A QUICK LOOK AT Rjukan round Walk 1h 2,7km

Marked path Map: Fossøy 0 m 500m WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

RØDBYEN AND RJUKANHUSET WHITE-BACKED RJUKAN CHURCH SÅHEIM POWER TYSKERBYEN Since Hydro took over the WOODPECKER The original 1915 church burned STATION The vertically divided community centre (built 1930) Look for the marks left by this down during the filming of In 1915, Hydro built the wooden houses between in 1935, it has been known as bird on the trees along Heroes of in 1965. architect-designed “opera Torget and Såheim were Rjukanhuset. It is now owned Kjærlighetsstien. The present church opened in house,” now under a pre- planned, designed and by the municipality and houses 1968. servation order. built by as a cinema, school of arts and homes for engineers and restaurant. administrators in the years up to 1920.

Såheim

Birkeland bru

Måna NASJONALPARK KOMMUNE VisitRjukan Torget 2 tel. 35 08 05 50 www.visitrjukan.com Family walk, 1 h round trip Hiking map: Town map Rjukan Accessible Easy going General map: Rjukan 1614 IV May 1–November 1 Elevation 300 m

straight on to the end of Skriugata, and then turn right up the Nature and cultural history stone steps to Kjærlighetsstien (Lovers’ Lane). At the end of the Easy, family-friendly circular walk around town on fairly flat and path, turn right and take the steps down the hill by the hospital. dry paths, gravel and asphalt, with benches and picnic tables From here, follow Sykehusvegen downhill past the church, over along the way. The route along the Måna river is suitable for wal- the crosswalk at Sam Eydes gate and down to the Måna river. king with a stroller. Before the tennis court, turn right to Rallarparken, which will bring Follow Sam Eydes gate (street) through the town centre past you back to Sam Eydes gate. Torget (the market place) and turn left at Bøen Barnehage. Keep 2009 Photo: Ove Bergersen, Sigve Reiso, Anders Borgehed, Guro Lien

Rjukanfossen White-backed woodpecker TOURIST ATTRACTION NEW LIFE FROM DEAD VESTFJORDDALEN’S AND ENERGY SOURCE TREES INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION About 99% of the electricity supplied to The woods around Kjærlighetsstien are full In the early 20th century, the arrival of indus- Norwegian homes is generated using hydro of natural treasures. Here you’ll find a lush try changed life in Vestfjorddalen dramatical- power. As you’ll see on your walk along the mixed woodland with old and dying conifers ly. Between 1907 and 1920, the farms of Måna, the river’s flow is low. This is the and broadleaf trees. The area is a paradise Bøen and Saaheim were transformed into result of a large-scale hydroelectric scheme, for a variety of insects, mushrooms, lichens the town of Rjukan. The population increa- in which the Rjukanfossen falls gave birth to and mosses. Over 15 threatened species sed from 369 to over 9,000 in 20 years. A the town and its factories, houses and peo- have been recorded in the area, and there are local newspaper described the typical resi- ple. In the course of a few years, Norsk likely many more. If you’re lucky, you might dent: “He has something of a fairytale gla- Hydro harnessed the resources of the falls, see a white-backed woodpecker. Because it mour about him, the citizen of Hydro town, the Måna river and Møsvatn lake to create likes to feed on insects living in dead broad- which heavy industry has conjured forth with an industrial town where previously there leaf trees, this choosy bird is threatened by American-like rapidity up there in the wilder- were only farms. Development started in modern forestry techniques. ness.” The pioneer town attracted fortune 1907, and by 1911 Vemork power station was hunters and navvies as well as factory wor- supplying electricity to the first potassium kers and specialists. Norsk Hydro commissi- nitrateBrattefjell-Vindeggen fertilizer plant. landskapsvernområde In its day, Vemork was oned ’s leading engineers and archi- the world’s largest hydroelectric power stati- tects to design the entire town of Rjukan. In on. In 1915 the second phase of the scheme 1925 the company owned 80% of the town. was completed. Såheim power station, which In the market place you can see a statue of you’ll see on your walk along the Måna, and Sam Eyde, Hydro’s first CEO and the town’s another potassium nitrate plant came on founder, and in Rallarparken there is a stream. Today, hydroelectricity generated in monument to the navvies. Like the rest of Tinn district powers more than 190,000 the town’s cultural heritage, these two homes. The Rjukanfossen falls are allowed to monuments symbolize both cooperation and flow in full spate during the Marispelet festi- class struggle. Today, Rjukan’s 3,365 inhabi- val every summer. tants work in industry, public services, tou- Keen to learn more? Visit the well-preser- rism, commerce and other sectors. ved former power station at Vemork, now home to Norsk Industriarbeidermuseum.

Driving directions Distance to Rjukan town centre from: Please take all Park in Rjukan town centre at Skinnarbu ...... 25 min 21,0 km garbage home with P Rallarparken or Torget (free). Tinn/Austbygd ...... 30 min 31,0 km you. Dogs must be GPS: 32V 477231, 6637953 Rauland/Krossen . . . . . 45 min 47,0 km kept on a leash. Hovin ...... 55 min 56,0 km You are responsible Øyfjell ...... 1 hour 62,0 km for your own safety. Enjoy the walk! TINN NASJONALPARK KOMMUNE Du finn fleire turtips på www.nasjonalparkrute.no