During the summer, you can join a guided tour around Rjukan to gain insight into how the town was built a hundred years ago. The tour is conducted using the Snutebussen, a bus from 1956.
Join our knowledgeable guides on a tour with the iconic Snutebussen from 1956. They will take you to places that symbolize how the town was planned and built by leading architects and engineers, showcasing Sam Eyde's ability to accomplish his ambitious goals. Learn about the modern Norway that was built in Rjukan, the class divide, and the challenges faced by the factory workers.
Sam Eyde
Sam Eyde, a prominent figure in the early 20th century, arrived and "discovered" Rjukanfossen, the majestic waterfall. His dream was to produce artificial fertilizers to ensure sufficient food production worldwide. This required a significant amount of energy, leading to the construction of Vemork in 1911, which was the largest power station in the world at that time.
Architect designed city
The country's leading architects planned and designed all the buildings in what would become Rjukan city. In 1920, a modern city was completed with 9,000 inhabitants.
During the winter months, the sun is absent from the valley. To address this, Norsk Hydro built the Krossobanen, the first two-way cable car in Northern Europe. The Rjukanbanen railway, along with a ferry crossing Lake Tinn, was constructed to transport the artificial fertilizers to the coast.
You can learn more about these fascinating historical facts and much more from the knowledgeable guides on the Snutebussen. They will provide you with detailed information and insights into the development and history of Rjukan.