Where past and present meet
The area around Sandviken Camping and Tinn is characterised by a history that stretches back thousands of years. For a long time, Telemark was an unexplored «white dot» on the map, which has contributed to the unique village culture, rose painting and building traditions living on strongly. Just a stone's throw away from us, at Sandven In Atrå, there are traces of settlements dating back to the Stone Age and Viking graves that bear witness to early traffic along Lake Tinn. It's also here that you'll find the stone monument commemorating the great emigration to the USA (1837-1987) - a time when Tinn had one of the country's highest emigration rates.
Moving a little closer to our own time, we find Rjukan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the story of how hydropower was converted into electricity to feed a growing world population through fertiliser production. Here you can visit Vemork, the scene of the famous heavy water action during World War II, or see the spectacular Sun mirror which sends the rays of sunshine down to the deep valley during the winter months. At Sandviken, we also carry our history with us; our panelled cabins were built by Nils Olav Fagerberg according to proud traditions of craftsmanship that have been passed down through the generations.
Experiences that enrich
We recommend that our guests set aside time to visit some of these historic gems:
- Vemork (NIA): Experience the war history and the heavy water cellar (45 min drive).
- Heddal Stave Church: Norway's largest stave church, an architectural masterpiece (approx. 1 hour drive).
- Marispelet: A magical theatre experience at the edge of Rjukanfossen in July - Tinn's answer to Romeo and Juliet.
- Mogran groove and Nordmannsslepa: Walk the historic routes our ancestors used between east and west.
- Tinn Craft Centre: See local scythe making and traditional art.
Living traditions
The culture of Tinn is not just something found in a museum; it is very much alive. If you visit on 17 May, you'll see a magnificent display of national costumes and national dress that have been in families for generations. We at Sandviken are proud to be part of this chain, and our own historical walk at the campsite gives you a unique insight into how three generations have managed this heritage on the shores of Lake Tinnsjøen.
