Follow in the feet of heroes. Stand where the heroes stood. See the result of the mission that changed the course of history, while also learning about a major, important part of Norwegian history.
The heavy water cellar (opens June 18)
The history of the heavy water cellar
The heavy water cellar is best known for the act of sabotage operation that took place on the night of 28 February 1943, but is also part of a larger story. The story of the hydrogen plant. A spectacular structure, perched on the steep valley side, right on the edge of the cliff. The icy water from the Rjukan waterfall came thundering down the mountainside, providing ideal conditions for hydrogen production. Locally, the plant was known simply as “Hydrogen”, and the building was completed in 1929. “An architectural achievement,” they called it. And it certainly was. Guided tours of the heavy water cellar will begin om 18 June
Take a virtual tour of the heavy water cellar here.
On the edge A distinctive Functionalist building of grey concrete surfaces broken up by rows of windows balanced on the edge of the gorge. During the day it loomed over the surroundings. After dark, the light from the windows shone out over the valley. The 99-metre long and 40-metre wide building, designed by architect Thorvald Astrup, became a tourist attraction in itself.
From everyday life to heroic actions The hydrogen plant was the world’s largest water electrolysis facility. This created new jobs and attracted workers of all kinds from all over Norway. Had it not been for them, or Vemork, Rjukan and Notodden would never have grown to become what they are today. You can learn more at the World Heritage Centre Rjukan-Notodden.
The hydrogen plant then and now
Operation continued after the war, but in the 1960s, new technology led to major changes. In 1971, the hydrogen plant ceased operation. It was demolished on 21 June 1977. The old power station can be seen once more. Today, Vemork looks like a fairy-tale castle on the edge of the cliff. There are experiences for the whole family.
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