Blues Festival
Book your accommodation many months in advance if you plan to visit during the first weekend of August.
Telemark, Norway
City·Historic, Cultural, Scenic
Images coming soon!
Nestled in the heart of Telemark, Notodden is a city where deep-rooted industrial history meets a vibrant contemporary music scene. As a key component of the Rjukan-Notodden UNESCO World Heritage site, the city preserves the pioneering spirit of Norway's early 20th-century hydroelectric industry. Every August, the city transforms into a global stage for the Notodden Blues Festival, attracting fans from across the world. Visitors can also marvel at the nearby Heddal Stave Church, a masterpiece of medieval wooden architecture, or enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of Lake Heddalsvatnet and the surrounding mountains.
Nestled in the heart of Telemark, Notodden is a city where deep-rooted industrial history meets a vibrant contemporary music scene. As a key component of the Rjukan-Notodden UNESCO World Heritage site, the city preserves the pioneering spirit of Norway's early 20th-century hydroelectric industry. Every August, the city transforms into a global stage for the Notodden Blues Festival, attracting fans from across the world. Visitors can also marvel at the nearby Heddal Stave Church, a masterpiece of medieval wooden architecture, or enjoy the tranquil natural beauty of Lake Heddalsvatnet and the surrounding mountains.
Highlights
Home to the world-renowned Notodden Blues Festival.
Part of the Rjukan-Notodden UNESCO World Heritage industrial site.
Proximity to Heddal Stave Church, the largest in Norway.
Beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Heddalsvatnet.
Before you go: Notodden essentials
The city is significantly busier and more expensive during the festival season in August.
Some historical sites and museums may have limited opening hours during the winter months.
While the city is accessible by train and bus, a car is recommended for exploring the wider Telemark region.
Heddal Stave Church
Take the short drive or local bus to Heddal to see the largest stave church in Norway, located just outside the city.
Best For
Music enthusiasts and travelers interested in Norwegian industrial history.
Currency
NOK kr
Average Cost
$120-$200 p/day
Population
12,359
Industrial Heritage
Visit the Telemark Gallery and Lysbuen Industrial Museum to understand the city's UNESCO status.
Waterfront Walks
The area around the lake offers peaceful walking paths with excellent views of the Telemark landscape.
Languages Spoken
Norwegian, English
Best time to visit Notodden
June-August
Spring
A peaceful time to visit as the landscape thaws, ideal for visiting the stave church without the summer crowds.
Best Season
Summer
The peak season for tourism, offering the best weather for lake activities and the famous blues festival.
Fall
The surrounding hills of Telemark display vibrant autumn colors, making it a beautiful time for scenic drives.
Winter
A quiet, local-focused season; nearby areas in Telemark offer great opportunities for cross-country skiing.
Location
Notodden, Telemark, Norway