Municipality in Buskerud, Norway
Photo: User:Mahlum, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Kongsberg is a town in Buskerud. It is an old mining community that developed around the rich silver mines from the 1600s. Today the town is a high-tech centre in Norway and the mines are now only a great sight for visitors. Kongsberg is the gate to the great Numedal valley. There is also a nice winter sport resort in the hills of Kongsberg.
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Kongsberg silver mines and museum
The silver mines in the Kongsberg bedrock were in continuous operation from 1623 to 1958, and was Norway's most important business before industrialization. Output was up to 10,000 kg silver annually. The underground mines includes some 1,000 km tunnels and 300 shafts. The mines reach a depth of 1000 metres, well below the sea level. The town of Kongsberg, literally the "King's mines", as a key town in Norway. In 1770 more than 4000 were employed in the mines, Kongsberg was then Norway's second largest city behind Bergen. The large church in Kongsberg is a legacy of the town's heydays. Parts of the mines are open to the public and Norwegian mining museum is downtown Kongsberg.
Mining Museum
Has a collection of old houses, and old things. Showing how life was in the town in old times.
Kongsberg kirke
Kongsberg's large church, one of Norway's largest, is a legacy from Kongsberg's important past. It was designed for 2400 seats, now seating is limited to 1100. The somewhat strict exterior conceals a rich rococco interior, the interior also reflects the particular mining society at Kongsberg. German professionals at the mines had a key impact on the design. The interior has several unusual features, such as the integration of the pulpit with the altar, the organ towering above. The largest chandelier is about 3 meters tall. The King's chambre is also a dominant feature of the interior.
Kongsberg skisenter
Ski resort near downtown Kongsberg. Along with Norefjell this is one of the ski resorts closest to the major towns (Oslo, Drammen) in east Norway.
Thai
Steak restaurant with view of the river.
Chinese.
Shopping mall
By rail
Trains between Oslo and Kristiansand passes Kongsberg. There are 23 trains a day between Oslo and Kongsberg.
By bus
"Timekspressen" Bus between Oslo and Notodden passes Kongsberg, every hour, every day.
By car
Kongsberg is on the E134 highway. Driving distance from Oslo is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. E134 continues in westward to Notodden, and over the mountain towards Haugesund.
Kongsberg is a compact town. So it is possible to walk. Kongsberg also has many cycling paths.
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