Plizio Visual Lab

Sauda Smelter

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Sauda Smelter, currently operated by Eramet Norway Sauda, stands as a cornerstone of Norwegian heavy industry and is one of the largest manganese alloy plants in Europe. Construction began in the late 1910s by the Electric Furnace Products Company, with official production starting in 1923. The site's location at the head of the Saudafjord was chosen strategically due to the immediate availability of vast hydroelectric power from the surrounding mountains, which is essential for energy-intensive smelting. The facility specializes in producing refined manganese alloys that are exported globally for the steel industry to enhance metal strength and durability. During the mid-1970s, the plant was the site of a significant labor dispute known as the Sauda Strike, which became a landmark event in Norwegian social and industrial history. Today, the smelter remains a vital employer in Rogaland county and continues to lead in environmental innovation by utilizing advanced gas cleaning systems and waste heat recovery technologies.

Location: Norway
Top sights: Sauda kyrkje · Fagerheimsamlinga · Saudahallen
Nearby: Sand (20 km)

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	-3	-4	-2	2	6	11	13	13	9	5	0	-2
Rain mm	286	195	182	134	127	134	160	190	228	248	266	297

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

This metal smelter is the industrial heart of Sauda and has long shaped the economic identity of this Norwegian community. It symbolically represents the proud and deeply rooted tradition of metal processing in this geographically striking, water-rich region.

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Visiting

As with most heavy industry companies, access to the actual production facilities is generally strictly prohibited for regular tourists. However, the sheer scale of the historic and modern buildings can be easily comprehended from the adjacent public pathways.

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Where to view it

Spectacular views of the smelter complex and the adjacent fjord are offered from elevated vantage points on the surrounding mountainsides. Especially in the winter mist, a highly atmospheric backdrop is created here, strongly emphasizing the harsh industrial work.

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Local products

There are no direct factory sales for tourists, but local retail is heavily oriented towards the everyday needs of the industrial workforce. In the urban shops, one can often find souvenirs that respectfully reference the proud industrial history of the town.

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Active season

The metallurgical processes require uninterrupted operation, which is why the facilities produce day and night, regardless of the season. For visitors, this means that the acoustic and visual presence of the industry always remains a constant companion in the area.

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Nearby

A detour to the smelter harmonizes perfectly with drives along the Ryfylke national tourist route, which leads through wide-open natural landscapes. It is equally worthwhile to hike to the many nearby waterfalls that originally established this very industry.

Geography

Coordinates

59.65200, 6.35600

Facts

Industrial production of manganese alloys began in Sauda in 1923.
The plant relies on hydroelectric power generated by the local Saudefaldene systems.
It is one of the largest manganese alloy producers in the Western world.
The 1970 Sauda Strike is a significant event in Norwegian labor history.
Nearly all production from the facility is exported to global steel manufacturers.
Energy recovery systems at the plant convert waste heat back into electricity.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sauda<1 km · SWExplore →

Sand20 km · SExplore →

Suldal23 km · SExplore →

Skånevik24 km · WExplore →

Etne25 km · WExplore →

Vindafjord28 km · SWExplore →

Røldal33 km · NEExplore →

Kvinnherad34 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

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

Sights in the town Sauda Smelter (6)

Sauda kyrkje

Church in Sauda, Rogaland, Norway, serving as a central place for worship.

Fagerheimsamlinga 🏛 museum

Museum in Sauda housing a collection of local artifacts and memorabilia.

Saudahallen

Water park in Sauda featuring swimming pools, slides, and leisure facilities.

Industriarbeidarmuseet i Sauda 🏛 museum

Museum in Sauda documenting the history of industrial workers and heavy industry.

Rondehaugen

Viewpoint in Sauda offering views over the town and the surrounding mountains.

Tinghaug🏛 museum

Museum in Sauda displaying archaeological finds and local history exhibits.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is produced at the Sauda smelter?

It is one of the largest manganese smelters in Europe, operated by Eramet.

Why is the factory located in Sauda?

Due to easy access to cheap hydropower and the deep-water fjord port.

Can the factory be visited?

The factory site is closed, but the Industrial Workers Museum in Sauda shows its history.

Is the facility environmentally friendly?

Strict regulations and modern filtering systems are in place to minimize emissions.

How important is the factory for the region?

It is the largest employer in Sauda and has shaped the local economy for over 100 years.

Sauda Smelter: where is it located?

Sauda Smelter is located in Norway.

Sauda Smelter: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sauda kyrkje, Fagerheimsamlinga, Saudahallen.

Sauda Smelter: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Sauda Smelter: why is it worth visiting?

The Sauda Smelter, currently operated by Eramet Norway Sauda, stands as a cornerstone of Norwegian heavy industry and is one of the largest manganese alloy plants in Europe.

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