Orkla Industrimuseum

About the museum

Løkken Verk was built up around mining that began in 1654 and continued for 333 years. The deposit was one of the largest of its kind in the world, a copper-bearing pyrite (kobberholdig svovelkis). For the first 250 years copper was the main product; later sulphur was also extracted, and in the last years of operation copper, zinc and silver were produced. The mine was closed on 10 July 1987.

Mining on an industrial scale only really took off in the 1900s, when the architect Christian Thams started Orkla Grube-Aktiebolag and launched one of the largest industrial developments in Norway at the time. Production buildings, power stations, offices, shops and housing grew up, and Thams also made sure there was a railway of its own, Thamshavnbanen, which carried the ore to the shipping port at Orkanger. The company became the forerunner of today's Orkla group.

Orkla Industrimuseum preserves the history of the miners and conveys the industrial and workers' history of Løkken Verk. The museum is run by Museene i Sør-Trøndelag (MiST). The main exhibition "Inn i berget – ut i verden" (Into the Mountain – Out into the World) is in the information centre, and the museum also includes Gammelgruva, the museum railway Thamshavnbanen, Steinparken, Meldal bygdemuseum and Rindal skimuseum.

Highlights

• The main exhibition "Inn i berget – ut i verden" (Into the Mountain – Out into the World)
• Gammelgruva, described as Norway's most colourful mine
• Thamshavnbanen with carriages from 1908
• Exhibition hall with railway equipment
• Meldal bygdemuseum, an open-air museum open all year
• Museum shop with stone products

Permanent exhibitions

• Inn i berget – ut i verden – The main exhibition in the information centre at Løkken Verk on mining history, industry and life in the mining community.
• Utstillingshallen – Hall at the museum displaying railway equipment.
• Gammelgruva – Guided tour underground through mine tunnels and large chambers that tell the story of 333 years of mining.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Museene i Sør-Trøndelag (MiST)

Admission & discounts

The prices apply to the exhibitions at Løkken Verk, Gammelgruva and Meldal bygdemuseum during regular opening hours. Tickets are bought online or on site.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum exhibitions are on several levels, with wheelchair ramps between them. There is a disabled (HC) toilet in the public area. The tour of Gammelgruva takes place on one level, with wooden or gravel walkways and two flights of steps on the usual route; it is recommended to bring an assistant. Two of the carriages on the Thamshavnbanen have wheelchair ramps. Meldal bygdemuseum has grass paths and slopes, and the indoor houses are not accessible by wheelchair. Companions have free admission on presentation of a companion card.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Children under 16 enter free of charge when accompanied by an adult. The museum has programmes for nurseries and all school levels. On Fridays in the summer season there is a children's day with activities at Meldal bygdemuseum.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in the exhibitions. The museum shop sells coffee, mineral water and some kiosk items, as well as souvenirs, books and stone products. Food and drink are also available at eateries in Løkken Verk.

Events & venue rental

• Corporate events

Fagerlisalen in Gammelgruva is used for concerts and cultural events; the museum welcomes companies, groups and associations.

Plan your visit