There are many ways to enjoy being on and near the water in this pleasant city that offers a gateway to the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of the wider Ringerike region.
The Begna, Randselva and Storelva rivers snake through and around the city of Hønefoss. This waterside location makes the city very photogenic, and also provides opportunities for various watersports. Head further out of the city to discover the many natural wonders of the wider Ringerike region. In the town centre you can tour an interesting collection of museums.
In the west of the city, you will find the acclaimed Veien Kulturminnepark (Veien Cultural Heritage Park). This is a wonderful place to start getting to know the area, as the park covers centuries of culture and history. See fascinating exhibits including four well-preserved ancient longhouses.
Closer to the town centre is a totally different kind of museum, the Norsk Samferdselshistorisk Senter, or Norwegian Transport History Centre. Find a wide range of vehicles and forms of transportation on display here, from classic cars to airplanes.
Head out into the countryside to discover the beautiful landscapes that have made this part of the country so popular. Roughly a 15-minute drive to the south is the northern edge of the lovely Tyrifjorden lake, the fifth-largest lake in the country. This is a well-loved recreation spot for locals and tourists, offering opportunities for swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating, and simply relaxing on the shore. If you prefer hiking to swimming, you can explore some of the woodland trails that lead through Ringerike’s dense forests.
Drive northeast from Hønefoss and you will get to the famous Hadeland Glassverk. At these rustic glassworks, which are set in a pretty village, you can learn all about the traditional art of glassblowing and pick up unique souvenirs. Less than a 10-minute drive away is the Kistefos-Museet, a wonderfully comprehensive and varied museum complex taking in a sculpture park, an industrial museum and an art hall.
Hønefoss is easily accessible, being only an hour’s drive from Oslo. Expect a spectacularly beautiful journey, with a road that follows the northern banks of the Oslofjord and Tyrifjorden lakes.
