Notodden Municipality, municipality in Telemark county, Norway
Notodden is a town and municipality in the Telemark region of Norway, shaped by nature and industrial heritage. The townscape shows old factory buildings alongside modern structures, while the nearby Tinnelva river highlights the historical energy resources that defined the area.
The town was founded more than 100 years ago and grew rapidly due to Norsk Hydro's saltpeter factory, which used water power from the Tinnelva. The industrial area is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving this transformative period for future generations.
The name Notodden comes from Old Norse roots connected to its location between water and hills. The town has become centered on music culture, with the Notodden Blues Festival and Motstøy Festivalen drawing visitors every summer and shaping how residents and guests gather and celebrate together.
The town is easily reached via the main highway E134 and has a small nearby airport for quick connections. Visitors should bring sturdy footwear to walk comfortably between historic factories and modern areas throughout the town.
The coat of arms features lightning bolts and a flowing line, representing electricity and water power and reflecting the town's role as an energy hub. These symbols show how deeply hydropower shaped the identity and development of the place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
