Anna Krefting

Anna Paulsdatter Krefting was a Norwegian businesswoman who has over 50 years successfully operated and expanded her family's business enterprise in Christiania and its surroundings.

Born in a wealthy and well-established family of merchants and shipowners in Christiania, Anna was married to Hermann Krefting (1656-1712) when she was 16 years old. Her husband was an heir of Baerums Ironworks and owner of the large estates in the country. She bore him seven children. When she was 29 her husband died and she continued to operate his business comprised of mines, ironworks, forestry and trade for the following 54 years. She never married again. During her management, the Bærums Verk grew to become the largest of its kind in all Norway. Even after it was devastated in fire in 1762, Anna rebuilt the entire plant in two years. Even the two kings, Frederik IV in 1704, and Christian IV in 1733 have visited Krefting’s holdings.

Anna was also a renowned benefactor, she founded a school for the children of her employees and contributed heavily to Tanum Church. Since her heirs were not interested in continuing the family business, the property and holdings were sold on auction upon her death in 1766.