Vemork was the world's largest hydroelectric power plant when it opened in 1911, about six kilometres west of Rjukan. The old power station closed in 1971 when a new one was built inside the mountain behind it. That new one is still operating today. The old building now houses the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum.
The museum covers the industrial history, the workers' lives, and the heavy water sabotage. You can see the original Swiss-built turbines and generators. But the highlight is the Heavy Water Cellar, and the story of how they found it is remarkable. The hydrogen factory where the heavy water was produced was demolished in 1977. The cellar was sealed underneath and left to rot. For decades, nobody knew what was down there. In 2016 they started excavating. In October 2017 they broke through and found the cellar completely intact. Time had stood still for 40 years. The room where the sabotage happened was still there, just as it was. They built a new museum facility above it, and it opened to the public in June 2022. Standing in that room, knowing what took place there, is quite something.
To get there, you park at the bridge and walk across the suspension bridge to the power station, then up the hill. There is also a bungee jump from the bridge, 84 metres, one of Norway's highest.
If you have seen Netflix's Troll 2, you will recognise Vemork. Both the power station and the pipe corridor appear in the film as a secret facility.
The Saboteur's Trail follows the route the commandos took in 1943. It is about eight kilometres and there are guided tours in summer. Plan at least two hours for the museum. Tickets are a bit cheaper if you buy online.
The museum covers the industrial history, the workers' lives, and the heavy water sabotage. You can see the original Swiss-built turbines and generators. But the highlight is the Heavy Water Cellar, and the story of how they found it is remarkable. The hydrogen factory where the heavy water was produced was demolished in 1977. The cellar was sealed underneath and left to rot. For decades, nobody knew what was down there. In 2016 they started excavating. In October 2017 they broke through and found the cellar completely intact. Time had stood still for 40 years. The room where the sabotage happened was still there, just as it was. They built a new museum facility above it, and it opened to the public in June 2022. Standing in that room, knowing what took place there, is quite something.
To get there, you park at the bridge and walk across the suspension bridge to the power station, then up the hill. There is also a bungee jump from the bridge, 84 metres, one of Norway's highest.
If you have seen Netflix's Troll 2, you will recognise Vemork. Both the power station and the pipe corridor appear in the film as a secret facility.
The Saboteur's Trail follows the route the commandos took in 1943. It is about eight kilometres and there are guided tours in summer. Plan at least two hours for the museum. Tickets are a bit cheaper if you buy online.