Photographs of life in Folkestadbyen town 1875-1950
A historical photo exhibition about the life in Folkestadbyen, Fyresdal - an unique little "town" in the middle of Vest-Telemark.
About
This was an exhibitions with historical photographs of everyday life in Folkestadbyen Town in Fyresdal, shown in 2015.
Folkestadbyen grew forward between 1875 and the 1930's. The population census in 1875 show four crofts, counting altogether 10 inhabitants. In 1910, the number was 191.
These were times of great changes. Many left their farms seeking paid work employment in for instance forestry. Commerce, crafting and transport emerged. The post came from Bandakslid, and the steamer travelled Fyresvatn.
Local trade organizations and other associations were established. Old cottages were moved from the farms to the town. A number of these buildings still exist.
You can take a stroll in the streets of Folkestadbyen by yourself!
Nearby events
14NOV
Tilbake til klangen - Bösendorfer 70 år!
On this day, Kulturkontoret invites the public to a very special concert experience at Rjukanhuset.
Rjukanhuset, storesal, Storstulgate 1, 3660 Rjukan
15NOV
Jolemarknad på Åmdals Verk gruver
Åmdalsvegen 42A, 3882 Åmdals Verk
19NOV
Secret rooms in Rjukan Næringspark
We are opening the doors to new secret rooms at Rjukan Næringspark!
Rjukan Næringspark, 3660 Rjukan
20NOV
Christmas Party with The Skotten Show
With his distinctive blend of humor, music, and audience participation, "Skotten" really brings the venue to life.
Kvitåvatnvegen 461, 3660 Rjukan
21NOV
Julemesse i Hovin
Once again, it’s time for the Christmas fair at Hovin samfunnshus!
Hovinvegen 1914, 3652 Hovin i Telemark
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
28NOV
Local and cozy Christmas party (fully booked)
Dakkeset, 3650 Tinn Austbygd
5DES
Førjulstur i Tessungdalen
Welcome to a Christmas trip in beautiful Tessungdalen!
Tessungdalen 678, 3650 Tinn Austbygd
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
27JUL
-31JUL
Marispelet by Rjukanfossen 2027
Outdoor magical love story of Mari and her forbidden love for the servant boy Oystein.
3660 Rjukan
7AUG
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon
Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is widely recognized as the world’s most demanding full-distance triathlon.
Rjukan, 3660 Rjukan
Related
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
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
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
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
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
Entrance to Telemark Kunstmuseum
Entrance ticket to the Telemark Art Museum & World Heritage Centre at Tinfos, Notodden.
O. H. Holtas gate 27, 3678 Notodden
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
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
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
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 Heddal Stave Church in Notodden, Norway’s largest 13th-century stave church. Enjoy guided tours, exhibitions, and charming Café Olea.
Heddalsvegen 412, 3676 Notodden
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
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
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."
Vinje Centre for Journalism and Literature
Vinje Centre for Journalism and Literature is a national center for poetry and journalism based on the journalist and poet, Aasmund Olavsson Vinje.
Vinjevegen 1441, 3890 Vinje
Brekkeparken in Skien
Brekkeparken in Skien is a lovely park with beautiful flower beds, and with lots of history in the main building and the old houses from Telemark.
Øvregate 32, 3715 Skien
Nearby activities
Walking Routes in Fyresdal
Hiking
Fyresdal offers numerous of hiking trails, passing through both the many forests and up in the high mountains.
Sentrum, 3870 Fyresdal
Moland Cultural Heritage Trail
The whole trip takes just under one hour at a leisurely pace. The tour is suitable for both families with children and elderly people. Most of the trail is suitable for wheelchair users.
Fyresdal, 3870 Fyresdal
Sporten Fyresdal Sportshop
Local sports shop in Fyresdal with quality gear for hiking, skiing, training & fishing – from top brands. Visit us at the cozy Kafé Hvelvet!
