Attractions

1. HEDDAL STAVE CHURCH

The church is a triple nave stave church and is Norway's largest stave church. It was constructed at the beginning of the 13th century. Over the last couple of years, the number of visitors has been lying in the area of 30 000 each year. There are guided tours in Norwegian, German and English available to tourists. The church is in use as a regular parish church, so during the summer there are held services most Sundays.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day” the old saying goes, but according to the legend, Heddal stave church was built in three days. You may read the exciting story here.

Heddalsvegen 412
N-3676 Notodden
Tel: + 47 35 01 39 90 / 922 04 435
Fax: + 47 35 02 00 73
E-mail: post@heddalstavkirke.no
Web: www.heddalstavkirke.no

2. RUDSGREND

The ferry D/F Hydro was sunk by the Norwegian resistance movement on February 20th, 1944. Four Germans and fourteen Norwegians perished in the incident. Fifty years later, to the day, on Sunday 20 February 1994, the county governor of Telemark unveiled a memorial in honour of the victims, close to the place the "Hydro" sank.

Read more about the tragic story here.

Rjukan tourist office
Tel: +47 35 08 05 50
Fax: +47 35 08 15 75
E-mail: info@visitrjukan.com
Web: www.visitrjukan.com

3. TUDDAL VILLAGE MUSEUM

Tuddal Village is an outdoor museum housing typical buildings once found in an ancient mountain village.

At the museum you can:
• Experience how folk from Tuddal had built their farms and lived through the centuries
• Discover various types of buildings with interiors as they existed long ago
• Receive information on traditional objects and artifacts
• Discover ‘Bygdedagen’ (village day) in July which attracts more participants than the number of citizens currently living there
• Take a look at ‘husguden’ dating to 1100 as well as the famous stave church portals
• Visit the new museum building which preserves and displays objects/artifacts in a completely new manner
• Purchase a photograph from the photo collection

Read more about the “Tuddal god” here.

Tuddal bygdetun
N-3697 Tuddal
Tel: +47 35 02 80 00
E-mail: haavard.kaasa@hjartdal.kommune.no
Web: www.museumaust.no

4. GAUSTABANEN

A cable railway has been built inside Mount Gausta. The Gausta Line consists of a battery-powered carriage on rails which transports passengers approx. 860 metres horizontally into the mountain. At this point there is an intermediate transfer station from which a shuttle line runs upwards at an angle for 1040 metres to a height of 1800 metres above sea level. At the top there is an exit which leads passengers out on to the so-called Tuddalstippen, just below the Mount Gausta Tourist Chalet.

The line was built in order to transport people and equipment up to a height of 1800 metres, and as a military transport system which is unique in global terms. A unit of the Norwegian armed forces, which was involved in the installation of radio links on Mount Gausta, was keen to gain year-round access to the peak regardless of the weather. They then conceived the idea of copying the developers of hydroelectric power stations by excavating a tunnel into the mountainside. The cost of the line on completion in 1958 was one million dollars. Today the price would have been so prohibitive that the line would never have been built. The Mount Gausta line was also originally intended to be used for transporting tourists up to the peak of Mount Gausta, but unfortunately the Cold War came along. The line was closed to the public, and it was not until 2003 that it was reopened to accommodate tourist traffic.

The Gaustabanen funicular was launched in 1953, but initially only as an April fools’ joke in the local newspaper. Read about the April fools’ joke that became reality here!

Jernbanegt 8
N-3660 Rjukan
Tel: +47 951 04 925
Web: www.gaustabanen.no

5. MOUNT GAUSTA

Mount Gausta, which many claim to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, towers majestically above the town of Rjukan at an altitude of 1,883 metres. Around 30,000 people make the trip up to the summit every year to enjoy the fantastic views from the top. On a clear day, you can see all the way south to the coast and east to Sweden. You can see one sixth of Norway from here.

No matter what the weather is like, you can still buy a cup of coffee, waffles and food at the Tourist Association's 100-year-old stone cabin on the summit. You can pick your own stone from the piles around the summit and get it stamped to prove that you climbed the mountain. The best place to start off on a trek up to the top is from Stavsro (1,173 metres). The car park here has a kiosk and toilets. The trail is well marked with red T's all the way up and it takes most people about two hours to reach the summit and a little less on the way down. You might find stones with wave patterns on them from when the mountain was at the bottom of a long lost ocean.

A new alpine slope down Mount Gausta is planned, but this is no new idea. Had it not been for the Second World War, the alpine disciplines at the 1940 World Championships would have been arranged here.

It hasn’t always been as easy to climb mountains as it is now. In the old days it was usual to have a guide, and for many years the most famous local guide was known as “the emperor”. Find out more about this incredible man here.

Rjukan tourist office
Tel: +47 35 08 05 50
Fax: +47 35 08 15 75
E-mail: info@visitrjukan.com
Web: www.visitrjukan.com

6. TINN MUSEUM

Tinn Museum is a local folk museum, featuring buildings and inventory dating from the 16th century to the industrialisation of the 20th century. In the summer the building’s doors are open, and guided tours are available. The museum has a total of 25 buildings on display.

