Free Buskerud Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Buskerud with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Buskerud
Buskerud photo 2
Buskerud photo 3
All photos

Explore Buskerud in Norway for silver-mining heritage, river towns, mountain resorts, medieval churches and outdoor adventures across varied valleys.

Buskerud stretches from the Oslofjord hinterland around Drammen to the high plateaux and mountain valleys of central southern Norway. Re-established as a county in 2024, it brings together landscapes that vary markedly over relatively short distances: wooded lowlands, broad lakes, cultivated river valleys and high, open terrain around Hardangervidda. The Drammenselva and Numedalslågen are central geographical features, while the Hallingdal and Numedal valleys lead north-west towards some of Norway’s best-known mountain areas.
Read more about Buskerud
Drammen is Buskerud’s largest urban centre and a useful base for exploring the lower county. Once strongly associated with timber floating, pulp and paper, the city has developed around a more accessible riverfront, with bridges, parks, cultural venues and the Spiralen tunnel leading into the forested hills above town. Further west, Kongsberg combines an attractive historic centre with a major industrial and scientific legacy. Its silver mines, founded in the seventeenth century, helped make the town one of Norway’s most important early industrial communities.
The northern part of Buskerud is defined by mountain travel. Geilo, Hemsedal, Ål, Gol and Nesbyen provide gateways to skiing, hiking, cycling and fishing, although they differ in character: Geilo sits beside the approaches to Hardangervidda, Hemsedal is known for alpine terrain, and the Hallingdal communities retain strong links to traditional dance, music, architecture and handicrafts. Hol includes mountain villages and the high plateau around Finse, while the wider region offers marked trails and seasonal routes rather than a single compact attraction zone.
In the east and south, Ringerike, Hole, Modum, Sigdal, Krødsherad and the Numedal municipalities offer a gentler landscape of farms, forests and lakes. Norefjell is a prominent outdoor destination, and the Numedal valley is notable for its surviving medieval wooden churches and timber architecture. Modum’s Blaafarveværket interprets the former cobalt industry through galleries, historic buildings and a rural cultural landscape, while the Krøderbanen heritage railway preserves an important part of the region’s railway history.
Buskerud’s food culture reflects inland Norway: game, trout, lamb, dairy produce, berries and locally grown vegetables appear alongside the country’s broader café and bakery traditions. Visitors can combine urban museums and industrial history with long-distance walking, ski excursions, lake activities and quiet valley roads. Distances matter, particularly in the north, so an itinerary works best when built around one or two valley or mountain bases rather than treating the county as a day trip from Drammen.

When is the best time to visit Buskerud?

Best: June–August · 19–21°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-250
February-140
March440
April940
May1550
June (best)1960
July (best)2180
August (best)2090
September1560
October970
November360
December-150

Getting to and around Buskerud

How to get there

Drammen is reached by frequent mainline trains from Oslo and is connected by road to the capital and southern Norway. Kongsberg also has railway and road links from Oslo and Drammen. The Bergen Railway serves northern Buskerud, with stations including Geilo, Ustaoset, Haugastøl and Finse; Finse is a mountain settlement without road access. Oslo Airport is outside Buskerud but is the principal international gateway, while Torp Sandefjord Airport can be useful for some domestic and European connections depending on the itinerary.

Transportation

Rail is practical between Drammen, Kongsberg and several northern mountain stations, but many attractions are dispersed. Buses connect the main valley towns and resorts, although rural services can be limited, particularly outside commuting hours and in winter. A car gives greater flexibility for Numedal’s churches, rural museums, lakes and trailheads, but mountain roads may be narrow, winding or seasonally affected. Cycling and walking are well suited to selected valleys and resort areas; visitors should not assume that every trailhead or cultural site is reachable by public transport.

Top city travel guides in Buskerud

The cities of Buskerud, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Buskerud

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Buskerud

Buskerud’s attractions range from urban cultural institutions to mountain landscapes and carefully preserved industrial sites. Drammen offers riverfront walks, museums and access to the forested hills around Spiralen, while Kongsberg combines the Norwegian Mining Museum with the historic silver mines and a town centre shaped by early industry. In Modum, Blaafarveværket presents cobalt production through galleries, former industrial buildings and seasonal exhibitions. The Krøderbanen heritage railway provides a different perspective on nineteenth-century transport. Northern Buskerud is the main setting for hiking, skiing, cycling and fishing, with Geilo, Hemsedal, Norefjell and the Hardangervidda approaches offering distinct mountain environments. Ringerike’s Veien cultural environment introduces Iron-Age heritage, and the Numedal valley is notable for medieval wooden churches, farm landscapes and local museums. Lakes such as Krøderen and Tyrifjorden add opportunities for boating, angling and shoreline recreation, while the county’s forests and valleys reward visitors who prefer quieter walks to major resort infrastructure.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Buskerud

