Øverbø - the home of Sondre
The history of Sondre Norheim begins in Morgedal, Telemark.
About
Friday February 15. 1952 the Winter Olympic Flame was lit in Oslo. Two days before, the pinewood torch was lit in Sondre Norheims cottage, Øverbø, in Morgedal.
The ceremony takes place on February 13, 1952. From the fireplace inside the Sondre cottage, the pinewood torch is lit by Olav Bjaaland, a ski veteran who also participated in the Roald Amundsen South Pole Expedition. The Winter Olympic Flame for Squaw Valley 1960 and Lillehammer OL in 1994 was lit with a torch from Øverbø and Morgedal.
Read more about the story about Sondre Norheim and the first Winter Olympic Flame at www.morgedal.com
Contact us for group guiding and group activites.
Nearby events
23OKT
Opening of new falcon exhibition
On Friday, October 23, 2026, we are celebrating the opening of the new falcon exhibition with soup and an educational evening dedicated to the falcons of Hardangervidda.
Hardangervidda nasjonalparksenter, Skinnarbu, 3660 Rjukan
23OKT
-25OKT
Yoga retreat på Gaustablikk Fjellresort
Join us for a weekend dedicated to tranquility, recovery, and mindfulness in the Norwegian mountains. Together with Wanderlust Yoga, we invite you to a retreat that combines yoga, wellness, nature experiences, and delicious meals in the cozy surroundings of Gaustablikk Fjellresort.
Gaustablikk Fjellresort, 3660 Rjukan
24OKT
Trond Granlund – Intimate concert and dinner
We invite you to a very special evening at Rjukan Admini Hotel when Trond Granlund comes to Admini for an intimate concert.
Rjukan Admini Hotel, 3660 Rjukan
7NOV
Rakfisk Evening at Austbygde Bakery
Austbygde Bakery has teamed up with the best in the municipality to bring you a unique taste experience!
Mogan 2, 3650 Tinn Austbygd
25NOV
Atle Pettersen - Christmas concert in Rjukan church
Atle Pettersen creates a magical Christmas atmosphere at Rjukan Church on November 25, 2026.
Kirkebakken 1, 3660 Rjukan
7DES2026
-31MAR2027
Ice climbing with Rjukan Adventure
Rjukan is one of Norway’s best destinations for ice climbing, with frozen waterfalls, varied routes and conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Skriugata 26, 3660 Rjukan
11DES
Christmas concert with Herborg Kråkevik at Vemork
On Friday, December 11, the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum invites you to an exclusive pre-Christmas evening with Herborg Kråkevik in the historic machine hall at Vemork.
Vemork, 3660 Rjukan
11FEB
-14FEB
Norrøna Ice Festival 2027
Norrøna’s 4-day ice climbing festival in Rjukan with Petzl
Rjukan, 3660 Rjukan
24APR
Sunfestival in Rjukan
Every spring the people in Rjukan celebrate the return of the sun!
Torget 2, 3660 Rjukan
Related
Hardangervidda National Park Visitor Centre
Hardangervidda National Park Visitor Centre is a government-authorized visitor centre offering interpretation and nature guidance all year round. Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau and Norway’s largest national park on the mainland.
Møsvannsveien 1149, Rjukan
Z Museum in Treungen
Experience a unique collection of art, culture, and history in the heart of Nissedal. Z Museum takes you on a journey through time and expression, from rare historical artifacts to modern masterpieces. Visit us and find your inspiration! Every 1,000th visitor receives free admission and a bottle of wine.
Sundsmoen 27, 3855 Tveitsund
In the Footsteps of Ibsen in Skien
Join an exciting walking tour through Henrik Ibsen’s childhood city, Skien, and learn more about the world-renowned playwright’s early years.
Øvregate 32a, 3715 Skien
Admission Ticket – Norwegian Ski Adventure, Morgedal
Visit Norwegian Ski Adventure (Norsk Skieventyr) and immerse yourself in Norway’s rich skiing history, spanning from ancient Sami ski culture through fearless polar explorers and ski pioneers, to modern winter sports as we know them today. Norway, Telemark, and Morgedal hold a unique and important place in international ski history. Welcome to a day full of discovery and adventure.
