Population 13,000 / 59.3 degrees north

Notodden, Norway

Notodden is an industrial town and part of the UNESCO World Heritage area for industry in Norway. Close by is the famous Heddal Stave Church, the largest of the 28 remaining stave churches. 

About Notodden

Latitude: 59.3 degrees north

Population: 13,000

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: October

Windiest month: January

Annual precipitation: 555mm

Notodden Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Notodden

Uniquely Notodden

Here are some things that you must do and try in Notodden

Heritage Site

UNESCO World Heritage

Notodden’s unique industrial history has put it on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with the towns of Rjukan, Odda, and Tyssedal. 

Festival

Notodden Blues Festival

Notodden hosts one of Europe’s largest blues festivals. 

Things to See & Do

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

Church

Heddal Stave Church

Located a short drive out of Notodden, Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church and is from the 13th century. 

Heddal Stave Church

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Notodden

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.

The E134 from Oslo to Haugesund

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.

Telemark Scenic Drive (Fv37 & Fv38)

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Notodden

Notodden on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Notodden

History of Notodden

The original community was based around Heddal, while Notodden was a small agricultural community. In the mid-19th century, it was realised that the large waterfalls would be perfect for hydropower. By 1900, Notodden had emerged as an industrial town. 

The city’s population went from 1,000 to 5,000 in 10 years and the town was built up by Norsk Hydro. 

Much of the industry died down in the 1980s, and since then Notodden has emerged as a trade and service centre. 

Notodden Today

Today Notodden is an administrative centre. It has a department of the University of Telemark here. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Notodden has a small airport. 

Drive: Notodden is located on the E134 coming from Oslo and heading towards Haugesund.

Train: No train access

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

You’ll need a car to get to the stave church. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

 

High End & Unique Eats

 

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

Lystang Glamping & Cabins: Click here to view rates & book

Cabins & B&Bs

Bolkesjø Gård: Click here to view rates & book

Chains & Mid-Range

 

High End & Unique Properties

Brattrein Hotel: Click here to view rates & book

All Posts About Notodden

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:07am

Sunset: 3:57pm

Average Temperature: -4.5C (24F)

February

Sunrise: 8am

Sunset: 5:14pm

Average Temperature: -3.5C (26F)

March

Sunrise: 6:40am

Sunset: 6:24pm

Average Temperature: 0.5C (33F)

April

Sunrise: 6:08am

Sunset: 8:38pm

Average Temperature: 5.6C (42F)

May

Sunrise: 4:49am

Sunset: 9:50pm

Average Temperature: 10.8C (52F)

June

Sunrise: 4:04am

Sunset: 10:43pm

Average Temperature: 14.6C (58F)

July

Sunrise: 4:30am

Sunset: 10:26pm

Average Temperature: 17.1C (63F)

August

Sunrise: 5:38am

Sunset: 9:14pm

Average Temperature: 15.5C (60F)

September

Sunrise: 6:50am

Sunset: 7:44pm

Average Temperature: 11.2C (52F)

October

Sunrise: 8am

Sunset: 6:16pm

Average Temperature: 4.9C (41F)

November

Sunrise: 8:17am

Sunset: 3:56pm

Average Temperature: 0.6C (33F)

December

Sunrise: 9:15am

Sunset: 3:20pm

Average Temperature: -4.2C (24F)