Tinfos culture area

About

Discover over 200 years of Norwegian industrial history at the Tinfos Cultural Heritage Site in Notodden. This unique area is a key part of the Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by beautiful nature in Telemark, Tinfos tells the story of Norway’s transformation from a pre-industrial society to the age of hydroelectric power.

Explore Two Centuries of Industrial History

A walk through the Tinfos Cultural Heritage Site takes you past the remains of a wood pulp mill, a paper factory, and three historic power stations. Here, you can trace the shift from small-scale manual production to the first and second industrial revolutions in Norway.

The site features striking architecture from the late 1800s to the present day, showcasing the engineering achievements and industrial growth that shaped the region.

Tinfos II – “The Castle” with Original Machinery

The most iconic building at Tinfos is Tinfos II, often nicknamed “The Castle” for its distinctive architecture. This hydroelectric power station is over 100 years old and is still in operation — using its original machinery from the early 1900s. It offers a rare glimpse into Norway’s pioneering hydroelectric history.

Spectacular Forces of Nature at Tinnefossen

If you visit in spring or autumn, you might witness the powerful Tinnefossen waterfall in full flow. The waterfall plunges down right next to the power stations, creating a breathtaking scene that perfectly combines nature and industry.

Tømmerrenna – A Monument to Norway’s Timber Heritage

The 4,193-metre-long Tømmerrenna (timber chute) starts at Cloumannsjøen and ends in the Tinnelva river at Tinfos. This monumental construction reflects a timber industry tradition that is over 1,000 years old in upper Telemark.

The chute was essential for Norsk Hydro’s large-scale hydropower development in the Svælgfossjuvet gorge and illustrates how old and new industries once operated side by side.

Culture and Art at Tinfos

The area is home to both the Telemark Art Museum and the World Heritage Center. These museums showcase local art, industrial history, and the stories of the people who built the region.

After your museum visit, take a walk along the scenic Holtakanalen canal to the historic Hyttebyen, a preserved workers’ village from the industrial boom.

Visitor Information

• Location: Tinfos Cultural Heritage Site, Notodden
• Open: All year round
• Best for: Visitors interested in culture, history, and industrial heritage
• Nearby: Notodden city centre and the scenic Industripromenaden walkway

Experience Living Industrial History in Telemark

Tinfos Cultural Heritage Site is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Norwegian industrial heritage, architecture, and nature in one place — where past and present meet side by side.