The cobalt pigment produced here was historically used to color fine porcelain and glass by companies like Royal Copenhagen.
At its peak in the 19th century, the mine complex produced approximately 80% of the world's cobalt blue pigment.
The temperature inside the underground mines remains constant at around 6 degrees Celsius year-round.
The site includes a significant collection of original 19th-century industrial machinery and archival materials.
The cobalt mines were reopened to the public as a tourist attraction in the 1980s following extensive restoration.
The pigment works were strategically placed at the Haugfossen waterfall to utilize hydropower for crushing and grinding ore.
Blaafarveværket is a sprawling industrial heritage site located in Modum, Norway, centered on the historic production of cobalt blue pigment. The site comprises the former cobalt works, which were active from 1776 to 1898, and an extensive network of underground cobalt mines. The museum complex houses art galleries featuring rotating seasonal exhibitions, often focusing on 19th-century Norwegian and Nordic art. Visitors can access the deep mining tunnels via guided tours to observe the extraction process of cobalt ore. The site spans a large geographic area, requiring travel between the main pigment works and the separate mine entrances. The grounds include historical gardens, workshops, and preserved workers' housing. It functions today as a cultural center dedicated to preserving the intersection of industrial history and fine arts.
The view of Haugfossen waterfall near the main pigment works building.
Wear sturdy walking shoes suitable for uneven and damp ground inside the mines.
Bring a warm sweater or jacket even in summer, as the underground mine temperature is significantly lower than the surface.
Plan your visit to allow enough time for driving between the main pigment works and the mine entrance parking areas.
Attempting to see the mines and the main museum galleries in less than four hours, as they are geographically separated.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during the winter months.
Follow all safety instructions provided by guides during underground tours; do not touch historical artifacts or mine walls.
