About

Rjukan Waterfall became famous early on as one of Europe's most magnificent natural attractions. Tourists came here as far back as the 18th century to stand in awe of and allow themselves be intimidated by the mighty waterfall.

Krokan Turisthytte was built in 1868 and is situated right next to the waterfall. It was the Norwegian Tourist Association's (DNT) first tourist cabin and is still in use today. The cabin has been restored and now serves as a museum in its own right. You can savour the historic atmosphere here and enjoy a bowl of "rømmegrøt" (sour-cream porridge) or a platter of cured meat, trout, Tinn griddle cakes and lots more. However, the cain is only open during high season!

There are lots of pictures of and information about tourism in the Vestfjorddal Valley a century ago at Krokan. You can also stay the night here in the two old open-hearth cottages - quite a unique experience!

Norsk Hydro took over the cabin and the Rjukan Waterfall in 1905 and this was technically Norsk Hydro's first property. You can stroll down the paths laid when tourism was at its height in the 19th-century to stand on the top of the waterfall gorge and have a look at the old tennis court and the remains of the billiard room by the edge of the gorge. The billiard room was moved to Frøystul, consecrated and now serves as Frøystul Fjellkapell (Frøystul Mountain Chapel). This is an exciting cultural and scenic experience. Guided tours are organised to various cultural sites, including the new statue of Claus Helberg.