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. 

Fun Facts About Kongsberg

Latitude: 59.4 degrees north

Population: 28,000

Kongsberg Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kongsberg

Norwegian Mining Museum

This is the main museum for mining operations in Norway and is located in the old smelting building from 1844. 

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. 

Flesberg Stave Church

Flesberg Stave Church is one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches. 

Flesberg Stave Church

Kongsberg Guides

Find guides to Kongsberg on our online store. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

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 Numedal Valley

The Numedal Valley has the best-preserved collection of medieval buildings in all of Norway. 

Numedal Valley

Telemark Scenic Drive

Kongsberg is at the eastern part of the traditional region of Telemark. 

Telemark

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

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

Kirkenes is walkable. 

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. 

Camping & Hostels

Kongsberg Vandrerhjem is the only hostel in town.

Click here to view rates & book

Cabins & B&Bs

 

Chains & Mid-Range

Quality Hotel Grand Kongsberg is a reasonably priced hotel.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Clarion Collection Kongsberg is one of the more high-end hotels in town.

Click here to view rates & book

All Posts About Kongsberg

Kongsberg Photo Diary