Kongsberg’s historic silver-mining landscape is Buskerud’s most distinctive industrial landmark, with the town’s planned streets, church and mine entrances recalling the seventeenth-century economic importance of silver. In Drammen, the Spiralen tunnel is both an engineering feature and a route to elevated views over the city and river valley; the Drammenselva itself remains a defining urban presence. Numedal’s medieval wooden churches at Flesberg, Rollag, Nore and Uvdal represent different phases of Norwegian stave and post-medieval church building and are closely tied to the valley’s traditional timber culture. Blaafarveværket’s cobalt works in Modum mark another chapter in the county’s resource history. The broad mountain plateau around Hardangervidda, particularly where it meets the high districts of Hol and Nore og Uvdal, is a natural landmark rather than a single monument. Norefjell’s ridges and lakeside valleys provide a contrasting landscape of forest and mountain terrain, while the Tyrifjorden basin gives Ringerike its characteristic open-water setting.

Show more landmarks

Explore Buskerud on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Buskerud

Dining in Buskerud reflects the produce and landscapes of inland eastern Norway. Mountain and valley restaurants commonly feature trout, lamb, game, potatoes, root vegetables, mushrooms, berries and dairy products, while bakeries and cafés provide breads, cakes and coffee for walkers and skiers. Hallingdal and the mountain resorts have a mixture of traditional Norwegian cooking, contemporary seasonal menus and informal places suited to outdoor travellers. Drammen and Kongsberg offer the broadest choice of international food and modern restaurants, as well as pubs and cafés in historic or redeveloped areas. Farm shops and local food outlets are useful for tasting cheeses, cured products, jams and other regional produce. Menus vary considerably with season and location, so visitors travelling through rural valleys should not assume that restaurants stay open late or operate every day outside the main summer and winter periods.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Buskerud

Buskerud’s evening culture is varied but rarely centred on a large club scene. Drammen has the county’s broadest selection of bars, pubs, restaurants, cultural venues and live-music settings, while Kongsberg adds an audience connected with its student, technology and festival life. In the mountain resorts, après-ski venues, hotel bars and restaurants provide the main evening activity during the winter season, with livelier periods around weekends and holidays. Smaller towns and valley communities rely more on traditional pubs, cafés and occasional live music than on dedicated nightclubs. Local breweries and drinks may appear on urban and resort menus, but alcohol is not necessary to enjoy the region’s evening culture. Rural establishments can be widely spaced and may have limited seasonal opening arrangements, so check locally rather than planning a late-night itinerary around assumptions.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Buskerud

Buskerud’s evening culture is varied but rarely centred on a large club scene. Drammen has the county’s broadest selection of bars, pubs, restaurants, cultural venues and live-music settings, while Kongsberg adds an audience connected with its student, technology and festival life. In the mountain resorts, après-ski venues, hotel bars and restaurants provide the main evening activity during the winter season, with livelier periods around weekends and holidays. Smaller towns and valley communities rely more on traditional pubs, cafés and occasional live music than on dedicated nightclubs. Local breweries and drinks may appear on urban and resort menus, but alcohol is not necessary to enjoy the region’s evening culture. Rural establishments can be widely spaced and may have limited seasonal opening arrangements, so check locally rather than planning a late-night itinerary around assumptions.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Buskerud

Shopping in Buskerud is strongest in Drammen and Kongsberg, where visitors will find ordinary high-street retail, independent cafés, galleries, bookshops and practical outdoor equipment. The towns are useful places to buy clothing and supplies before travelling into the mountains. In Hallingdal, Numedal and the resort areas, shopping is more closely connected with local food, outdoor life and handicrafts than with large-scale retail. Farm shops and seasonal markets may offer cheeses, cured foods, jams, baked goods and berries, while craft outlets can include woodwork, textiles, ceramics and locally inspired decorative items. Blaafarveværket’s cultural setting provides opportunities to browse art and design alongside its exhibitions, subject to seasonal arrangements. Geilo, Hemsedal and other mountain bases have specialist sports shops and practical souvenirs, but visitors looking for distinctive regional purchases should compare small producers and museum shops rather than expecting a single central market or luxury shopping district.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Buskerud, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Buskerud essentials

