Numedal

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Numedal is the westernmost valley in south-eastern Norway. Numedal, running mainly north-to-south, extends from Kongsberg in the south to Rødberg in the north. The river Numedalslågen, Norway's third longest, flows through Numedal before emptying into the Outer Oslofjord at Larvik.

Numedal is also the name of a traditional district situated within the county of Buskerud, and contains the municipalities of Flesberg, Rollag and Nore og Uvdal. As of 1 July 2004 the population of Numedal was 6,631, but the population has been consistently decreasing because of emigration and low birth rates.

The area along the Numedalslågen from Kongsberg up to the Hardangervidda through the valley had the highest concentration of medievallog buildings.

Numedal has long been the location of the Norwegian paths (Nordmannsslepene) which were the main traffic artery between Østlandet and Vestlandet. The path is marked, and when one treks along the old way, one sees the remains of Stone Age dwelling places, bog iron works, grave mounds and many more signs of activity over a period of 8000 years.

There are still over 40 ancient timber buildings and 4 stave churches remaining.