Welcome to the World Heritage Centre
100 years ago, Telemark was the arena for a modern-day adventure. Visitors to our museums will learn more about the events that earned Notodden and Rjukan a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The World Heritage Center Rjukan-Notodden industrial heritage can be found at Vemork in Rjukan, and in the same building as the Telemark Gallery in Notodden.
Read more
The museum tells the stories behind the electric arc furnace, Norway’s most important invention ever, and mineral fertiliser. Mineral fertiliser production played a crucial part in alleviating a difficult food supply situation all around the world, and transformed Norway from a poor agricultural society into a modern welfare state.
The method was developed under the leadership of professor and inventor Kristian Birkeland (1867–1917) and entrepreneur Sam Eyde (1866–1940). The production of calcium nitrate (Norgesalpeter) lay the foundation for the establishment of Norsk Hydro in 1905. The new fertiliser product enabled the development of two new urban communities: Notodden and Rjukan.
Rjukan
16. May – 19. June 12:00 – 16:00
20. June – 30. August 12.00 – 19:00
31. August – 31. December 12:00 – 16:00
Closed: 17. May, 24., 25., 26. and 31. December, 1. January
Extended opening hours during holiday periods will be announced.
Notodden
01.09. – 14.06.
Tuesday – Friday 12:00 – 16:00
Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 17:00.
Monday closed
15.06. – 31.08.
Monday – Friday 12:00 – 16:00
Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 17:00.
Closed: 24, 25, 26 and 31 December, 1 January, May 1, May 17, and Ascension Day.
Extended opening hours during holiday periods will be announced.
Rjukan
ADMISSION (INCLUDING FILM AND GUIDE)
Adults: NOK 100
Senior citizens: NOK 90
Students: NOK 90
Children (6-18): NOK 60
Childre (0-6): Free admission
School groups: NOK NOK 50 per student (guided tour)
Separate rates apply for special educational visits.
Notodden
Adult NOK 100,-
Senior citizens NOK 80,-
Student NOK 80,-
Members NOK 60,-
Youth (aged 10–18) NOK 30,-
Children (under 10) Free
Guided tour NOK 650,- + tickets (discounts available for groups over 15 persons)
Tickets include admission to the art museum and Lysbuen Industrial Museum. The exhibition hall may be closed to prepare for a new exhibition. In such cases, visitors will be offered discount on admission to the Lysbuen Industrial Museum.
Rjukan
The World Heritage Centre
Vemork
3660 Rjukan
Telephone/Reception:
E-mail: post@nia.no
Notodden
The World Heritage Centre
O. H. Holtasgate 27
3678 Notodden
Telephone/Reception:
E-mail: telemarksgalleriet@nia.no
Whats on?
The Spark
Practical information
Rjukan
Visitors must use the designated car park situated 700 m from the museum building. The few parking spaces directly outside the museum building are reserved for staff only. Visitors should allow 10–15 minutes to walk from the car park.
Parking spaces are available for visitors with disabilities holding a disabled parking permit. Please contact the museum regarding other accessibility needs.
Shuttle service
Shuttle service to and from the car park In the high season (summer) a regular shuttle service runs between the car park and the museum during the museum’s opening hours.
Price per person: NOK 20 (cash only)
Coaches are not permitted to cross the suspension bridge to drive the final 700 m up to the museum building. Transport to and from the car park by minibus can be booked in advance.
– up to 50 people: NOK 1,310
– up to 100 people: NOK 1,820
– up to 150 people: NOK 2,380
Notodden
We have a large, free parking lot.
Charging point for electric car on site in Notodden.
The museums and its exhibitions are wheel chair accessible.
The visually impaired can benefit from a companion.
Rjukan
On the 2nd floor, Café Vemork has food service, where you can buy something to eat and drink.
See more informasjon at Vemork.
Notodden
The museums have a cozy café on the ground floor that serve freshly baked goods, coffee and cold beverages.
Rjukan
In the reception at Vemork we have a museum shop. Here you can buy movies, books and other souvenirs that have a connection to the place and its history.
Notodden
In the museum shop, we carry souvenirs and visual arts and crafts in all price ranges. Here are many suggestions for the very special gift: Glass, ceramics, art books, jewelry, fine art and prints, design and much more.
