Knaben: Mining History and Nature

Mining history in Norway’s only mining town

Knaben is Norway’s only mining town. Its surviving facilities include an intact headframe house, a winding tower and a processing plant. The Knaben Mining Museum is housed in the former administrative building of the mining company and presents the mining and wartime history of Knaben. On the second floor, the furnishings have been arranged as they looked when the director lived there. A visit to the museum therefore covers both the history of mining and the war, as well as a glimpse of the building’s furnishings at the time. For families who enjoy discovering historic places, Knaben offers more than a single attraction: its mining history can be seen both in the museum and in the town’s surviving facilities.

Guided tours underground

Knaben besøksgruve offers a guided tour through Knaben’s molybdenum mines and the abandoned mine “Den forlatte gruva”. The guided tour of this abandoned mine lasts one hour. The temperature in Knaben’s mines remains a constant 7°C year-round, in both summer and winter. If you are particularly interested in mining, you can treat the museum visit and the mine tour as different ways to learn about the town’s history: the museum focuses on mining and wartime history, as well as the former furnishings, while the guided tour takes you into the mines.

Hiking trails, cross-country skiing and family activities

Knaben is one of the access points to the Setesdal Vesthei, Ryfylke- og Frafjordheiene landscape protection area. Marked hiking trails also lead from Knaben to places including Roma Gruver. For cross-country skiing, the easily accessible Husmorløypa trail runs around the mining town. These options offer different experiences: you can follow marked trails to a historic destination or choose the cross-country ski trail for a circuit on skis. The information about these trails and the ski trail describes different experiences around Knaben; they should therefore be considered as separate options when planning your holiday.

There are also specific options for activities to enjoy together with children. The disc golf course in Knaben has nine holes and is suitable for adults and children. Knabejakta is an orienteering route in Knabeheia that is suitable for the whole family. Alongside the historic attractions, there are outdoor activities focused on exercise and navigation. If you are looking for holiday accommodation in Knaben, you can consider whether mining history, hiking, cross-country skiing or these family activities will shape your stay.

Planning your stay

Knaben Fjellcamp at Bergetjørn has three shelters. One can be closed off and has a fireplace. To get to Knaben Leirskole, you can take a train to Storekvina station and then a bus for about 45 minutes. This connection is described for travel to the Leirskole. Knaben’s many facets range from mining history and mine tours to hiking trails, cross-country skiing and disc golf. If you are considering a holiday home or apartment in Knaben, deciding what you would like to focus on will help you work out whether the town suits your planned mix of culture and activities.

If you would like to discover more places: Øyestranda, Kvinesdal, Feda, Kvinlog.

Go to the main travel guide: Kvinesdal.