A lot of interesting characters have lived in Tinn over the course of the years. Hans the Strong is one of the ones who is still remembered well. You can read how he got his nickname here.

Sam Eydes gt. 299
N-3660 Rjukan
Tel: +47 35 09 22 33
Fax: +47 35 09 22 34
E-mail: rd@nia.tinnmuseum.no
Web: www.museumaust.no

7. KROSSOBANEN

The Krossobane Cable Car was the first cable car to be built in northern Europe in 1928. The cable car was a gift from Norsk Hydro to the townspeople so that they could get up high enough to see the sun during the winter. The cable car has recently been renovated, with new machinery and other technical installations. Visits to the operations room can be arranged on request.

The lower station has a large car park, from which the two cable cars, "Tyttebær" (cranberry) and "Blåbær" (blueberry) carry passengers up to an altitude of 886 metres. The view over Rjukan from the top is fantastic, with the mountains rolling away to the south and west and Vemork nestling in the valley where the dramatic heavy water sabotage operations took place during the War. You will find Gvepseborg Kafé at the top, where you can have a bite to eat and relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Thousands of people take the cable car to the upper station in order to access the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and cycle to Kalhovd Turisthytte. The trail there is 30km long and signposted. It is suitable for cyclists of all ages. You can carry on from Kalhovd and cycle a round trip back to Rjukan.

The 1st of November 1944 will always be one of the most important dates in the history of the Krossobanen cableway. Read about what happened here.

Nedre Stasjon
N-3660 Rjukan
Tel: +47 35 09 00 27
Fax: +47 35 09 71 53
E-mail: krossobanen@c2i.net
Web: www.krossobanen.no

8. VEMORK, THE NORWEGIAN INDUSTRIAL WORKERS MUSEUM

The Rjukan Waterfall provided the basis for building the world's largest power station of the time at Vemork in 1911. The power station is now a museum where you can learn about the fantastic adventure of its founding and see exhibitions on industrial development in Norway and especially in Rjukan.

The museum is perhaps best known for its presentation of Rjukan's exciting war history. Vemork was at the centre of one of the most important acts of sabotage committed during the Second World War, when Norwegian saboteurs prevented the Germans from developing a nuclear bomb from the heavy water that was produced there.

The exhibition "Atomkappløpet" (the nuclear race) gives an exciting and extremely informative presentation of the four heavy water sabotage operations and the Allies' efforts to build a nuclear bomb. You can watch a documentary called "If Hitler had the bomb" in the cinema, which is about the acts of sabotage committed during the quest to destroy the heavy water plant.

The Vemork art gallery 2008;
Reidar Aulie graduated at Kunstindustriskolen (school of art) and Kunstakademiet (Art academy) around 1920. He was also a student of Christian Krogh and Axel Revold. His political views were based on humanistic and pacifistic ideals, which had great influence on his artistic development. Around 1930, Reidar Aulie, was looked upon as one of Norway’s front painters of tendency. Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum (The industrial workers museum –Vemork) presents a variety of Aulies work; paintings, drawings and lithographs. 1st of May to the 31st of December.

Before the “Heroes of Telemark” went into action, they lived in a small cabin on the Hardangervidda plateau, awaiting their orders from England. It was a difficult few time for them, but on the 23rd of December 1942 they got a rare surprise. Find out what it was here.

Tel: +47 35 09 90 00
Fax: +47 35 09 90 01
E-mail: post@nia.vemork.no
Web: www.visitvemork.com

9. THE RJUKAN WATERFALL

In 1810, geology professor Jens Esmark "discovered" the Rjukan Waterfall, and sent a report to the King in Copenhagen about the "world's highest waterfall". This was a slight exaggeration. The Rjukan Waterfall is no more than 104m high, but it led to increased tourism in Rjukan. The mountain man and heavy water saboteur Claus Helberg claimed that Rjukan was the cradle of modern tourism in Norway.

Great artists such as I. C. Dahl and Johannes Flintoe came first and painted the two giants of nature, Gaustatoppen and the Rjukan Waterfall, followed by the upper classes from large European cities who came to "inspect this beautiful scenery". There are many descriptions to be found of first meetings with the Rjukan waterfall. The lawyer Bernhard Dunker, totally entranced, wrote the following:

"After passing Skovbekken and reaching the cliff face close by, it seemed to me that I should see the waterfall. Finally and unexpectedly the path led out of the forest and on to a terrace on the mountainside, and there was the waterfall in all its glory. As if by magic, I was standing face to face with this great waterfall and a natural phenomenon, the power and beaty of which surpassed even the most spectacular dream. Neither words, brush nor colour can do justice to the Rjukan waterfall and its surroundings. But for he who is granted the privilege of standing on the terrace just opposite the Rjukan Waterfall and hears its thundering roar and observes the clouds of mist rising towards the sky, a picture of nature's majesty and power forms in his soul which will remain with him throughout his life."