Morgedalvegen 159, 3848 Morgedal
Entrance Ticket – Vest-Telemark Museum with Eidsborg Stave Church
Vest-Telemark Museum Eidsborg is the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage. The site includes a modern museum building with engaging exhibitions, the Eidsborg Stave Church, and an open-air museum with more than 30 historic buildings – among them Stålekleivloftet from 1184, one of the world’s oldest preserved secular wooden buildings.
Museumsvegen 9, 3891 Høydalsmo
Entrance to Telemark Kunstmuseum
Entrance ticket to the Telemark Art Museum & World Heritage Centre at Tinfos, Notodden.
O. H. Holtas gate 27, 3678 Notodden
Entrance to The Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum - Vemork
This listing provides you with ticket options for the Norwegian Industrial Worker's Museum at Vemork, 5.5 kilometers west of the city of Rjukan.
Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum Vemork, 3660 Rjukan
One-Day Ticket to the Porcelain Museum - Telemark Museum
Discover over 135 years of porcelain history in Porsgrunn. Visit the exhibition next to Porsgrunds Porselænsfabrik and see how the classic blue-and-white pattern is still hand-painted. Learn about industrial heritage, Norwegian design, and craftsmanship.
Porselensvegen 6b, 3920 Porsgrunn
One-Day Ticket: Brekkeparken – Telemark Museum
Visit Brekkeparken in Skien – join guided tours and explore exhibitions at the museum. The exhibition “Alt dette er ditt” (All This Is Yours) showcases objects from across Telemark, from rose-painted bowls to a 1960s slot machine. These are your stories – and those of your children and grandchildren. Welcome to a day filled with discoveries!
Telemark museum, Øvregate 32a, 3715 Skien
DuVerden Maritime Museum & Science Centre – Porsgrunn
Explore real science, technology and maritime history at DuVerden in Porsgrunn. With interactive exhibits on climate, energy, logistics, safety and shipping heritage, it offers hands-on learning for kids and families.
Tollbugata 23, 3933 Porsgrunn
Notodden Blues Festival
The Notodden Blues Festival is Norway's largest blues festival, known as "Europe's best blues experience." It takes place on the first weekend of August.
Storgata 1, 3676 Notodden
Gaustabanen
Gaustabanen is a funicular railway, inside Gaustatoppen. This is a very unique touristattraction. No similiar railway is to be found in North-Europe!
Langefonn, 3660 Rjukan
Heddal Stave Church
Visit the magnificent Heddal Stave church in Notodden - the largest wooden stave church in Norway.
Heddalsvegen 412, 3676 Notodden
Tuddal Bygdetun
Tuddal bygdetun is an open-air museum located in Hjartdal municipality. Here you can step back in time and see how people lived on a typical Tuddal farm.
Tuddalvegen 2111, 3697 Tuddal
Stålekleivloftet - one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world
Is the storehouse of the legendary woman Åse Stålekleiv the oldest profane wooden building in the world?
The traditional storehouse situated here at Vindlaus, is a part of the Museum of Vest-Telemark in Eidsborg. It is, however, not like any other traditional storehouse. It has a unique story behind it which goes far back in time.
Museumsvegen 9, 3891 Høydalsmo
Søndre Brekke Estate, Telemark Museum
Visit Søndre Brekke Estate in Skien! Experience Niels Aall's Empire manor, the "Grey Lady" ghost myth, 14 historic buildings, and tulips.
Øvregate 32a, 3715 Skien
The Telemark Canal
The Telemark Canal with its beautiful locks starts in Skien and ends in Dalen. Join various day trips or boat trips with accommodation.
Hjellebrygge, 3706 Skien
A Cultural-Historical Walk Through the Centuries in Telemark
Join the farm’s owner on a two-hour walk through 800 years of history—from Årestua in the 13th century to the beginnings of Norwegian tourism, the National Romantic movement, and the people who have lived and traveled here.
Hike in the Footsteps of the Saboteurs
Would you like to literally follow in the footsteps of Norwegian military history? This autumn, NIA is partnering with local guides to offer exciting tours to Vemork along the old "saboteur route" over the mountains!
