Summary
Tight against the banks of its namesake river, Drammen is located in the Buskerud County, approximately thirty minutes by car from Oslo. If you are familiar with Drammen but have not visited in recent years, now is an opportune moment to explore the city, as it has undergone significant revitalization, particularly along the riverside. The area now showcases modern housing featured in elegant glass structures, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, shops, cultural amenities, and a scenic river promenade.
One of the symbols of this transformed city is the Ypsilon Bridge, which stands out due to its two towering pylons. Additionally, do not miss the Spiralen, an exceptional helix-shaped tunnel dating back to the 1960s that leads to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city. Nearby, you will find a deep ravine, Norway’s longest heritage railway line, and a historic mine that was once a producer of cobalt pigment for the Royal Copenhagen manufactory.
Let us delve into the most notable attractions in Drammen:
1. Kjøsterudjuvet
Located in the rugged countryside to the north of Drammen is a 1,300-meter-long gorge, characterized by sheer walls reaching 60 meters in height and a narrow width of just four meters at its most constricted point.
During the summer months, when the river is at its lowest, visitors can traverse the gorge along the riverbed, culminating in an ascent to the Gamledammen lake.
A solid pair of walking shoes and waterproof attire is recommended as you ascend ladders up waterfalls and traverse rocky outcrops during a 90-minute hike amidst lush vegetation and breathtaking scenery at every turn.
2. Spiralen
Directly north of Drammen, within Bragernesåsen, lies an extraordinary feature.
The Spiralen is a corkscrew tunnel that twists its way for 1,650 meters to a picturesque lookout above the city on the Skansen Ridge.
This tunnel makes six complete turns, elevating 22 meters with each rotation, so by the time you reach the summit, you will be positioned 200 meters above sea level.
At the top, visitors can park, take off on one of the walking trails, or indulge in refreshments at the café.
The “Spiraltoppen” also hosts an outdoor museum operated by the Drammens Museum, showcasing historic houses relocated from various regions of Buskerud County.
This tunnel was inaugurated in 1961 by King Olav V.
3. Bragernes Kirke
Positioned along the axis intersecting Drammen’s main square, Bragernes Torg, and the city bridge, the brick-constructed Bragernes Kirke was consecrated in 1871. This church is styled in the neo-Gothic architecture that was popular at the time, with its choir oriented to the north instead of the traditional east.
Its tower stands at 64 meters high, gracefully highlighted by the Skansen ridge behind it.
A must-see feature within is the altarpiece painted with an image of the Resurrection by the prominent Romantic Nationalist artist Adolph Tidemand, a piece that is replicated in churches throughout Norway.
4. Bragernes Torg
Much of Drammen was devastated by a significant fire in 1866, leading to a new architectural approach that prioritized space between buildings and created a notable sense of scale.
This design decision ultimately resulted in Drammen boasting the largest city square in Norway and among the largest in Scandinavia.
This layout allows for uninterrupted views across the Drammen River and both sides of the valley.
You will often find flower and vegetable stalls here, and if fortunate, you may catch the farmers’ market during spring and summer.
In winter, Bragernes Torg transforms into a large ice rink, while the summer brings street performances and concerts.
5. Drammens Museum
The city museum is situated in Marienlyst Gård, a manor house dating back to 1770, with additional branches located at two other elegant properties, Austad Gård and Gulskogen Gård, as well as an outdoor museum at Spiraltoppen.
On the south bank of the Drammen River, Marienlyst Gård features decorative art collected from across the Buskerud County.
This includes cabinets and chests adorned with traditional Norwegian Rosemåling (flower patterns) from Numedal and Hallingdal, glassware, Baroque silver from the 18th century, along with traditional costumes, religious art, paintings, handicrafts, and agricultural tools.
6. Gulskogen Gård
In the early 19th century, the banks of the Drammen River were lined with impressive manor houses such as Gulskogen Gård.
Regrettably, many of these homes were lost during industrialization, but this particular manor house survived and was remodeled in the Louis XVI style in 1804. The property was purchased at auction by Drammen’s wealthiest merchant, Peter Nicolai Arbo, in 1794 and remained in the Arbo family for several generations.
The manor house is set within an English landscape park that has remained largely unchanged for 200 years, featuring a 265-meter lime tree alley, a maze, and free-roaming peacocks.
Its interiors are decorated with paintings by another notable Arbo, the historical artist PN Arbo, who was active during the 19th century.
7. Austad Gård
This estate boasts a history that dates back to the 14th century and has had several distinguished owners, including the 17th-century general, Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve.
The original house was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the 19th century, and the current Neoclassical structure was constructed between 1808 and 1813 on the existing foundations.
Swedish prisoners of war provided the labor for its construction, and during this period, the estate served as a summer residence for the merchant and politician Peder von Cappelen.
The house retains much of its appearance as when it was originally built, save for an elegant Art Nouveau extension added to the rear in 1918. Inside, you can admire silk wallpapers, period furniture, and artworks while exploring the grounds, which are enhanced by a stream, an orchard, and a magnificent avenue.
