Ulefoss


Ulefoss is the administrative centre of Nome municipality in Telemark, Norway. Its population is 2,699.
Ulefoss is located near the border between Telemark and Grenland. It occupies both sides of Ulefoss falls on the river Eidselva. Ulefoss is one of Norway's oldest industrial communities, with sawmills operating from the 1400s; mining and ironworks from the 1600s. Ulefoss is still largely an industrial site, with a number of people employed in the iron foundry and mechanical industries.
Ulefos Jernværk is an iron foundry located at Ulefoss. It was established in 1657 and produced pig iron until 1877. Wood-burning stoves were important products until the 1950s. Hydroelectric power is used for the melting and production of iron. From 1999 the foundry has been owned by the holding company Ulefos AS.
Ulefos Hovedgaard is an estate developed by merchant, industrialist, and politician Niels Aall as his summer residence. The manor house was completed in 1807 after a construction period of approximately 5 years. The estate is regarded as Norway's finest example of an Empire-style manor house. It was built of slag stone from Ulefos Jærnverk. His son, chamberlain Hans Aall bought the manor and estate with funds inherited by his wife, the daughter of Diderik von Cappelen who died in 1828. Their descendants still own the surrounding forest properties, while the manor was turned over to a foundation. Today Ulefos Manor is operated by Telemark Museum.
Ulefoss has primary school, lower secondary, and upper secondary school Søve. A variety of shops and restaurants, a library and culture centre are also located here. Øvre Verket is a group of old workers' dwellings; today a culture and crafts exhibition.
The newspaper Kanalen is published in Ulefoss.