Industrial machinery at the Kongsberg silver mines. Photo: Birger Lindstad (Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research)
Municipality: Kongsberg
County: Buskerud
Protection order adopted by the King in Council on 15 May 2003
The silver mines were in operation from 1623 to 1958, and was the first permanent mine in Norway. This used to be Norway’s most important mining operation and one of the largest silver mines in Europe. A total of 1 350 tonnes of silver was produced here, together with a substantial amount of copper. The copper and most of the silver were used in coins. In the mine’s heyday in 1770, it employed 4 000 people. In addition, about 2 000 farmers were involved in producing and transporting the timber needed for the mine. At the time, Kongsberg, now a medium-sized town by Norwegian standards, was Norway’s second-largest town after Bergen.
The long history of mining has left a very characteristic landscape in this area. There are large numbers of trial pits, shaft openings and slag heaps on the surface, and an extensive system of mine galleries underground. The area also contains a complex system of lakes and artificial channels that provided water power for the mines, many valuable buildings, and fascinating industrial installations. This all makes for a varied and interesting cultural environment.