Vemork
Rjukan, Norway
A hydro-electric plant on the edge of a gorge, target of the heavy-water sabotage of 1943. Now the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum, part of a UNESCO industrial site.
Vemork is a former hydroelectric power station near Rjukan in Telemark. It began operating in May 1911 and was the largest power station in the world when completed. Today it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage (since 2015) and houses the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum (NIA), founded in 1983, which runs seven sites.
Vemork is known for the sabotage on the night of 28 February 1943, Operation Gunnerside: saboteurs entered the basement where heavy water was produced and planted explosives, and production stopped for months. The heavy water cellar opened to visitors in 2022. The Saboteur's Trail, an 8 km route from Rjukan Fjellstue to Vemork, follows the men's route; the museum offers guided tours on it daily from June to August. According to the museum's website, it is usually open 12 to 4 pm outside high summer and 10 am to 6 pm in July and August. Check current times in advance.
- Nearest town
- Rjukan, Norway
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 59.8711, 8.4914
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Norway: Electronic tolls by number plate. Automatic toll roads and toll rings; many routes include car ferries. Motorway limit for cars: 110 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rjukan NæringsparkMotorhome stopover5 km from Vemork · 18 pitchesMotorhomes
- Rjukan bobilparkering SåheimsveienMotorhome stopover5 km from Vemork · 6 pitchesMotorhomes
- Langefonn CaravanparkMotorhome stopover11 km from VemorkMotorhomes
- Rjukan Hytte og CaravanparkCampsite13 km from VemorkTentsCaravansElectricityWi-Fi
- Tinnsjø kro & campingCampsite18 km from VemorkTentsCaravansElectricityDogs allowed
- Sandviken CampingCampsite22 km from VemorkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Norway · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Vemork?
Vemork is in Rjukan, Norway, at GPS 59.8711, 8.4914. It is about 50 km from Heddal.
Can you camp near Vemork?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rjukan Næringspark, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 11 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Vemork?
Vemork is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Telemark: canal locks, stave churches and Rjukan.
What is there to see near Vemork?
Places worth a stop nearby: Gaustatoppen (9 km), Heddal Stave Church (50 km), Vøringsfossen (92 km) and Vigeland Sculpture Park (123 km).
When is the best time to visit Vemork?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)