Telemark · Norway
Industrial Heritage of Telemark, the former Vemork power plant, the mountain Gaustatoppen and the wooden roofs of Heddal church.
In the photo: Vemork
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Rjukan and Notodden showcase parts of Norway’s industrial history across two valleys in Telemark. Water power and goods transport helped shape the towns and are part of the ensemble recognized as World Heritage.
In Rjukan, Vemork lets you explore a former hydroelectric plant converted into a museum. Gaustatoppen adds a mountain activity that requires its own day and preparation. In the Notodden area, Heddal preserves a wooden church with overlapping roofs and towers.
The two towns do not form a single visitor hub. Divide the route by base and add driving time between activities.
This destination brings together 2 cities: Rjukan, Notodden.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Contornos: © Kartverket (CC BY 4.0), divisas de 2024; costa via geoBoundaries. Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
Confirm before booking. Oslo has bus connections to the towns in Telemark. The E134 serves Notodden, and regional roads continue to Rjukan.
Suggested arrival point: Rjukan
Rjukan occupies a valley in Telemark tied to the history of hydroelectric power and industry. Vemork presents that story in a former power plant, and Gaustatoppen offers a mountain activity with its own access outside the town center.
Notodden sits by lake Heddalsvatnet, in the industrial heritage region shared with Rjukan. Heddal’s wooden church, west of the centre, is a sight in itself, with towers and overlapping roofs.
The local experience
Heddal stavkyrkje is a wooden church west of Notodden centre. The ensemble of overlapping roofs, towers and external galleries allows observation of a construction style that marked medieval religious architecture in Norway.
The Vemork museum occupies the former hydroelectric power station above the Rjukan valley. The building and its installations present the relationship between water power, industrialization, and workers’ lives, part of the industrial heritage ensemble of Rjukan and Notodden.
Gaustatoppen is a mountain in Telemark that towers above Rjukan. Its rocky profile can be seen from the area and is also the objective of a high-altitude hike, with route and starting point defined before setting out.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to September, days usually favor walks and travel between valleys. In winter, from December to February, it’s typically cold and days are short.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Three days to cover Vemork, Gaustatoppen and Heddal, separating the mountain day from cultural visits.
Rjukan is convenient for the Vemork museum and the mountain valley. Notodden is another base to visit Heddal and split the driving; choose nights according to the route sequence.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Oslo has bus connections to the towns in Telemark. The E134 serves Notodden, and regional roads continue to Rjukan.
Three days to cover Vemork, Gaustatoppen and Heddal, separating the mountain day from cultural visits.
Rjukan is convenient for the Vemork museum and the mountain valley. Notodden is another base to visit Heddal and split the driving; choose nights according to the route sequence.
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