Day 494: Rjukan Industrial Area

Spent the day checking out the hydroelectric power stations in the Rjukan area. Essentially this world heritage site is about the production of artificial fertilizer - it was invented here and along with oil is still one of Norway's largest exports.

The process by which the fertilizer is made involves huge amounts of energy, so two hydro power stations were built in the area to generate the energy needed, and those buildings are the ones on the world heritage list. Interesting little town, particularly with the company town aspects too. And the funniest part - it's in a deep valley and during winter the town never gets any direct sunlight, so they installed a Mr Burns-style sun reflecting machine on the northern ridge to reflect sunlight down into the town!

Satisfied with our filming, we drove the last couple of hours eastwards to Oslo and set up shop in a crowded campground on the outskirts of the city. No cabins here - very expensive! So we'll use the tent for our last two nights.Read more