Kraftmuseet
Museum in the protected power station from 1906–1918 in Tyssedal, showing how hydropower and industry transformed Norway in the early 20th century.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Kraftmuseet is housed in Tyssedal kraftstasjon (power station) in Tyssedal, built between 1906 and 1918 to supply electricity to the world's largest carbide factory in Odda. The power plant was in its day one of Europe's largest and has been restored to its former glory. The station is a nationally protected cultural monument with original machines, instruments and interiors.
The museum tells of the transition from farming and tourism to electricity and industry, and of how Norway became a modern society. Visitors watch films, can walk round the exhibition on their own and explore how electricity is produced. The exhibitions have themes connected to architecture, hydropower history and conflicts over hydropower development.
The museum has several sites: the power station in Tyssedal, the path to Lilletopp and Kraftlaben (the Power Lab) in Odda. The museum was established in 1989.
Highlights
- Protected power station from 1906–1918 with original machines
- Films and exhibitions on hydropower history
- Exhibition on architecture and conflicts over hydropower development
- Museum shop and activities for children
- The path to Lilletopp
Permanent exhibition
- Kraftstasjonen og vannkrafthistorien – Exhibitions in the protected power station on hydropower, industry, architecture and conflicts over hydropower development, with films and the original machinery.
- Founded
- 1989
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 125 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | NOK 70Students |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children under 16 have free admission. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · An accompanying person has free admission. |
| Students & apprentices | NOK 70 |
| Groups (15+ people) | NOK 80 per personPer person for groups of at least 15 people. |
Tickets are bought at the museum. When buying an admission ticket, parking at P1/Tyssohallen is free for those who walk the path to Lilletopp.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is in an old power station built for industry, so visitors are asked to take care. It is about 150 metres from the car park to the entrance, and visitors with reduced mobility can drive right up by calling the reception. The toilet at the north end of the station is well adapted for wheelchair users. It is not accessible by wheelchair or walking frame up on the Brettet, where the tours end. There is a lot of echo, but no installations that make sound. Dogs are welcome in the station, but not in the film hall. An accompanying person has free admission.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
Children can roam the whole museum, but must be supervised by their parents. Activities for children: a hunt for the Fossegrimen (water sprite) and a test of the acoustics, and a small section with building blocks at the end of the station. Changing table in the toilet at the end of the station. Strollers work well inside the station, but not on the Brettet. Children under 16 have free admission.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Tyssedal rutebilstasjon · 5-min walk
From Odda: bus 990 or 995 from Odda bus station to Tyssedal bus station, then a 5-minute walk down to the museum. From Kinsarvik: bus 990 from Kinsarvik quay. From Utne: ferry to Kinsarvik and bus 990, or bus 980 to Odda and then bus 990 or 995.
By car
Free parking · 150 m to the entrance
Clearly marked parking for cars, motorhomes and buses on the quay in lower Tyssedal, free for visitors. About 150 metres' walk to the old power station. Visitors with reduced mobility can drive right up; call 53 65 00 50.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Outdoor café under cover with local dishes and waffles in summer, with a vegetarian option. Small museum shop with gifts and locally produced food.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography is allowed inside the station. |
| Good to know | Film and guided tour at fixed times, in Norwegian or English, without a microphone. The tour ends at the Brettet. Schools and nurseries can book visits to the Kraftlaben. |
