Plizio Visual Lab

Notodden

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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Notodden, together with Rjukan, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that commemorates the pioneering achievements of the electrochemical industry by Norsk Hydro. However, the town's most impressive structure is the Heddal Stave Church, the largest of its kind in Norway. With its three towers, intricate wood carvings, and medieval wall paintings, it is a masterpiece of wooden architecture. Notodden has also made a name for itself as a city of culture, particularly through the annual Notodden Blues Festival, one of the largest in Europe. The town is situated on Lake Heddalsvatnet and has a blend of industrial history, sacred art, and an animated music scene. Visitors can explore the old 'Grønnebyen' workers' settlement, which shows how workers' lives were organized in the early 20th century. The Telemark Canal is also easily accessible from here, offering boat trips in a scenic lake landscape.

Location: Norway
Nearby: Kongsberg (24 km)
Population: ~12.359 (2024)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-5	-5	-2	3	9	13	15	14	10	4	-1	-4
Rain mm	103	79	72	78	107	110	128	136	119	137	122	101

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The stave church in Notodden is open to visitors; the exterior is accessible anytime, the interior during opening hours. The Industrial Museum (Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum) is also worth a visit.

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Typical hours

The church is typically open daily from June to August from 10:00 to 17:00. Off-season by appointment only. The industrial museum has similar hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the church without flash. At the industrial museum, special rules may apply for exhibits.

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Time needed

Allow about 1-1.5 hours for the church and the industrial museum. Notodden town has pleasant walks along the water.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a trip to nearby Heddal, home to Norway's largest stave church, or to the Hardangervidda plateau.

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Getting there

Accessible by car via the E134. From Oslo about 2 hours. Notodden station has connections from Oslo and Kongsberg.

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Insider tip

Visit the industrial museum to understand the history of fertilizer and the significance of the waterfall - a fascinating contrast to the old church.

Geography

Population

12,359 (2024)

Coordinates

59.55936, 9.25853

Facts

Heddal Stave Church (largest)
UNESCO Industrial Heritage
Notodden Blues Festival
Origin of Norsk Hydro
Lake Heddalsvatnet
Grønnebyen workers' housing
Telemark Canal access
Lysbuen Industrial Museum

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Notodden Industrial Cluster<1 km · NWExplore →

Heddal Stave Church5 km · WExplore →

Kongsberg24 km · NEExplore →

Kongsberg Silver Mines26 km · NEExplore →

Lunde Valley34 km · SWExplore →

Skien Church44 km · SEExplore →

Gaustatoppen47 km · NWExplore →

Porsgrunn52 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Notodden (1)

Notodden kirke ⛪ religious

Notodden Church is a 1938 modernist church designed by Morseth and Gedde.

🌐 notodden.kirken.no♿

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous attraction in Notodden?

Heddal Stave Church, the largest of its kind in Norway, is located right by Notodden.

What is Notodden musically famous for?

For the Notodden Blues Festival, one of the largest blues festivals in Europe.

What role did Notodden play in industry?

It was the birthplace of Norsk Hydro's fertilizer production (UNESCO World Heritage).

Are there any museums?

The Telemark Art Museum and the industrial heritage museum are well worth a visit.

Can you go hiking in Notodden?

Yes, there are many trails in the area, for example along Lake Heddalsvatnet.

Notodden: where is it located?

Notodden is located in Norway.

Notodden: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Notodden: why is it worth visiting?

Notodden, together with Rjukan, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that commemorates the pioneering achievements of the electrochemical industry by Norsk Hydro.

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