Værket

The chemical processing from ore to blue color took place at the Blaa dye plant itself. After driving the ore by horse and cart from the Cobalt Mines to Haugfoss, and crushing in the crushing plant by the river Simoa, it was transported further across the river to Blaafarveværket. Here, cobalt ore, quartz and potash were fused together into blue glass, before being ground into a fine, blue color pigment.

The industrial area, which grew up beyond the 19th century, gradually became Norway's largest company. With over 2000 employees at most, this was a fairy tale story unparalleled in the Norwegian context. But as is well known, all adventures end, and in 1893 there was also a snap, snap, snout for Blaafarveværket.

The old log house is the first thing that meets you when you come here to Værket. Here you will find information about the whole region. Here you will also find a small kiosk, ticket sales (see below!) - and a small selection of our products.
It is important to us that the museum is available to everyone. That's why no parking fee or ticket to enter and use the area. The only ticket you can buy is for the art exhibition. Even the Sunday concerts in Glasshytten in the summer have free admission!

In Glasshytten you will find the exhibition «Blaafarvefabrikken - From cobalt ore to blue color». Here you can get to know the whole magical process on which the mining operations at the Cobalt Mines are built. From ore in stone to finished, blue color pigment at Blaafarveværket. In Glasshytten's main hall, where the large smelting furnaces were previously located, we also arrange concerts. The hall is also used as a party and dining room, and there is plenty of space (for around 300 people!).

Here it was once upon a time - you might have guessed it - a cooper's workshop and smithy. Today, however, barrels have been replaced with tasty meals. This has become the Kroa itself at Blaafarveværket, where we serve delicious homemade food from our kitchen.

In the wheelhouse were the water wheels that drove the color production at Værket. Here you can see Blaafarveværket's historical and technical production processes. You will also find a presentation of Blaafarveværket's archive material.

In Farvemøllen, the molten glass was finely crushed into blue toner. Here you will now find "The Blue Shop" - with Scandinavia's largest sale of cobalt-colored glass! Here you can also get to know Blaafarveværket's customer base from all over the world, which is presented in a permanent collection of old cobalt blue glass and porcelain.

The children's farm is always a hit with the little ones. Here you will find a number of kind animals, old work tools and farm buildings. It also has its own lunch area. For what is cozier than enjoying a delicious packed lunch while the hens trip around nearby?

At Blaafarveværket, opposite Glasshytten, there is a cave in the mountains. Some people think it's a little mysterious. And in all the years, visitors, young and old, have been drawn to this cave - and wondered what it is. Someone wonders if this is the Cobalt Mines themselves? Others create their own theories about the cave, and many children believe that the troll lives there. The mystery is still alive, but the area of use is clear: For now, the cave has become the CHILDREN'S BULDRE Cave! Read more here!

Since 1978, the Blaafarveværk's annual art exhibition has shown Scandinavian art of high quality to a wide audience. In the exhibition building we have our own bookstore with a wide selection of our own art literature, cards and posters.

We are concerned that Blaafarveværket is a place where you can be. That's why we spend a lot of resources on keeping it green and nice here. The large, award-winning park has both tables and money - and is popular places for picnics and recreation. There is also a playground for the little ones.

On hot days, the swimming area is a tempting haunt, with swimming and fishing opportunities in the river Simoa.

The village yard with old buildings from the region is home to the popular Children's Farm, where many get in close contact with animals for the first time. Here you will also find a separate lunch area.

Blaafarveværket is surrounded by beautiful nature, and is the starting point for several cultural trails that are marked - both Haugfossen Rundt and Nymoen Rundt. These are exciting and educational tours in the local area that show more of Blaafarveværket's history.