"Kongsberg, silver mines and ski jumpers. " a Kongsberg Travel Page by Terje1966

As far back as in 1624 there was found silver in the hils around Kongsberg.
That was why the Danish King Chr4 decided to build the city that today is inhabited by about 25000 persons.At that time Kongsberg was one of the biggest and most important cities in Norway. Today you can visit the mine by a toy train that takes you on a guided trip several kilometers into the mountain or you can go to Norsk Bergverksmuseum in the centre of Kongsberg right beside the Royal Norwegian mint.
(Bergverksmuseum is Mining museum)

The large hill on top of the mines(Gruveåsen and Knutefjellet) is also a wonderful hiking area with a lot of old footpaths around the remindings of the mines.
In wintertime this area contains good posibillities for both nordic and alpine skiing.

The major business in Kongsberg both in and after the mining period was Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk (arms factory). Today this old giant factory is split up into several smaller units and Kongsberg has become one of Norways biggest high tech centers with companies like FMC Subsea, Kongsberg Maritime, Volvo Aero Norway, Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Kongsberg Automotive and Dresser Rand.

Kongsberg is also famous for beeing the hometovn of Birger Ruud. He was one of the Ruud brothers that were among worlds best ski jumpers back in the thirties.
They invented the style called the "Kongsberg bend"

Kongsberg is perfect for winter activities. This picture is taken at Knutefjellet towards the Jonsknuten mountain(902m).