The UNESCO World Heritage Site Rjukan is surrounded by mountainous land and scenic lakes. It is known for the Gaustatoppen mountain peak, and the heavy water sabotages during World War II.
As Rjukan lies in a lush valley in Telemark, Eastern Norway, it's an ideal place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing. You can get a bird's eye view of the region by taking the hidden cable car to the top of mount Gaustatoppen or the Krossobanen cable car to the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.
The area is part of the Rjukan – Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, which was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2015 because of its significance in the global industry of the 20th century.
Rjukan has also achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
During World War II, Vemork in Rjukan became the centre of one of the most important and daring sabotage missions – the heavy water sabotages that prevented the Germans from getting their hands on the ingredient they needed to build atom bombs.
In the mountains above Rjukan, you can see a few giant mirrors. They are there to reflect sunlight during the sun-starved winter months.
Get in-depth travel information on Rjukan’s official website.
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Things to do | Where to stay | Food and drink | Getting here and around
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Popular activities
Check out some of the best hikes and cycle routes in Rjukan.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Rjukan’s official website.
Plan your trip to Rjukan with Entur.
By road
There are daily express bus departures to Rjukan from Oslo, Porsgrunn and Skien. Check out Vy express' website for information, timetables and prices.
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Most visitors come to Rjukan by car. Travel time from Oslo is around 2,5 hours.
Local travel
Local buses takes you from Rjukan to other destinations in Telemark.
Fjellbussen is a free shuttle service between Rjukan and Gaustablikk.
Passenger boats traffic Lake Møsvatn and Lake Mårvatn.
By plane
The nearest Airport is Torp Sandefjord Airport, located around 180 kilometres from Rjukan. Oslo Airport lies approximately 225 kilometres from Rjukan.
There are bus connections from both airports.
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Experience it for yourself!
There are many beautiful hikes in Rjukan and the Solstien trail is one of them.
Travel through Eastern Norway
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