Have you ever thought about what is Norway’s and one of the world’s most important inventions? The answer can be found at the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (World Heritage Site) Learn how the arc furnace and mineral fertilisers were invented. Immerse yourself in the story of how it both changed Norway and improved the world.
It all grew out of nothing
Get into the mindset of those who ploughed new ground and lay the foundations for a new, modern Norway. At the same time they founded both Rjukan and Notodden.
Be enthralled at how Professor Kristian Birkeland (1867—1917) and entrepreneur Sam Eyde (1866—1940)’s innovations took Norway from a poor peasant society to the world’s most modern welfare state.
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Two visitor sites. Endless knowledge.
The World Heritage Centre has two visitor sites, one in Rjukan and one in Notodden. Here in Rjukan you can learn more about how the powerful waterfall, the development of Norwegian industry and an entire city grew from nothing. Look forward to stopping by. This is more than an industrial adventure. It is Norwegian history at its best.
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The heroes
They sneaked unseen into a heavily guarded Vemork, blew up the heavy water plant and prevented the enemy from potentially developing an atomic bomb. One winter night in February 1943, a group of Norwegian special forces soldiers risked their lives in the heavy water cellar.
Now the same area is open to you.