Kongsberg between silver mining and culture

Kongsberg tells the story of centuries of mining while also showcasing impressive Baroque art and opportunities to spend time in the forest. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Kongsberg, you can choose your destination based on your own interests: activities range from the history of the silver works to concerts and museums, as well as hikes and an unusual railway.

Experience mining history

The Norsk Bergverksmuseum traces the history of mining in Kongsberg over a period of 335 years. Its permanent exhibitions are housed in the former smelting works of the Kongsberg Silver Works in the centre of Kongsberg. Visitors can therefore explore mining history in a building that is itself connected to the silver works.

A mine train takes visitors 2,300 metres through the Christian VII tunnel to Kongens gruve, the largest mine in the silver works. The route and destination make this part of the visit a unique underground experience. During the season, the Aktivitetsplassen at Sølvgruvene offers daily demonstrations of fire-setting, a historic method of breaking rock.

The Norsk Bergverksmuseum also includes Kvarten park, which can be enjoyed in your free time. If you’re interested in different aspects of the area’s history, you can consider the museum, the park and the mining heritage as separate reasons to visit.

Concerts and Baroque art

The Kongsberg Jazz Festival has been held annually since 1964, with the exception of the unusual year 2020. Its concerts take place at around 15 venues across the city. The festival dates are therefore worth considering when planning your trip, with the concerts providing the musical highlight of your stay.

Another striking cultural destination is Kongsberg kirke, Norway’s largest Baroque church. Its richly appointed Rococo interior features glass chandeliers, ceiling paintings and the Gloger organ. It is considered Scandinavia’s largest historic Baroque organ and has 42 stops and between 2,000 and 3,000 pipes. Tours of the church can be booked by phone.

Open-air museum and time in the countryside

Lågdalsmuseet comprises 32 heritage-listed historic buildings. The site is also home to Glitre gård, an estate that served as a residence for several mining officials from Kongsberg. The museum also includes Norway’s only specialist museum of optics and a museum dedicated to the Norwegian resistance movement. The open-air museum therefore offers several different historical themes.

In summer, Telemark cattle, Døle horses, goats with kids and sheep with lambs graze in the meadows at Lågdalsmuseet. There is also a playground. Families can combine a museum visit with seeing the animals and taking a play break.

At Skimore Kongsberg, the hiking lift provides access to the forests and hiking trails. Another activity there is Formula G: this gravity-powered ride uses motorless vehicles on a paved track with banked turns. If you’d like to fit in some exercise between days spent exploring museums and culture, this offers another way to enjoy your stay.

More to discover in the surrounding area

Near Kongsberg, the Labromuseene comprise the Norsk Vassdragsmuseum, the Numedalslågens Fløtningsmuseum and Norsk Vegmuseum Labro. At the Labromuseene, you can also see art exhibitions at Galleri Labro. Mobråten galleri og skulpturpark combines an art gallery with a sculpture park on a former smallholding.

The rock carvings at Hvittingfoss are another nearby destination; they are more than 3,000 years old. Access is via the Brobakken farm. Other places to consider when planning your trip include Skollenborg, Hvittingfoss and Passebekk.

For the broader travel overview: Kongsberg.