Festa Kraftverk
1951 - 1973
Festa Kraftverk was built in 1951, a big step in bringing electricity to Oppdal. It was controversial at the time: many locals would rather have kept their own small power sources than depend on one central plant.
For more than twenty years the plant powered Oppdal and helped modernise the valley. In 1973 Driva Kraftverk took over, Festa was shut down and the machines were taken out.
Its working life was short, but the plant paid its way.
Abandoned
1973 - 2019
For almost fifty years the building stood empty, left to wind and weather.
Re-opened
2019 - 2022
In 2019 we started work on saving the building and the land around it. In 2022 we opened the doors for the first time, with an art exhibition by Pål Lersveen. Many locals came and shared their own stories and memories of the place. What they told us has guided everything we have done since.
Transformation
2022 - 2024
Room by room, the building has been repaired and made usable again, without erasing what it was. Here is some of the work along the way.
Present
Today the power plant is a place for art, music, residencies and retreats. A new story is being written, by the people who come here.
Future
Festa Kraftverk is growing into a place for creativity, collaboration and time in nature. Through artist residencies, retreats, workshops and gatherings, we are building a community around this historic place.