From smoking waterfall to modern industrial city
The name Rjukan means «the smoking waterfall», named after the mighty Rjukan waterfall west of the town. This is where Norsk Hydro started one of the largest industrial developments in Norwegian history in 1907. What was once a deserted valley was transformed into a modern town in just a few years. Rjukan is unique because it was planned from the ground up by the country's leading architects. Nothing was left to chance - even park benches, lampposts and mailboxes were specially designed to fit into the townscape.
On 5 July 2015, Rjukan, together with Notodden, was enrolled on the UNESCO's World Heritage List. This is due to the city's «outstanding universal value» as an example of the second industrial revolution. Here you can wander between stately mansions and charming workers' homes that tell the story of a community built around the power of water.
World heritage and war history
Rjukan is perhaps best known for its role during the Second World War. The production of heavy water at Vemork made the town a target for one of the most important sabotage operations of the war. Today you can visit Vemork (NIA) to learn about both the development of the industry and the heroic efforts of the heavy water saboteurs. A trip with the historic Crusher track, Northern Europe's first cable car, takes you quickly up the mountain for a fantastic view of the city and towards Gaustatoppen.
Sandviken Camping - your sunny starting point
Rjukan is located deep in the Vestfjord Valley, and in the winter months the sun doesn't reach all the way down to the town centre (although the famous Sun Mirror now helps!). By choosing Sandviken Camping as your base, you live just a short drive (approx. 30 kilometres) from Rjukan, but with the great advantage that you have Access to sunshine all year round. After a day of delving into industrial history and dark valleys, it's great to return to our open and bright space by Lake Tinnsjøen.
