Population 35,000 / 59.1 degrees north

Porsgrunn, Norway

Porsgrunn is an industrial town located on the highway running between Oslo and Kristiansand. It does have some interesting places to visit, such as the Porsgrund Porcelain Factory, and the inner town centre is charming. 

Fun Facts About Porsgrunn

Latitude: 59.1 degrees north

Population: 35,000

Porsgrunn Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

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

Porsgrund Porcelain Factory

Porsgrunds Porcelænsfabrik is a porcelain factory established in 1885. The factory has a riverside café, a shop and a factory outlet where you can buy high quality porcelain at low prices. It is also possible to book a tour of the factory.

Porsgrund Seafarers Museum

The museum contains many objects from the height of shipping in Porsgrunn, including models of ships, as well as the fully restored tugboat Hans Martin, built in concrete using a special technique developed in Porsgrunn.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Porsgrunn

Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18

Follow the main highway along southern Norway. 

Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18

Self-Guided Walks

Porsgrunn on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Porsgrunn

Uniquely Porsgrunn

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

History of Porsgrunn

It has been claimed that Porsgrunn was originally the name of one of the islands where the town is located today. Porsgrunn is mentioned for the first time in writing in 1613, though it was not a new place then.

The town developed throughout the 17th century as an important port for timber trade. Porsgrunn received market rights in 1807 and a number of shipyards were established and eventually the timber merchants built a significant fleet of sailing ships. From the 1850s industrialisation gained momentum with shipbuilding and sawmilling. Sailing was successful towards the end of the century and several shipowners invested in land and the restructuring in the business world led to, amongst other things, the establishing of Norrøna Fabrikker, which is now one of the most famous outdoor wear brands in the country. Porsgrund Porcelain also got its start here and is today and one of the most famous porcelain companies in Norway.

Porsgrunn Today

Today the processing industry is the most important industry here. Yara, which is headquartered here, is one of the world’s largest mineral fertiliser factories. The University of Southeast Norway is also here, with 2,750 students.

Porsgrunn is largely an industrial town today. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: The closest airport is at Skien.

Drive: Porsgrunn is located on the E18 that runs from Oslo to Kristiansand. Buses run frequently between Oslo and Porsgrunn. 

Train: Trains connect Oslo to Larvik, and from Larvik it is possible to take a bus to Porsgrunn.

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

Porsgrunn is easy to walk around. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

 

High End & Unique Properties

Hotel Vic is the main hotel in Porsgrunn. 

All Posts About Porsgrunn

Porsgrunn Photo Diary