Bolkesjø in history

Bolkesjø is located at the foot of Blefjell, in Notodden municipality. Did you know that Bolkesjø played a role in the beginning of Norwegian tourism? There have been people here since the Stone Age and the cultural heritage stands strong to this day.

Historical tourism on Bolkesjø

There are long traditions of tourism on Bolkesjø, the “Tourist Gateway to Wonderland”. There has been a coach station here since the start of the silver rush in Kongsberg in 1624, which was a day’s journey away by horse. During the Romantic era, word spread south in Europe about the wild nature and the true wilderness that was found in Thelemarken . The Danish geologist Jens Esmark also “discovered” Rjukanfossen in 1810, and reported to the King in Copenhagen that this was “the world’s highest waterfall”. Of course it wasn’t, but it was one of several things that led many people to find their way here.

The first travelers were artists and the upper class from Europe. The foreigners eventually made it attractive for Norwegians to explore their homeland. At its peak, it is said that about 100 horses arrived at Bolkesjø daily. During the period of national romanticism in Norway, Bolkesjø was visited by artists such as Adolph Tidemand, JC Dahl, Johannes Flinto and several others. Among others who have visited Bolkesjø we can mention Jules Verne, President Grant, Prince Eugen, Arne Garborg, Fridtjof Nansen, Golda Meir and King Olav V.

At our lovely neighbors at Uppigard Bolkesjø, the 18th century coach station is listed, along with the attic known from Adolph Tidemand's famous painting "Norwegian Christmas Customs" and a beautiful cage. There is a close bond between the two neighboring farms, Nigard and Uppigard Bolkesjø, and we greatly appreciate all the work they have done to preserve these cultural monuments.

Old Bolkesjo Hotel

The first Bolkesjø hotel was opened in 1881. It was built by Anne's great-great-grandfather Halvor Bolkesjø and his brother-in-law, Ola Bolkesjø from Uppigard. Halvor's daughter, Mari Bolkesjø, was 23 years old when she became the manager of the hotel. In the spring of 1893, the hotel was completed in dragon style, designed by Herman Backer, who is also the architect behind Holmenkollen Hotel. Mari, her husband Torjus and their descendants owned the hotel until the 1960s. Unfortunately, the last remnant of the dragon style building was demolished in 1978.

Rich cultural heritage on the farm

The property belonging to Nigard Bolkesjø stretches from Follsjø to the border with Kongsberg. The farm today consists of more than 20 buildings, most of which are over 100 years old. On the farm itself, the main building is from 1891. The old farmhouse is much older, parts of the building date from the 17th century. The two seemingly similar lofts in the yard are actually far from the same. The oldest is from 1739. The other, Stabburet , where there is a rental on the second floor, was built in the early 1900s. Book an overnight stay here via this link . There is also a smaller storehouse in the yard, which we call Veslebur. This barn is referred to as "very old" in the book Norske Gårdsbruk, but has not been accurately examined.

Norges eldste bolighus i tre - Årestua

The oldest building on the farm is Årestua . It has had several locations over time. The timber in the building dates back to the 1220s and the building is now listed. The work of restoring the Årestua started in 2020 and was completed in 2024. Årestua is now available for exclusive rental, follow this link for more information.

The Homestead Jonrud at Follsjø

The Homestead Jonrud by Follsjø belongs to the farm. People have lived here since at least the 18th century. The space consists of a living room, a storehouse, a barn, a stable and a pigsty. The flower meadow between The Cottage and the road is protected and is maintained according to old traditions. It is a short walk to the water and the public beach. This entire space can now be rented by extended families or others, see details here .

The seat in the forest

By Fisketjønn, in the forest towards Kongsberg, lies Summer pasture . Stule is the local name for a pasture, i.e. a place where animals were put to pasture in the summer to exploit the grazing resources in the outfield and prim, cheese and butter were produced from the milk. The place originally consisted of a farmstead, a stable and a barn. The barn has been moved to Holmevann, where it now stands together with a log cabin that was used by forest workers. This is the perfect place for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life, see more pictures and details here .

Old buildings decay quickly when they are not in use, so we are grateful that you visit us and contribute to protection through use.