Population 3,000 / 59.8 degrees north

Rjukan, Norway

Situated deep in a valley, Rjukan is a charming town in Telemark. The town has a number of key attractions – it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area for industrial history, it’s home to the famous Vemork Power Plant, and there are incredible hikes in the surrounding area. 

Fun Facts About Rjukan

Latitude: 59.8 degrees north

Population: 3,000

Tinn Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

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

Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum

The museum is about the industrial heritage in Rjukan and development of hydropower. This is also the site of the famous ‘Heavy Water War’. Here, during World War II, the occupying Germans built a heavy-water production plant – the heavy water was being used in the production of nuclear weapons. In 1943, British and Norwegian saboteurs air-dropped into the mountains and planted explosives that destroyed the facility. 

Museum Website

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Gaustabanen

Gaustabanen is a cable railway that was built by NATO in the 1950s into the mountain of Gaustatoppen. The journey takes you 1800 metres above sea level, and on a clear day you can see 1/6 of Norway. 

Gaustatoppen

Hiking Gaustatoppen

It is also possible to hike up the mountain. The trailhead starts at Stavsro and it takes about 2.5 hours one way to hike around 4.3km up the summit, with an elevation gain of 710 metres. 

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Rjukan

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 Rjukan

Rjukan on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Rjukan

Telemark Scenic Drive

Rjukan is one of the stops on our scenic drive through Telemark. 

Watch on youtube

Uniquely Rjukan

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

Rjukan Sun Mirrors

Rjukan does not get any sunlight between September and March because the low sun is blocked by the tall mountain called Gaustatoppen. In 2013 the city built large mirrors to reflect the sun into the town during the dark months. 

Each mirror is 17 meters in area, or together 51m2. The reflected light has between 80 and 100% of the effect compared to the light that is captured by the mirrors.

Krossobanen

Krossobanen is an aerial tramway. What makes it unique? Well – it was built as a gift from Norsk Hydro so the locals could take the cablecar up the mountain to enjoy the sun. 

History of Rjukan

Rjukan was more or less built up in the early 20th century by the company Norsk Hydro. Rjukan is a significant industrial area for the region of Telemark.

You can find a detailed overview of Rjukan’s industrial heritage below. 

Rjukan industrial heritage

Rjukan Today

Rjukan has a long history of tourism because of the waterfalls and proximity to the Hardangervidda plateau. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: Rjukan is located on the Fv37, which is a short drive off the E134 across southern Norway. 

Train: No train access

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

You’ll need a car to get around to all the major sites.

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

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Rjukan Hytteby & Kro has lovely cabins down by the riverbank and a restaurant with cozy meals.

Chains & Mid-Range

 

High End & Unique Properties

Rjukan Admini is the historic hotel of Rjukan. 

Gaustablikk Hoyfjellshotel is a mountain lodge close to the ski slopes. 

All Posts About Rjukan

Rjukan Photo Diary