Accommodation
Rujkans claim to fame was the as the site of the hydrogen factory that was blown up in 1943 in a daring act of sabotage by Norwegian resistance.
Rjukan has a long history of tourism. Tourists have come to the narrow valley for over a century. The Rjukanfossen waterfall is a famous landmark in Norway, and has been portrayed by several famous artists. The area has good terrain for skiing, and the town is a good starting point for hiking on the Hardangervidda plateau.
In the 1860s, Krokan by the Rjukan waterfall was Norwegian Mountain Touring Association's (DNT) first hut. The waterfall was later harnessed for hydro power production and the hut was sold. Today it is re-opened, situated by the main road from Rjukan (Tinn) to Vinje.
In later years Rjukan has become famous for its possibilities for ice climbing. The season is long, from November to April and the waterfalls are many and varied
Rjukan, Telemark
Rjukan is set deep in a long valley at the foot of Telemark's tallest mountain - Gaustablikk. This unmistakable peak and its slopes is home to the county's best known ski centres which has a number of cabins of all sizes available both winter and summer.
The town and area is probably known as being at the centre of resistance activity during World War 2 as shown in the Hollywood movie "The Heroes of Telemark". During occupation the power station at Vemork, to the west of Rjukan, had been used to create heavy water required for the production of nuclear weapons. Today, the power station remains as a museum both to industrial workers and the resistance activity which halted production at the plant.
The Mountain Pass
The main road to Rjukan from the south and east skirts around the foot of Gaustatoppen but if time permits then take the mountain over the top of the mountain. Rather than taking Route 361 from Øvrella on the E134, head for Hjartdal and take route 651 to Tuddal. From Tuddal you start to climb on the narrow twisting road till you reach Flistjønnskaret, one of the highest in Norway at 1260 metres. from here you can see Gaustatoppen towering magnificently above you on your left with Heddersvann lake on your right. There is a marked trail from here up to the summit of Gaustatoppen. The road leading down to Rjukan is a proper switch back so take care with your driving.
