Located in a dramatic landscape of mountains,
waterfalls and river valleys, the site comprises hydroelectric power
plants, transmission lines, factories, transport systems and towns. The
complex was established by the Norsk-Hydro Company to manufacture
artificial fertilizer from nitrogen in the air. It was built to meet the
Western world’s growing demand for agricultural production in the early
20th century. The company towns of Rjukan and
Notodden show workers’ accommodation and social institutions linked by
rail and ferry to ports where the fertilizer was loaded. The
Rjukan-Notodden site manifests an exceptional combination of industrial
assets and themes associated to the natural landscape. It stands out as
an example of a new global industry in the early 20th century.
