Bike trip in the World Heritage site

About

Discover Notodden and the UNESCO World Heritage on two wheels! This cycling route takes you through historic industrial sites, beautiful cultural landmarks, and exciting museums. The trip combines fresh air, cultural heritage, and family-friendly activities – perfect whether you’re biking solo, with friends, or bringing kids along.

Starting Point: Bok & Blueshuset

Your journey begins at Bok & Blueshuset, Notodden’s modern cultural center. Here you’ll find a blues museum, live music stage, cinema, library, café, and even a recording studio – all overlooking scenic Lake Heddalsvannet.

Hydroparken – The Beginning of an Industrial Adventure

From Bok & Blueshuset, cycle east toward Hydroparken, where Sam Eyde and Kristian Birkeland launched Norway’s industrial adventure in 1905. This is where the production of artificial fertilizer began – an invention that helped solve food shortages worldwide and transformed Norway into a modern welfare state.

Grønnebyen and Admini

At the marina, turn sharply left and head uphill to Grønnebyen, workers’ housing built between 1906–1911. Originally painted green, these houses gave the neighborhood its name. A little further up lies Admini, Norsk Hydro’s first administration building (1906), where Sam Eyde hosted investors, royalty, and scientists from around the world.

Tinfos and Telemark Art Museum

As you approach Tinfos, cross the canal on a narrow bridge. From here you can descend steeply toward the old industrial area by Tinnefossen waterfall, where sawmills, pulp mills, and power plants have operated for more than 150 years.

Here you’ll also find the Telemark Art Museum and World Heritage Center, which tells the story of inventor Kristian Birkeland, entrepreneur Sam Eyde, and the founding of Norsk Hydro. Alongside the industrial history, the museum showcases art collections including works by Theodor Kittelsen, Holmboe, Aulie, and Faldbakken.

Linna and the Industrial Promenade

From Tinfos, cross the red pedestrian bridge over Tinnåa river to Linna – originally built in 1882 as a horse-drawn railway line. In 1914, horses were replaced with electric locomotives powered by rechargeable batteries – one of the world’s earliest examples of electric rail transport.

Back down at Lake Heddalsvannet, follow the Industrial Promenade past the public artwork “TREE”, whose roots rising from the ground symbolize Notodden’s industrial history.

Ending Point: Nesøya Activity Park

If you’re traveling with children, we recommend ending your trip at Nesøya Activity Park. Here you’ll find facilities for skating, climbing, swimming, basketball, and more – the perfect spot to relax or play after your cycling adventure.

Practical Information

• Route type: Round trip (short, family-friendly)
• Start and end point: Bok & Blueshuset, Notodden
• Suitable for: Cyclists of all ages (also possible as a walking tour)

Food & drinks

• Telemark Art Museum Café – light lunch and cultural evenings
• Dany’s Café (Bok & Blueshuset) – coffee, catering, and outdoor seating with lake views

Highlights Along the Route

• Bok & Blueshuset – cultural hub and blues museum
• Hydroparken – birthplace of Norsk Hydro
• Grønnebyen – workers’ housing (1906–1911)
• Admini – Hydro’s first administration building
• Tinfos – sawmills, pulp mills, and hydropower since 1858
• Telemark Art Museum & World Heritage Center – industrial history and fine art
• Myrens Dam – part of the early hydropower system
• Linna – historic horse-drawn railway route
• Industrial Promenade – cultural path by Heddalsvannet
• Nesøya Activity Park – family-friendly recreation