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Monday, April 28, 2003
It was our first full day in Kongsberg, and what a day. Our schedule
was very packed, but I do not think we would have wanted to miss any of
the events they had planned for us.
 We
started our first full day in the heart of the city at the Kongsberg rådhus
– city hall. Our tour guide for this portion of the day was Per Edvin
Rudd who is the Information Officer for the Kongsberg Kommune. Per Edvin
arraigned for us to visit with the mayor Morten Eriksrød. We learned
that while Kongsberg was founded in 1694 on the silver mine industry,
it’s focus is now working with highly technological businesses.
(Photo right: “Kubbestol” are chairs carved from a single tree trunk,
decorated with traditional Norwegian “rosemaling.”)
Kongsberg is a fairly young community with 56% of its population between
the ages of 25-66. It is also a highly educated town. Over 6000 of it’s
22,657 citizens are employed in high tech industries.
After reviewing the administration and political structure, which I will
let Alanna tell you more about as it is her specialty; we proceeded on
to the industrial center. It is interesting to note that Kongsberg’s
sister city in the United States is Redwing, Minnesota. Kongsberg is
a very charming city. Located on a river in the valley, it is easy to
see why people choose to call this place home.
At the industrial center we met Odd Guldsten. Odd is the managing director
for FMC Energy Systems. FMC is a corporation based out of Houston, Texas
and has offices and plants around the globe. At this location they work
primarily on the set up and maintenance of underwater oil production equipment
for companies such as Statoil, Exxon, and others.
The industrial center itself is very impressive. FMC is one of the many
businesses located there that work on high technological products from
the underwater oil production equipment to military equipment such as
rockets. While the companies alone are quite impressive, due to the location
they are easily able to outsource parts of the production or development
to companies right next door that may specialize in that area.
 Our
next stop was the Heistadmoen, military camp. Our host for the afternoon
was Rotarian Sigurd Friis. Sigurd is a retired military officer and was
the former head of the camp. At Heistadmoen we were introduced to Tor
Muriteigen, Operations Officer for the Home Guard District 03. The Home
Guard is similar to our National Guard. Since Norway is a relatively
small country every male citizen at age 19 is required to serve in some
military capacity. Their moto: “Everywhere – Always” is best understood
when you begin to learn more about the German occupation during World
War II. At that time, Norway was caught off guard and was under German
occupation for 5 years. Conscription (serving) today is by tradition,
law, a part of their society, and again due to the small population.
(Photo above right: Enjoying early spring bivouac with Rotarian Col. Sigurd
Friis, retired. )
 The
Home Guard’s main tasks are to monitor, secure infrastructure, and assist
during natural disasters. The camp has also served to train NATO forces
and our own Minnesota National Guard troops from Camp Ripley spend time
here each winter for winter training. (Photo left: Major Tor Muriteigen
explains Norwegian military history and operations at home and abroad.)
Now, the Home Guard has 500 peacetime troops and can activate 83,000
at full strength. If needed 70% can be called into action with in a 4-hour
notification. It is quite impressive. All those serving maintain their
basic weapons in their homes. Recent changes, however, have required
them to leave their firing pins at their bases.
 After
a dinner in the mess hall of meat cakes, boiled potatoes, flat bread and
a cabbage dish, we headed outside to find military sweaters and boots
waiting for us. The fun was about to start. We had an opportunity to
take a ride in the BV 206 (Beltevogn 206). A Swedish vehicle with a German
enging, the BV 206 is a great transportation vehicle for rough terrain.
While they are not bulletproof, they do have the ability to go up and
down steep hills as well as through high water. One of the local officers
gave us a ride though the countryside. It was a unique way to tour the
area. We made our way out to a campsite where we found a campfire awaiting
us and in true Norwegian fashion we were offered coffee and rolls.
(Photo above: John and Margit enjoying a ride up a mountain in a Heimerernet
(National Guard) “beltevogn” or ATV military transport.)
 After
the tour ended, we thought the day could not get any better. We were
wrong. The Kongsberg kirke (church) was next on our agenda. It is a
beautiful structure built in the baroque style. When it was originally
built the church played a big role in society. Your status determined
where you were seated. The King had is own box at the top level facing
the alter. Aristocrats had boxes around the side. Single men were seated
in one area, as were families. Interestingly enough, however, the lowest
classes were seated in the top row. This doesn’t sound too strange, but
in this case they were able to look down on the King. As our tour guide
said, “it was quite special for them.” (Photo above right: Built in
1761, Kongsberg Church has masonry walls five feet thick.)
 Our
tour continued into the bell tower. Up and up we went in centuries old
staircases. Each time we reached a new level, I thought we had reached
the top. First we visited the attic where we found graffiti from decades,
if not centuries ago. Next stop the bells, and then up another lever
to the clocks. I figured this had to be the last level, but I was wrong.
There was one more ladder that took you through the final attic to the
roof! Those who wanted were allowed to climb though the unlit attic to
the roof of the tower. It was a spectacular view and everyone made the
trip safely. I highly doubt we would have had an opportunity like that
in the States, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. (Photo above left: “Behind
the scenes” tour of the Kongsberg Church included a climb to the top of
the steeple. Pictured are Lynn and Margit on the roof covering of the
clockhouse.)
I was a long day, but quite fun. Along the way we enjoyed learning more
about the city and, better yet, meeting our hosts and tour guides. We
look forward to our upcoming days here in Kongsberg.
-Margit Karkela
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