Solspeilet
Rjukan is situated so deep in the valley that it has no sun from September to March. Solspeilet — three giant, solar-powered mirrors on the mountainside — solved that problem in 2013.
The History
As early as 1913, Sam Eyde, the founder of Norsk Hydro, had the idea for a sun mirror for Rjukan. The technology was not mature at the time. As a compromise, Krossobanen was built in 1928.
In 2013, the dream became a reality: three large mirrors totaling 51 m² were installed on the mountainside 450 meters above the town. Solspeilet is computer-controlled and follows the sun throughout the day, so that the patch of light always falls on the market square in the center.
How to experience Solspeilet
Best experience: stand on the square in Rjukan on a clear day between October and March and feel the sun on your face — even though the entire valley is otherwise in shadow. It is a powerful feeling.
You can also visit the mirror installation itself on the mountainside — the trip takes approx. 45 minutes on foot.
- Opened
- 30 October 2013
- Number of mirrors
- 3 (total 51 m²)
- Location
- 450 m above Rjukan
- Light spot on the square
- ~600 m²
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See Solspeilet with your class
Included in many of our class trips — especially during winter time when the effect is greatest.