Getting There -- From the Central Station in Oslo, trains leave every 2 hours during the day, taking 1 1/2 hours to reach Kongsberg at a cost of 152NOK ($23/£12) for a one-way ticket. For more information, call tel. 81-50-08-88 or visit the NSB website. There is also bus service from Oslo aboard Nettbuss Telemark (tel. 35-02-60-00), taking 1 1/2 hours and costing 135NOK ($21/£11) per one-way ticket. Motorists can take the E18 southwest of Oslo to Drammen. From Drammen, continue southwest along Route 11.

Visitor Information -- The Kongsberg Tourist Office, Karchesgate 3 (tel. 32-29-90-50), is open as follows: May 1 to June 20 and mid-August to mid-September Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm; June 21 to mid-August Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2pm. During the rest of the year, it's open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

Getting Around -- You can walk around the Old Town or rent a bike from the tourist office at a cost of 150NOK ($23/£12) per day.

Special Events -- Now beginning its fourth decade, the Kongsberg International Jazz Festival in July is attended by some of the most important jazz artists in Europe. The King's Mine and the baroque church are among the choice concert venues for this major musical event. In 2007 the festival will take place from July 4 to 7. Call tel. 32-73-31-66 for complete details.