Population 3,000 / 59.8 degrees north

Rjukan, Norway

Rjukan is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area for industrial history. It is also where the Vemork power plant is, which was the plant where the Nazis were developing heavy water. It became one the locations for one of the most famous acts of sabotage during the war. 

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

Located in the old hydropower plant at Vemork, this museum is about both the industrial growth in the 20th century as well as the heavy water development during World War II. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Gaustatoppen

Gaustatoppen is one of Norway’s tallest mountains. It is also where the Gaustabanen railway is, so you can take the rail to the top of the mountain. 

Gaustatoppen

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Rjukan

Telemark Scenic Drive

Follow this drive from Dalen to Kongsberg via Notodden. 

Telemark Scenic Drive

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. 

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

 

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