The Rjukan Waterfall is unfortunately much less impressive than it used to be as most of the water has now been diverted into pipes running to the Vemork power station, but if you are lucky, the waterfall will be flowing when you visit Rjukan.

Each year the local people put on a history play, which tells the dramatic story of Mari and Olav. You can read the legend here.

Rjukan tourist office
Tel: +47 35 08 05 50
Fax: +47 35 08 15 75
E-mail: info@visitrjukan.com
Web: www.visitrjukan.com

10. MB FJELLVÅKEN

The M/B Fjellvåken takes you on a wonderful trip across Lake Møsvatn from Møsstrond Landhandleri at Skinnarbu to Mogen Turisthytte, a 40 kilometre trip. The boat passes mountain farms and sails through beautiful scenery on its journey, which lasts about 2 hours. Mogen is an ideal starting point for hiking on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

The boat can also be chartered for extra trips and sightseeing trips.

Some animals are unique. During the height of the Black Death in Møsstrond, there was a local horse called Førnesbrunen. Here you can find out why this proud horse is still remembered to this very day.

Tel: +47 35 06 26 30
Fax: +47 35 06 26 31
E-mail: info@visitrauland.com
Web: www.visitrauland.com

11. VIERLI TOURIST CENTRE

At Vierli you will find activities for the entire family. Own track with “pedal go-karts” and “pedal tractors” for loan, extended ball game area/playground with two football goals, basketball baskets, badminton/volleyball net, giant (8 x 8 metre) bouncy castle and “Tarzan slide” for children. All free of charge and always open.

There are more than 10 km of signposted trails for mountain rambles. The trails are surfaced so you can walk on a firm track almost all the way around.

Vierli Tourist Centre has laid out its own orienteering track for families with children. The route comprises eight checkpoints in the immediate vicinity. In addition, they have a special “Cairn-builder” offer for all those who climb three of the nearby peaks. All those who complete the orienteering course or build cairns receive a certificate and a little prize.

At Vierli’s petting zoo, children can see reindeer, goats, ducks, rabbits and more at first hand.

If you stay at Vierli, you can fish in their lakes – Oksatjønn and Uvatn – free of charge. Some sections of Uvatn are off limits, but you can fish all over Oksatjønn.

Vierli started as, and still is, a traditional family business. You may read the fascinating story about Vierli’s development from a small farm to a large tourist attraction by clicking here.

N-3864 Rauland
Tel: +47 35 07 23 00
E-mail: velkommen@vierli.no
Web: www.vierli.no

12. THE TELEMARK FARMSTEAD

Next to Raulandsakademiet, a centre for traditional cultural studies in Norwegian folk art and music, you will find the Telemark Farmstead (Telemarkstunet); a collection of traditional log buildings from the area.

There is a handicraft exhibition at Låven (the barn), a wood fired stone oven bakery at Eldhuset (the firehouse) and some periods of handicraft workshops in the other buildings. Other activities include outdoor concerts, guided tours in the buildings and workshops, nature walks and games for children.

Open during the summer and on agreement.

Telemark has long traditions with tourism. An English tourist named Biddulph is one out of many who has been amazed by the buildings and scenery in Telemark. Read his comments.

N-3864 Rauland
Tel: +47 35 07 32 92
E-mail: post@raulandsakademiet.no
Web: www.raulandsakademiet.no

13. THE RAULAND ART MUSEUM

Rauland Art Museum is two sculpture museums situated just outside Rauland centre. These collections include sculptures, paintings and drawings by the artists Dyre Vaa and Knut Skinnarland. The collections are open during the summer season, for groups outside the season, contact Vest-Telemark Museum.

Dyre Vaa and Knut Skinnarland who are both well known sculptors with links to Rauland donated large parts of their work to Vinje municipality.

The Dyre Vaa collection features sculptures, paintings, graphics and drawings by Dyre Vaa and Tor Vaa, and woodcarvings by Svallaug Svalastoga. The Skinnarland collection features sculptures and a copy of his studio in Rauland.

As an artist you get many kinds of requests. In 1972, Knut Skinnarland was even asked to help out Jesu disciples. You may read about his meeting with St. Peter and the others by clicking here.

N-3864 Rauland
Tel: +47 35 07 73 31
E-mail: post@vest-telemark.musum.no
Web: www.vest-telemark.museum.no

14. MYLLARHEIMEN

The master fiddler Myllarguten (The Millers Boy) Torgeir Augundson (1801-1872) died in poverty at the cotter's farm Kòse in Arabygdi. Today there are guided tours here, and performances of airs for Hardanger fiddle after Myllarguten. Inside the cottage there is a bust made by Tor Vaa, and on the picnic area very close by there is a sculpture made by Dyre Vaa. Open for groups on request outside the season, contact Vest-Telemark Museum.

You can read more about Myllarguten here.

Arabygdi
N-3864 Rauland
Tel: +47 35 07 73 31
E-mail: post@vest-telemark.musum.no
Web: www.vest-telemark.museum.no