Kongsberg

Kongsberg was founded in 1624, after silver was discovered in the hills. The Danish-Norwegian king recruited German miners to the mines. As result, Kongsberg in the 17th century was a "German" town. It was the second largest in Norway only rivaled by Bergen. Mining ceased in 1957. The name "Kongsberg" means something like "King's mounta" or "King's mining hills".
Kongsberg today is a centre for high-tech industry. Kongsberg also hosts the Norwegian mint, and all Norwegian coins since 1686 are produced in Kongsberg. Kongsberg was from its foundation a key town in Norway, thanks to the rich silver sources in the hills. Today it's merely a small town, but its rich past is seen, for instance, in Konsberg church, still Norway's largest church by number of seats. Kongsberg and Røros Churches are the two monumental churches of the 1700s.

Silver mines

Unlike most other Norwegian towns, Kongsberg is not a port but resides in the valley next to the mines. The silver mines is a web of some 1000 km of tunnels, and 300 shafts, dug out during more than 300 years of production, and is a key historical monument. The mines cover an area of 30 square km, which also includes about 80 dams supplying water to the facilities. Unlike most mines, in the Kongsberg mines large chunks of pure silver were often found deep in the hard rock. More than 1 million kilograms of pure silver were extracted from these hills. The deepest shafts went 1000 meters underground. At its peak, the mines employed some 4000 people and were Norway's largest enterprise before the industrial era. A small train brings visitors a few kilometers into the mines (May 18 to August 31).
Røros and Kongsberg were the only towns in Norway that enjoyed the special bergstad (mining town) privileges.

By plane

• Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL) Driving distance to Gardermoen: about two hours. Train connections from Kongsberg.

• (TRF)

By rail

Trains between Oslo and Kristiansand passes Kongsberg. There is 23 trains a day between Oslo and Kongsberg. , the main railway station is located at Schwabes gate 2 just north of the city centre.

By bus

"Timekspressen" Bus between Oslo and Notodden passes Kongsberg, every hour, every day.

By car

Kongsberg is situated on the E134 highway. Driving distance from Oslo is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. E134 continues in westward to Notodden, and over the mountain towards Haugesund. Or Northern going road 40 towards Geilo and then after 5 kilometres to Rjukan westwards on road 37.

Kongsberg is a compact town. So it is possible to walk. Kongsberg also has many cycling paths.

• Sølvgruvene

  address: Saggrenda
  Guided tours in the old mines. A train brings the visitors 2300 metres into he mountain.

• Norsk Bergverksmuseum

  phone: +47 32723200
  address: Hytte gate 3

• LågdalsmuseetHas a collection of old houses, and old things. Showing how life was in the town in old times.

• Kongsberg Church

  phone: +47 32 86 60 30
  address: Kirketorget 1
  Kongsberg's large church, one of Norway's largest, is a legacy from Kongsberg's important past. It was designed for 2400 seats, now seating is limited to 1100. The somewhat strict exterior conceals a rich rococco interior, the interior also reflects the particular mining society at Kongsberg. German professionals at the mines had a key impact on the design. The interior has several unusual features, such as the integration of the pulpit with the altar, the organ towering above. The largest chandelier is about 3 meters tall. The King's chambre is also a dominant feature of the interior.

• Kongsberg Skisenter

  phone: +47 32717070
  Skiing slopes.

• Kongsberg Jazzfestival

• StortorvetShopping mall

• Tastyasia

  phone: +47 32732155
  address: Storgaten 2
  Thai

• Big Horn Steakhouse

  phone: +47 32723060
  address: Thornesvei 4
  Steak restaurant with view of the river.

• Kongs Kina Restaurant

  phone: +47 32733695
  address: Nymoens Torg 18
  Chinese.

• Peppes Pizza

  phone: +47 22225555
  address: Nymoens torg 2

• Restaurant Fryd

  phone: +47 32772800
  address: Christian Augusts gate 2

• Opsahlgården

  phone: +47 32764500
  address: Kirkegt. 10

• Privat Cafe og Bar

  phone: +47 32724400
  address: Storgata 4

Budget

• Kongsberg Vandrerhjem Bergmannen

  phone: +47 32732024
  address: Vinjes gate 1

• Pikersfoss Hyttegrend og Camping

  phone: +47 91 19 07 41
  address: Svendsplassveien 2, 3614 Kongsberg

Mid-range

• Best Western Gyldenløve Hotell

  phone: +47 32865800
  address: Hermann Foss gate 1

• Quality Hotel Grand

  phone: +47 32772800
  address: Christian Augusts gate 2

• Kongsberg Bibliotek

  phone: +47 32866850
  address: Christian Augusts gate 1
  Wireless internet for laptop and computers with internet access available.

• Numedal valley towards Geilo.
• Blefjell, great cross country skiing.
• Bolkesjø, great for hikingtrips and fishing.
• Rjukan, drive towards Geilo, and off to Road 37 to find historical town with many possible activities.