Drive it Yourself: The Numedal Valley
One of Norway’s best-kept secrets, the Numedal Valley has the largest collection of wooden medieval buildings in Norway. Here’s my scenic drive from Kongsberg to Geilo.
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 28,000 / 59.4 degrees north
Kongsberg, Norway
Kongsberg is a historic mining town located in the southern part of Norway. It was also one of the wealthiest and important towns in Norway until the mid-19th century, making it an interesting place to visit.
About Kongsberg
Latitude: 59.4 degrees north
Population: 28,000
Kongsberg Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Map of Kongsberg
Uniquely Kongsberg
Here are some things that you must do and try in Kongsberg
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kongsberg
Museum
Norwegian Mining Museum
This is the main museum for mining operations in Norway and is located in the old smelting building from 1844.
Church
Kongsberg Church
Kongsberg Church was built in 1761 and is decorated in Rococo architecture. In fact, it is considered one of the most important Rococo works in Norway.
Stave Church
Flesberg Stave Church
Flesberg Stave Church is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!
Natural Attraction
Crowns in HÅvet
Crowns in Håvet is a site where Norwegian royal monograms have been carved into the mountains to mark royal visits to the city. The first monogram is of King Christian IV, while the most recent is Harald V.
Road-Trips
Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kongsberg
The E134 from Oslo/Drøbak to Haugesund
The E134 follows one of the historic routes between east and west Norway. It provides a nice alternative to taking the E16 (the main highway) between Bergen and Oslo. On this drive you pass a number of historic churches, most notably Heddal Stave Church, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage region of Notodden-Rjukan. As you approach the mountains, you can see some of the original roads that the earliest travellers used – and even drive on them in the summer! This drive ends at Haugesund, a known Viking settlement located halfway between Bergen and Stavanger.
Scenic Telemark Drive (Fv37 & Fv38)
The traditional region of Telemark is known for its remote villages, large forests, and huge ski culture. In old times, Telemark was a rough and lawless place, but now it has transformed into a popular place for people to come for outdoor activities. Telemark is home to the iconic Telemark Canal, was the birthplace of skiing, saw one of the greatest acts of resistance during the war, and has some of Norway’s tall peaks. This drive on two highways – the Fv37 and Fv38 – will take you past the major highlights of the region.
The Numedal Valley (Fv40)
The Numedal Valley is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Norway. Located between Kongsberg and Geilo, the valley contains the largest number of medieval wooden buildings in Norway; an impressive 40 ancient farm buildings and 4 stave churches. On this drive, you’ll see these beautiful historic sites.
Self-Guided Walks
No self-guided walks are currently available for Kongsberg
Kongsberg on YouTube
Watch my YouTube videos featuring Kongsberg
Uniquely Kongsberg
Here are some things that you must do and try in Kongsberg
Mines
Royal Silver Mines
It is possible to visit the silver mines with a guided tour.
History of Kongsberg
Kongsberg was established as an industrial town based on silver mines in 1623. It was initiated by King Christian IV, who brought Germans from the silver mines in Saxony to show the Norwegians how to mine.
Kongsberg was Norway’s largest mining community and is the country’s oldest industrial town. It was Norway’s second-largest town in the mid-19th century, after Bergen.
Kongsberg Today
Kongsberg is still a large industrial centre. The Kongsberg Gruppen (Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace and Kongsberg Maritime) is Norway’s major defence contractor and also makes weapons. Kongsberg is also the site of the Royal Norwegian Mint.
Besides manufacturing, the town is known for its skiing traditions and the international Kongsberg Jazz Festival.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: No airport.
Drive: Kongsberg is located on the E134 that runs between east and west Norway.
Train: Kongsberg has a train station on the line running from Oslo to Kristiansand
Ferry: No ferry access
Getting Around
Kongsberg town is quite walkable, but the mines are located out of town.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Opsahlgården and Christians Kjeller is an upmarket Norwegian restaurant in one of the city’s oldest buildings.
Places to Stay
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Cabins & B&Bs
Chains & Mid-Range
Quality Hotel Grand Kongsberg is a reasonably priced hotel.
High End & Unique Properties
Clarion Collection Kongsberg is one of the more high-end hotels in town.
All Posts About Kongsberg
Drive it Yourself: Scenic Telemark Drive on the Fv37 & Fv38
Telemark is a fascinating part of Norway and best viewed with a road-trip. Here’s where I recommend going.
Flesberg Stave Church
Flesberg Stave Church is located in the Numedal Valley, a historic valley in central Norway. Here’s all the important info