Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site
Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site stands out as an example of a new global industry in the early 20th century.
Arc furnace was Kristian Birkelands patent to produce nitrogen dioxide that was used in fertilizers. Photo: © Per Berntsen
Vemork, built by Norsk Hydro, was the world's largest hydroelectric power plant when it opened in 1911. Photo: © Per Berntsen
The industrial towns of Rjukan and Notodden in Telemark county in Norway are outstanding examples of a ground-breaking industrial development and a testament to the social transformation that took place in the Western world at the beginning of the 20th century. This was a time when scientific and technological progress interlocked with economic and political factors and created what is known as 'the second industrial revolution'.
In 2015, Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site was adopted by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The site includes power stations, factories, transport systems and company towns.