Hønefoss

Hønefoss offers several themes to consider when planning a trip: historic buildings, cultural events and waterside trails. The 21-metre-high Hønefossen waterfall on the Ådalselva River shaped the development of the town. If you are looking for a hotel in Hønefoss, exploring these different highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Historic Sites and Culture

The sculpture “Oppgangssaga” by sculptor Knut Steen (1924–2011) is located in the Hønefoss waterfall. Riddergården is one of two groups of listed buildings in Hønefoss. As a complete so-called Lökkegård farmstead, it brings together numerous buildings around a courtyard on the north side of town and offers views of the river. The courtyard and garden are open and accessible to everyone; check their current status for your visit date. Riddergården was developed from the 1780s onwards as a town farm or urban estate. This historical development adds a timeline to the description of the farmstead.

At Stabells gate 4, Hygengården is one of the few surviving 18th-century houses in Hønefoss; the house dates from 1770. In contrast to Riddergården’s extensive complex, this is a single house. If you want to put historic architecture in context, this contrast illustrates two different types of buildings: a farmstead with numerous buildings and a surviving house with a precisely dated origin.

Concerts, art exhibitions and other events are now held in the rooms at Fengselet. Kulturstiftelsen Fengselet offers a wide-ranging cultural programme in a historic setting. As the programme may change, check the latest events and dates before your trip.

Trails and Swimming Spots

The “Elvelangs” walking trail is a useful point of reference for getting around Hønefoss on foot. It runs from the foot of the waterfall through Søndre Park to the town beach and recreation area of Schjongslunden; it also connects Søndre Park and Petersøya. The route described therefore leads from the foot of the waterfall, through the park, to a waterside destination. Check the latest route details before setting out, as they may change.

Schjongslunden has a town beach where you can swim. This makes it possible to combine a walk along Elvelangs with a visit to the town beach; these are different aspects of the recreation area. Seasonal swimming arrangements may change, so check the current conditions before making specific swimming plans.

Planning a Motorhome Trip

There are ten motorhome parking spaces in central Hønefoss, beside the Storelva and Hønefossen. Availability and applicable rules may change; check both for your planned dates. Alongside the historic sites and trails, this gives you a specific point of reference for planning a motorhome trip.

Ringerike as a Wider Travel Destination

The wider travel destination of Ringerike offers additional sites of cultural and historical interest. The Ringerikes Museum is located in the old vicarage at Norderhov, next to Norderhov Church. Its exhibitions feature several hundred objects from Jørgen Moe’s household, and it also houses an exhibition by Hjemmestyrkemuseet featuring equipment and weapons from both sides during the occupation years.

The Veien Cultural Heritage Park in Ringerike is just outside central Hønefoss, along the E16. It contains one of the largest burial grounds from the Early Iron Age in eastern Norway, with more than 100 burial mounds. The park also includes a reconstructed longhouse from the Roman Iron Age. These regional museums and cultural heritage sites complement Hønefoss’s historic sites and cultural offerings with collections and archaeology.

Discover more destinations: Hallingby, Ask, Sokna.

Go to the wider travel overview: Ringerike.