Folkestadgata 3, 3870 Fyresdal
Oleas House
Oleas Hus is an exciting niche store in Fyresdal with a good selection of goods you can't find everywhere.
Folkestadgata 17, 3870 Fyresdal
Fyresdal Heritage walk
A small “town” began to form in the centre of Fyresdal in the 1870s, what was known as Folkestadbyen.
Fyresdal bygdemuseum, 3870 Fyresdal
Little Gallery
Stay at Lille Galleri, a comfortable small apartment right by the beach in Fyresdal including free Wifi and parking.
Folkestadgata 7, 3870 Fyresdal
Gallery Merleyn
Experience the magic of art in the heart of Fyresdal! Visit Merleyn, a charming gift shop and gallery where artist Judith van Driel creates soulful works.
Folkestadgata 7, 3870 Fyresdal
Fishing in Fyresdal
The fish are jumping!
Fyresdal has a lot of water. Fyresdal boasts 392 bodies of water over a surface area of 10 decares representing around 12% of Fyresdal's total surface area. This means fishing enthusiasts have almost limitless possibilities to catch the "big one".
Fishing permit:
Fishing permits may be purchased in stores, at petrol stations and camping sites - at around 20 locations both inside and outside of Fyresdal.
Fyresdal, 3870 Fyresdal
Spar Fyresdal
Spar Fyresdal, located in the center near Hamaren Activity Park, offers a newly renovated store with a wide selection of goods, tempting fruits and vegetables, and lunch options.
Folkestadgata 4, 3870 Fyresdal
Café Hvelvet
Experience Café Hvelvet in the center of Fyresdal - a charming oasis with delicious coffee, homemade lunch, cakes and local products. Perfect for relaxation!
Folkestadgata 3, 3870 Fyresdal
Folkestadbyen.The town of Folkestad
Folkestadbyen- The town of Folkestad.
In the 1870s, a centre for commerce and crafts started to appear in this small church village. The village received the name of “Folkestadbyen” and the towns people lived by paid work, commerce and handicraft.
Sentrum, 3870 Fyresdal
Fyresdal Guesthouse
Historic stay in Telemark! Fyresdal Guesthouse from 1887 is run by Magne & Hege. Enjoy homemade food, charm, and pet-friendly rooms. Book now!
Lensmannsgata 5, 3870 Fyresdal
Fyresdal Local History Museum
Fyresdal Open Air Museum is situated in Oyskogen (The Island Forest), which is an attractive park area in the centre of Fyresdal.
Meieribakken 1, 3870 Fyresdal
Hamaren Summer Café
Welcome to Hamaren Sommarkafé! Enjoy ice cream, fresh buns, pizza, and more. Located at Fyresdal brewery park.. Open daily 10am-7pm.
Klokkarhamaren 6, 3870 Fyresdal
Hamaren
Hamaren is a walking trail by Lake Fyresvatn that is universally designed and suitable for pedestrians, cyclists, prams and wheelchairs.
3870 Fyresdal
Fyresdal Manufaktur & Leiker
Visit Fyresdal Manufaktur & Leiker in Folkestadbyen, Fyresdal, a charming shop with a diverse selection of clothes, toys, bedding and hobby items.
Lensmannsgata 2A, 3870 Fyresdal
Våmur View Point
Våmur Viewpoint in Telemark, where steep mountain sides meet majestic Fyresvatn. Enjoy the panoramic view and let the beauty of nature take your breath away
Fyresdal, 3870 Fyresdal
Via Ferrata Telemark
Discover Via Ferrata Telemark on Skrede Mountain! A safe and thrilling climbing experience for the whole family. Book your mountain adventure today!
Fyresdalvegen 620, 3870 Fyresdal
Telemark Camping
Experience the tranquility of Telemark at this rustic nature camping site, offering cabins, camping spots, and motel rooms by the beautiful Skredvatn lake.
Fyresdalsvegen 620, 3870 Fyresdal