8. Galleri Athene
Nestled in Grønlund within the modern glass buildings and refurbished factories on the southern bank of the Drammen River is one of Norway’s largest private art galleries.
Galleri Athene spans five floors and hosts exhibitions featuring painting, sculpture, graphic art, and installations, showcasing both emerging talents and established artists.
The gallery also organizes live music performances, book launches, and art seminars.
At the time of writing, the main exhibition featured the work “Everlong” by sculptor and installation artist Jørgen Frederik Scheel Haarstad.
9. Ypsilon Bridge
The most prominent recent addition to Drammen’s skyline is the Ypsilon Bridge, a cable-stayed pedestrian and cycle bridge that was inaugurated in 2008, designed by the Arne Eggen architectural firm.
The Ypsilon Bridge derives its name from its “Y”-shaped design, featuring two abutments on the north side at Bragernes and one on the south at Strømsø.
Its most striking characteristic is the pair of angled pylons soaring 47 meters towards the Bragernes bank, complemented by 16 cables on either side.
The unveiling of the Ypsilon Bridge in 2008 was broadcast live by TV 2, Norway’s largest commercial television broadcaster.
10. Drammensbadet
Designed to resemble a rolling wave, Drammenbadet is the largest swimming facility in Norway.
The Drammensbadet houses nine pools, five of which are indoor and four outdoor.
The outdoor pools are accessible from June through August, allowing you to lounge on the grass when the weather permits.
Inside, you will find a 50-meter Olympic pool, ideal for fitness enthusiasts to swim laps away from the hustle and bustle of the wave pool, which includes a climbing wall and a “power channel.” Complementing the pools is a fully equipped fitness center and a wellness area on the second floor, accommodating jacuzzis, a sauna, steam room, and a restaurant.
11. Drammens Teater
This cultural landmark in the city is an exceptional building by any standard.
Its origins can be traced back to 1870, featuring neo-Renaissance architecture inspired by the theatres of Porte St. Martin and Châtelet in Paris.
In 1993, the structure was devastated by fire, necessitating a complete rebuild except for the external walls.
The restoration was overseen by architect Hans-Gabriel Finne, and the ornate stuccowork, including a 45.3-meter stucco rosette on the ceiling, was crafted by a workshop in Oslo.
The programme features a mix of genres, including pop, jazz and rock concerts, lectures, comedic performances, ballet, and classical concerts.
12. Drammen River Cruise
The Drammen River is an integral aspect of the city’s identity; thus, a river cruise aboard the MS Drammen during the summer months is an excellent choice.
This journey takes you ten kilometers upstream from the city center to the new bridge at Mjøndalen, allowing you to soak up the sun on the upper deck while purchasing refreshments and snacks onboard.
As the city is nestled within a valley, you’ll be rewarded with a clear view of the various districts.
One notable area, Øvre Storgate, was historically the city’s distillery district, known for the production of akvavit, and showcases much of Drammen’s delightful 19th-century Biedermeier architecture. Moving further along, you will encounter the charming Landfalløya district, established by farmers during the 19th century.
13. Blaafarveværket
This cobalt mine was established by a company formed by King Christian VIII and was operational from 1776 to 1898. Its narrative is closely intertwined with the Royal Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen, as cobalt ore was essential for producing the blue pigment used in porcelain decoration.
The Blaafarveværket (translating to “Blue Colour Works”) manufactured pigment and cobalt glass on-site but ultimately ceased operations with the development of synthetic alternatives.
Visitors can explore eight kilometers of mines alongside remarkable quarries and exhibits showcasing technological advancements from the 18th to the 19th centuries.
Above ground, the complex serves as a prominent art venue, presenting three new temporary exhibitions annually featuring renowned Norwegian and international artists.
Don’t miss the impressive Haugsfossen waterfall, boasting a 39-meter drop.
14. Fossesholm Manor
For those developing an interest in the historic estates of Buskerud County, another option exists just 20 minutes away in Øvre Eiker.
This manor has its roots in the 16th century, but underwent a Rococo reconstruction in the 1760s that continues to be preserved.
Visitors are welcome to explore the interiors, which exude their original 18th-century Rococo elegance and feature vibrant murals by Swedish artist Eric Gustaf Tunmarck.
A Baroque bell tower can also be found within the yard, and the property hosts various exhibitions on art, the Resistance during the Second World War, and a collection of dolls.
15. Krøderbanen
Travel to Vikersund on the southern shore of Tyrifjorden and embark on a journey aboard Norway’s longest heritage railway line.
The Krøderbanen takes passengers from Vikersund to Krøderen along a 26-kilometer route that initially opened in 1872, remaining in operation until 1985 when services were suspended. It wasn’t until 2011 that the Krøderbanen was reopened as a visitor attraction running from May to October.
The stations maintain their appearance from the late 19th century, while travelers can enjoy rides in vintage carriages pulled by a steam locomotive.
Upon reaching Krøderen, the station stands as a splendid piece of heritage, complete with exhibits about the railway, a souvenir shop, and a café styled in the 1920s fashion.
