Buskerud is a dramatic climb from the sea to the sky. You start at the blue waters of the Drammensfjord and move through deep valleys toward the massive mountain plateaus. The landscape is a vertical adventure where the roads wind past rushing waterfalls and steep cliffs. It is home to the vast Hardangervidda which is the largest high mountain plain in Northern Europe.
The drive gives a sense of grand scale and wild freedom. You can stop at the Kongsberg Silver Mines to explore deep underground or follow the river through the green Hemsedal valley. The roads are a dream for those who love high altitude views and the open horizons of Hallingdal. You find yourself surrounded by alpine tundra and crystal clear mountain streams near Ringerike.
Traveling here takes you from the lowlands to the high peaks in just a few hours. You can stay in mountain lodges near Geilo or find a spot to park beside a glacial lake. The region is a favorite for hikers and outdoor lovers who want to be in the heart of the mountains. Buskerud is a land of giants where every valley offers a new adventure.
Buskerud highlights
- Kongsberg Silver Mines Descend into the deep tunnels where silver was mined for hundreds of years. The train ride into the mountain is a thrilling experience for all ages.
- Borgund Stave Church Explore the area surrounding these dark timber wonders famous for their architectural beauty. The intricate dragon carvings are a masterpiece of medieval art.
- Spiralen Tunnel Drive through a unique corkscrew tunnel that winds up inside a mountain in Drammen. At the top you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley.
- Blaafarveværket Explore the old cobalt works that once provided blue pigment to the world’s royal courts. The site features art galleries and beautiful gardens in a rustic setting.
- Hardangervidda Plateau Cross the largest high mountain plain in Northern Europe on the scenic route. You move through a treeless arctic landscape filled with wild reindeer.
- Hemsedal Valley Known as the Scandinavian Alps this valley offers massive peaks and rushing rivers. It is a top spot for mountain biking and alpine hiking.
- Nore Stave Church Visit this 12th century timber church hidden in the quiet Numedal valley. The interior is covered in colorful folk art paintings and carvings.
- Langedrag Nature Park Meet wolves and lynx at this mountain farm and wildlife sanctuary. It is a unique stop for families who want to see arctic animals up close.
- Vøringsfossen Waterfall Stand on the edge of the plateau as the water drops 182 meters into the canyon. The new footbridge offers a dizzying view of the falls.
- Dagali River Rafting For those seeking a thrill the rapids here offer some of the best white water rafting in the country. The surrounding mountains are wild.
The local Four
History of Buskerud
The history of Buskerud is carved deep into the mountains and pulled from the earth. In 1623 two children discovered silver in the hills of Kongsberg which triggered a mining boom that lasted for over three hundred years. The silver mines became the largest industrial workplace in Norway and the wealth they produced funded the entire Danish Norwegian kingdom. Entire cities were built overnight to house miners who lived and worked in the dark heart of the peaks.
High above the mines the mountain passes tell a story of ancient travel and survival. The Hardangervidda plateau was a vital route for Viking traders and medieval pilgrims who braved the treeless tundra to cross between East and West. Stone shelters and ancient paths are still visible among the lichen and rock where travelers once huddle against the wind. It was a land where nature was the ultimate law and only the strong could pass.
In the green valleys you find the artistic soul of the region at Blaafarveværket. In the 1800s this cobalt works provided the blue pigment for the finest porcelain in the world and employed thousands of local artisans. Meanwhile the dragon carved Borgund style stave churches stood as silent guardians of the old faith. Buskerud history is a mix of industrial grit and spiritual beauty that reaches from the bottom of the mines to the top of the spires.