Parking lot at Rjukan Mountain Lodge, marked "Sabotørstien."
Nearby activities
Morgedal Camping
Morgedal Camping is an idyllic and peaceful small campsite by Morgedalsvannet in beautiful Morgedal - the cradle of modern skiing.
Morgedalvegen 261, 3848 Morgedal
Morgedal Activ
Morgedal Aktiv: Guided tours in Telemark, Norway, with local experts. Experience nature, mastery, and community. Ski, snowshoes, spa, and dinner.
Bygglandvegen 39, 3848 Morgedal
The Water Park in Morgedal
The history of the local waterways conveyed through playing with water, in a 45 meters long copy of «Morgedalsvassdraget».
Morgedalvegen 159, 3848 Morgedal
Admission Ticket – Norwegian Ski Adventure, Morgedal
Visit Norwegian Ski Adventure (Norsk Skieventyr) and immerse yourself in Norway’s rich skiing history, spanning from ancient Sami ski culture through fearless polar explorers and ski pioneers, to modern winter sports as we know them today. Norway, Telemark, and Morgedal hold a unique and important place in international ski history. Welcome to a day full of discovery and adventure.
Morgedalvegen 159, 3848 Morgedal
Øverbø, Morgedal
Visit Øverbø in Morgedal, the cradle of skiing! Hike to the birthplace of Sondre Norheim and enjoy historic views. A perfect family trip in Norway’s nature.
Vårstaulv 2, 3848 Morgedal
Winter Olympics: The Cold Games
The exhibition was based on a book by Halvor Kleppen called "De kalde lekene", "The cold games", telling the story of IOC and The Winter Olympic Games.
Vårstaulv 2, 3848 Morgedal
Museum Cafe Morgedal
This cafe will not have dinner this summer. But - we have the best home made cakes.
Morgedalvegen 159, 3848 Morgedal
Bjaaland Bygderestaurant
Bjaaland Bygderestaurant is located in Morgedal. The owners focus is on local and organic food, and all dishes are home made.
Vårstaulvegen 1, 3848 Morgedal
The wellness department at Morgedal Hotel
Treat yourself to a relaxing time in the spa area at Morgedal Hotel – whether you are staying at the hotel or wish to visit us for the day.
Haugivegen 4, 3848 Morgedal
Morgedal Hotel
Morgedal Hotel is an family friendly hotel located in Morgedal, the cradle of modern skiing and the first hotel in Norway to be heated with bio-energy.
Haugivegen 4, 3848 Morgedal
Tveitgrend trail
Explore the Tveitgrend Trail: Choose between a 7.6 km loop or a 2.5 km route through beautiful nature along Bandak. Enjoy scenic views and cultural landmarks.
Tveitgrendvegen 60, 3850 Kviteseid
Lindeviki Canoe Camp on The Telemark Canal
Established campsite a modern "padlehuk" for overnight stay, camp fire spot, toilet and space for tents.
3880 Dalen
The town of Kviteseid
Experience charming Kviteseidbyen by the Telemark Canal! Explore local cafes, shops and services. Welcome to well-being and diversity!
3850 Kviteseid
Kviteseid Brygge/Tourist Information Office
Kviteseid Brygge/ Tourist Information Office. Open during summer season.
Kviteseidbyen, 3850 Kviteseid
Galleri Nutheim
Gallery Nutheim was opened in 1978. The Gallery exhibits art by local artists. Nutheim Guest House accommodates bus groups and other groups for meals and a look through the art gallery.
Flatdalsvegen 1283, 3841 Flatdal
Cycling the mystical Telemark
Cycle Sogevegen in Telemark! Discover 25 km of art, folklore, and stunning landscapes. Perfect for e-bikes, with stops at historic Nutheim Hotel.
Flatdalsvegen 1283, 3841 Flatdal
The Silo Farm Shop
Visit Siloen Gardsbutikk by E134! Discover local food, eggs, honey, and interior decor. Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in a historic farm shop.
Bygdaråvegen 550B, 3840 Seljord
