Notodden

Travel Guide

Notodden
Photo by Paige Spee
Photo by Paulien De Gaspari
Photo by Paige Spee
Photo by Anna W Gustafson

This former industrial town features on UNESCO's World Heritage List and is now the blues capital of Scandinavia. 

On the shores of Lake Heddalsvatnet in the county of Telemark, you'll find Notodden, a city that experienced explosive growth in population in the years following Norsk Hydro's decision to establish a factory here. The close proximity to the Svelgfos Power Plant meant that industry boomed and the town of Notodden soon developed so that employees could live locally. This is evident today from the three neighbourhoods Grønnbyen, Villamoen and Admini, developed for the workers, administrators and the CEO, respectively.

Visit the Hydro Park to see the heart of the fertiliser adventure that put Notodden – and nearby Rjukan – on UNESCO's World Heritage List. At the Tinfos cultural area, you'll find architecture dating back to the 1800s. Whilst you are in the area, don't forget to visit the Lysbuen and Telemark Galleries, which both have permanent and temporary exhibitions relating to the region's industry.

No visit to Notodden is complete without a visit to the Heddal Stave Church, Norway's largest stave church. Just a stone's throw away, you'll find the Heddal Village Square, where you can see the development of Norwegian buildings from the middle ages until the interwar years. Take a look at the region's typical interior designs painted in the Rosemaling style.

At night, Notodden offers culture and entertainment in the modern, newly built Bok & Blueshuset venue. Here you can also find the town's "blueseum", which features the "From cotton to Notodden" exhibition with a soundtrack recorded by Morgan Freeman. This music genre is very strong in the area, and the very popular Notodden Blues Festival has taken place here every year since 1988. The town is also open to other genres too, including a large range of and the range of local black metal bands.

When visiting Notodden for a weekend, there are numerous opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. There are excellent fishing opportunities during the summer and superb skiing conditions during the winter. Notodden can be reached by car or train from Porsgrunn or bus from Oslo via Drammen.

 Thon Partner Hotel Notodden

Thon Partner Hotel Notodden

3 out of 5
Torvet 8, Notodden
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,944 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P8,944
P10,017 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Notodden. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Telemark Art Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (56 reviews)
"It’s right in the center of town, very convenient and close to dining and attractions"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Thon Partner Hotel Notodden
Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12

Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12

2 out of 5
28 Storgata, Notodden, Telemark
The price is P6,729 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P6,729
P7,536 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Notodden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Heddal Stave Church and Heddal Rural Museum ...
Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12
Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2

3.5 out of 5
Telegata 3 B, Notodden
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Notodden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Telemark Art Museum and Heddal Stave Church ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
"Great space, spacious living area. Only draw back was no dryer for laundry."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12

Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12

2 out of 5
28 Storgata, Notodden, Telemark
Stay at this apartment in Notodden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Heddal Stave Church and Heddal Rural Museum ...
Notodden Sentrum Apartment NO 12
Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2

3.5 out of 5
Telegata 3 B, Notodden
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Notodden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Telemark Art Museum and Heddal Stave Church ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (48 reviews)
"Great space, spacious living area. Only draw back was no dryer for laundry."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 2
Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 1

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 1

3.5 out of 5
Telegata 3 A, Notodden
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Notodden. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Telemark Art Museum and Heddal Stave ...
9/10 Wonderful! (52 reviews)
"Property was fine but parking not marked well. Internet was out during our stay. Everything else was fine."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Notodden Sentrum Apartment No 1
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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