It does not get any direct sunlight between September and March because the low sun is blocked by the tall Gaustatoppen mountain (1883 m, 6,177) ftlocated directly to the south.
However they did attempt an ingenious solution:
In 2013, an art project called the Sunmirror in Rjukan built several large mirrors on the northern mountainside above the town to reflect the Sun down into the town during these dark months.
The mirrors illuminate a small portion of the town square each day and cost 5 million kr ($445,000 USD) to install.
It’s know locally as the SOLISPEIL, more about it:
The Sun mirror village
Located in a narrow valley three hours north-west from Oslo, Rjukan counts 3400 inhabitants, who during the cold winter months from September to March, live completely in the shade, as the sun, covered by a 1800 meters high peak, called Gaustatoppen, can’t illuminate the village.
For this reason Martin Andersen, a 40 year old artist, brushing up on an idea of the founder Sam Eyde, considered unworkable at the time due to a lack of technology, sub- mits to the community the intention to put on the top of the mountain three huge solar- powered mirrors, able to reflect the sun light on the town square. The project, called SOLISPEIL, became true in 2013, for the price of 5 millions Crowns.
The town of Rjukan was founded by Sam Eyde between 1905 and 1916, when the com- pany Norsk Hydro decided to start the production of Saltpetre.
The mirrors are located 450 meters above the town, and they reflect a 2000 square-feet circle of light. A solar-powered engine installed behind each mirror follows the sun move- ments during the day to maximize the effect.
Sam Eyde, during the first decade of the last Century, unable to realize something similar, decided to bypass the problem of direct sunlight absence, which also caused depressive disorders and vitamin D deficiency, building a cable car that carried workers and miners on the top of the mountain, so that they could receive the winter sunlight.
Some inhabitants decided to mark on a small notebook the days in which sun reaches the village during winter.
In April, Rjukan celebrate the SOLFEST, the return of sun from behind the mountain, with a costume parade. Often, these dresses are related to the sun or to its absence.
During the parade, the Lord of Sun is elected by the community, he remains in office for one year and keeps the title for life. The Sunborn Child is also elected, a child born near the day in which sun crosses for the first time the mountain edge and shines again on the town.
Background: Why a Sun Mirror?
The absence of natural light can affect both the daily life and the well‐being of residents.
In response, local leaders and designers conceived the idea of using a mirror system to “steal” sunlight from higher altitudes and reflect it down into the town.
How It Works
- Mechanics and Technology:
The Sun Mirror consists of one or several large, precision-controlled mirror panels. These panels are mounted on a system equipped with sensors and computer-controlled motors. - They continuously track the sun’s movement, adjusting their angle so that the maximum amount of sunlight is redirected into key public areas of Rjukan—most notably the town square and other communal spaces.
- Operational Principle:
By capturing sunlight from above the mountain ridge and reflecting it into the shadowed valley below, the mirror essentially supplements the town’s natural light during the darker months. - This not only enhances the aesthetic and atmosphere of the urban environment but also contributes positively to residents’ mood and well-being.
Significance and Impact
- Practical Benefits:
The installation helps to brighten areas of Rjukan that would otherwise remain in shadow for much of the year. This additional light improves the usability of public spaces, makes outdoor activities more pleasant, and can even have subtle benefits for local businesses and tourism. - Symbolic Value:
Beyond its practical function, the Sun Mirror has become a symbol of innovation and resilience. It exemplifies how communities can creatively overcome geographical limitations through technology and design. For Rjukan—a town already known for its rich industrial heritage (including its historical role in hydroelectric power and during WWII)—the mirror represents a forward-looking fusion of art, engineering, and environmental adaptation. - Tourism and Community Pride:
The striking visual impact of a giant mirror reflecting beams of sunlight has made it a local landmark and a point of interest for visitors. It draws attention not only as an engineering feat but also as a work of public art that celebrates the town’s unique character and ingenuity.
For more see the visitRjukan website.
Charles Patrick says
One nice thing about Norway is its tripoints. FINORU has three times zones meeting there, while FINOSE is (only just) the most Northerly tripoint.