalls. During a particularly long and stable winter season, they offer good conditions for ice climbers.

Swimming and when to visit

Rjukanbadet has an outdoor area open year-round, with a 33-degree pool, a whirlpool and a current channel. Other facilities include a children’s pool, a sports pool, a climbing wall, a therapy pool, a steam room, a sauna, water slides and diving boards. As operating details may change, check the latest information before visiting.

You can also plan your visit around the experiences you want: Rjukan Railway Station’s outdoor area can be enjoyed year-round, while good conditions for ice climbing depend on a particularly long and stable winter season. For specific offers and routes, it’s worth checking the latest operating and condition information before you travel.

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