Holmestrand and Kongsberg

Holmestrand

Holmestrand was granted city privileges by the Danish King Fredrik V on 10 November 1752 and is now celebrating its 250th anniversary. Holmestrand has a history linked with timber exports and sailing ships. Today, it is a small coastal town whose summer population far exceeds its winter population.

Kongsberg

Kongsberg, the "Silver City", was founded by king Christian IV of Denmark in 1624. The activities of the Kongsberg silver mines peaked in the 1770s. Kongsberg was granted full city privileges in 1802 and is now a major industrial town and commercial centre and the home of a number of educational institutions. Skis and skiing have played a prominent part in its history. Sverre Morken's stamps provide some glimpses of the proud histories of both towns.
Issue: Norway, 5 June 2002