Notodden in the 90s: A Look Back at Local Life

The town of Notodden, Norway, has established itself as a significant hub for music and culture, anchored by the Notodden Blues Festival and the Motstøy Festivalen. These events have not only placed the municipality on the international music map but have also played a critical role in the town’s economic transition.

The Economic Impact of the Notodden Blues Festival

The Notodden Blues Festival is regarded as one of the premier blues festivals in Europe. Its influence extends beyond music, serving as a vital component of the local economy after the disappearance of industrial employment in the region.

Jostein Forsberg, a musician and former steel worker who was born and raised in Notodden, has served as the festival’s director since 1990. Forsberg has highlighted how the festival became a mainstay for the community following the loss of industrial jobs.

Diverse Musical Landscapes

While the blues festival is a primary draw, Notodden also hosts the Motstøy Festivalen, a well-known metal festival. This diversity in programming demonstrates the town’s capacity to support various genres of heavy and roots music.

The local music scene has a history of unconventional performances. Records indicate a graveyard gig took place in Notodden in December 1990, featuring the artist Mortiis.

Regional and Industrial Context

Notodden is a municipality in Telemark county, located in the traditional district of Aust-Telemark. The town is the administrative center of the municipality and is historically linked to the founding of Norsk Hydro.

The industrial legacy of the area is recognized globally, as the Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

The municipality’s infrastructure supports its role as a cultural destination, with Notodden Airport located west of the town along the European route E134 highway.

Demographics and Geography

As of 2023, Notodden municipality has a total population of 13,025, making it the 94th most populous municipality in Norway. The total area of the municipality is 983.89 square kilometers.

In addition to the town of Notodden, the municipality includes several other population centers, including:

• Bolkesjø
• Gransherad
• Heddal
• Hjuksebø
• Hjuksevelta
• Rudsgrendi
• Tinnoset
• Yli