The Allmannajuvet zinc mines in Sauda, Ryfylke, were in operation from 1881 to 1899. The mining operations brought life to the village with as many as 168 employees and the export of ore on ships heading abroad. The operation was a forerunner of subsequent hydroelectric development and industrialisation in Sauda in Ryfylke. Today, the mining area is a museum.

As part of the establishment of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed new facilities at Allmannajuvet gorge: an exhibition gallery to show the history of the mines in a striking new way, a café and service facility, and parking for visitors. In order to reach the entrance of the mine, a spectacular road was constructed along the wild river.

Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet. You will be equipped with a helmet and a lantern, and we will walk along the old mineroad and into the actual mines. Furthermore, we continue 600m into one of the old mines. Here it is dark, cold and raw. Listen to the story of the mining adventure and get a taste of how life inside the mines was in the late 1800's. During the summer season, there are guided tours to the mines every day, three times a day: 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00. The rest of the year: groups on request.