Currency and Payment
Buskerud uses Norway’s national currency, the Norwegian krone, with the code NOK. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, transport services and established visitor facilities. Carry a small reserve of cash for unmanned rural facilities, occasional parking arrangements or small seasonal sellers, although cash-only transactions are less common than in the past. Prices can be high by international standards, especially in mountain resorts, and smaller settlements may have fewer late-opening services.
Safety
Buskerud is generally straightforward for visitors, but outdoor conditions require preparation. Mountain weather can change rapidly, trails may be wet or snow-covered outside summer, and daylight is limited in winter. Follow marked routes, check forecasts and tell someone about longer walks. Take care near rivers, lakes and steep slopes, and use appropriate equipment for skiing or cycling. Drivers should allow for winter conditions, wildlife and slow traffic on winding valley roads. In busy resorts and transport hubs, observe ordinary precautions with valuables.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency number 112 reaches the police, while 110 is used for the fire service and 113 for medical emergencies in Norway. Call 112 if you are unsure which service is required. For serious incidents in the mountains, emergency services can coordinate rescue resources, including volunteer teams and other specialist support. Give a precise location, trail name, road number or map reference, and do not leave an injured person alone unless remaining there creates greater danger.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked routes, private property and seasonal agricultural work, and follow Norway’s access-rights rules when walking in open country; these rights do not permit careless camping, littering or disturbance. Keep dogs under control where required, especially near livestock and wildlife. In churches, museums and historic interiors, follow photography instructions and avoid touching fragile surfaces. Queueing, quiet public behaviour and punctuality are valued nationally in Norway. Tipping is discretionary rather than an obligatory regional custom, and service charges are normally clear on the bill.
Local Tips
Plan mountain journeys around the transport you can realistically use, since a scenic valley may have only a few daily connections. The Hallingdal and Numedal roads are rewarding for slower travel, with museums, farms and historic churches best visited during their operating seasons. In winter, check whether a resort’s activities are concentrated around alpine skiing or also include cross-country routes. Drammen and Kongsberg work well as cultural stops before heading into the rural districts, while Geilo and Hemsedal are better suited to multi-day mountain itineraries.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[hay]
GoodbyeHa det[huh deh]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVær så snill[vair sha snill]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[oon-shyld]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[vor-dahn har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[brah. oh doo?]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[snak-er doo eng-elsk?]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[yai for-stor ik-ke]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill[yai vil yair-na se men-yen, vair sha snill]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[yai spee-ser ik-ke shutt]
Cheers!Skål![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill[yai vil yair-na be-ta-le, vair sha snill]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![yelp]
Go away!Gå vekk![gaw vek]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![ring po-li-teh]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![ring en leh-ge]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[yai air tahpt]
I'm illJeg er syk[yai air seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gjerne kjøpe...[yai vil yair-na shuh-pe...]
I'm just lookingJeg bare ser[yai bar-e ser]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[vor mee-uh koster deh?]
That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt[deh air for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[kan doo sen-ke pree-sen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva er klokka?[vah air klok-ka?]
It's one o'clockDet er ett[deh air ett]
Half past (10)Halv (ti)[halv (tee)]
MorningMorgen[mor-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[et-ter-mid-dahg]
EveningKveld[kveld]
YesterdayI går[ee gor]
TodayI dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[ee mor-gen]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en...?[vor air en...?]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[vah air ad-dres-sen?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[kan doo vee-seh mai (paw kar-tet)?]
When's the next (bus)?Når går den neste (bussen)?[nor gorr den nes-te (bus-sen)?]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)[en bil-let (til ....)]

History of Buskerud

Prehistoric Settlement and Iron-Age Ringerike

Buskerud’s river valleys and lake districts have supported settlement since prehistoric times. Archaeological remains around Ringerike, including the Veien cultural environment near Hønefoss, show the importance of farming, craft production and regional exchange during the Iron Age. The landscape around the Tyrifjorden basin was particularly favourable for communication between eastern Norway and the inland valleys. Later medieval traditions connected Ringerike with powerful regional families and the political world of early Norway. Burial sites, ancient field systems and reconstructed interpretations at local museums help explain how agriculture and long-distance connections shaped the region before the modern county existed.

