Rjukan

Rjukan is known for its hydroelectric power station and solar mirrors.

Rjukan lies at the bottom of a valley that is oriented east to west, with Gaustatoppen (at 1883 metres over sea level) and the other surrounding mountains immediately south of the town rendering the city sun-free from September to March.

The founder of Rjukan Sam Eyde (wikipedia) launched the idea in 1913 of a “Solspeil”, or sun mirror, above Rjukan. He saw the importance of giving his workers the opportunities for sunlight in the winter.

High on the mountain opposite, 450 metres above the town, there are 3 mirros ,each 17 metres in area,

These three large, solar-powered, computer-controlled mirrors steadily track the movement of the sun across the sky, reflecting its rays down on to the square and bathing it in bright sunlight. Rjukan – or at least, a small but vital part of Rjukan – is no longer stuck where the sun don't shine.

Below images of the Solar Mirrors, seen from the village market place.