Medieval Valleys, Churches and Timber Culture

Christianisation and medieval settlement left a particularly visible legacy in Numedal and the adjoining inland valleys. Wooden churches at Flesberg, Rollag, Nore and Uvdal preserve different stages of medieval and later Norwegian church architecture, often incorporating carved decoration and painted interiors. Farming communities developed around valley floors, while timber building, seasonal pasture use and trade linked settlements across mountain routes. The surviving churches and farm landscapes are important not simply as isolated monuments but as evidence of a rural society that adapted to short growing seasons, forest resources and long distances between communities.

Kongsberg Silver and the Seventeenth-Century State

Silver was discovered near Kongsberg in 1623, prompting the Danish-Norwegian crown to establish a mining town and organise large-scale extraction. Kongsberg grew around the mines, smelting works and administrative institutions, attracting skilled workers and investment from across Europe. The industry shaped the town’s street plan, churches and social structure, while the mines transformed the surrounding landscape. Although production declined and eventually ended, the Norwegian Mining Museum and surviving mining sites preserve the story of labour, technology, state finance and the difficult conditions underground.

Timber, River Transport and the Rise of Drammen

The lower Drammenselva became one of eastern Norway’s important routes for timber and other inland commodities. Logs were floated downriver from forest districts, processed near Drammen and exported through the port. This trade encouraged merchants, sawmills, shipowners and later paper industries, giving the town an economic role that extended well beyond the immediate valley. River engineering, railways and industrial expansion altered the waterfront and surrounding communities during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Drammen’s contemporary urban redevelopment sits on this commercial and industrial foundation rather than replacing it.

Industrial Modernisation in Modum and the Inland Valleys

Buskerud’s industries were not confined to Kongsberg and Drammen. At Åmot in Modum, the Blaafarveværket cobalt works operated from the late eighteenth century and became an important supplier of pigment for porcelain and other manufactured goods. Mining, forestry, hydroelectric power and small-scale manufacturing later shaped many inland settlements. These activities depended on rivers, mountain resources and transport improvements, and they connected apparently remote valleys to national and international markets. Industrial heritage sites across the county reveal how rural economies combined farming with wage labour and resource extraction.

Railways and Access to the Mountain Districts

Railway construction changed travel and commerce across Buskerud. The Randsfjord Line, the Bergen Railway through the northern county and branch lines towards inland communities reduced the isolation of valleys and encouraged tourism as well as freight transport. The railway helped establish places such as Geilo as mountain resorts and made longer journeys across southern Norway more practical. The Krøderbanen, now preserved as a heritage railway, recalls the role of branch lines in linking agricultural districts with main routes. Roads and buses later expanded access, but rail remains important for reaching several mountain gateways.

Contemporary County and Outdoor Economy

Modern Buskerud combines the urban economy of Drammen with technology and manufacturing around Kongsberg, agriculture and forestry in the central districts, and tourism in the Hallingdal, Numedal and mountain areas. The county’s renewed status from 2024 reflects Norway’s changing administrative geography after the temporary merger of Buskerud into the larger Viken county. Today, skiing, hiking, cycling and nature-based travel complement older industries, while museums, historic churches and restored industrial sites keep the region’s layered history visible.

Buskerud in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Buskerud

The closest regions to Buskerud, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Norway
More of the region

Explore more of Norway

Explore Norway's spectacular fjords, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. Experience the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, and rich cultural heritage in this Scandinavian gem.

Explore Norway
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate App-Based Travel Guide to Buskerud, Norway

Discover Buskerud with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, shops, and more with detailed maps, local tips, and easy bookings.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Buskerud like a local with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide app. Access detailed info on attractions, book hotels and experiences, and navigate with ease.

  • History of Buskerud and travel essentials
  • Local advice to maximize your visit
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature for nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Imagine stepping into the picturesque landscapes of Buskerud, Norway, armed with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. From exploring the majestic Kongsberg Church to skiing down the slopes of Norefjell, Evendo ensures you won't miss a beat. Dive into the rich history of Drammen, uncover the secrets of Hønefoss, and indulge in local delicacies at restaurants like Brygga 11. With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the hassle of planning.

The app provides a wealth of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, and maps, making it easy to discover hidden gems and popular hotspots alike. Whether you're admiring the stunning views from Spiralen or enjoying a day at Blaafarveværket, Evendo is your go-to guide. The 'Near Me' feature ensures you can always find something exciting nearby, and curated local tips let you experience Buskerud like a native.

Evendo isn't just limited to Buskerud; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. So, whether you're planning your next adventure in Norway or across the globe, Evendo has you covered. Best of all, the app is completely free with no in-app purchases, bringing the world to your fingertips without any extra cost.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.