Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.
Located just outside of Oslo at the point where the Drammen River flows into the Drammensfjord, Drammen is a regional and communications hub for the southern part of Norway. Originally founded as an industrial and trading town, Drammen has transformed into a modern centre and is one of the fastest-growing places in Norway in terms of population. While not quite a tourist destination, there are some interesting places to visit if you’re driving through the city.
Latitude: 59.4 degrees north
Population: 104,109
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Wettest Month: August
Windiest Month: May
Annual Precipitation: 514mm
Drammen Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Drammen
The Aass Brewery is the oldest surviving brewing in Norway, and has won acclaim for both its beer and its sell-conserved building. Founded in 1834, the brewery’s primary products are soft drinks, beer and aquavit. It is possible to do brewery tours, or you can go into any bar or restaurant in Drammen and order a beer.
The Drammen Theatre was built in 1869 and designed by Emil Victor Langlet. The theatre was the first modern theatre in Norway and is designed in the Renaissance style with symmetrical facades and round arched windows. After the theatre was destroyed by fire in 1993, the theatre was rebuilt as an exact replica.
Bragernes Torg is the largest town square in Norway and one of the largest in the Nordics.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Drammen
The Drammen Museum of Art and Cultural History is located in a number of historic buildings around the city. The museum’s main exhibition is in the Marienlyst manor, which dates from 1770. The museum also includes two well-preserved farms in Drammen. The museum is located on the southern side of the river, which used to be an area for country homes and manor houses. The collections come from through Buskerud and covers areas such as folk art and handicrafts, commerce, transport, agriculture, the bunad, church art and industry.
Gulskogen Gård is an 18th-century manor with a romantic park (including roaming peacocks in summer). It is part of the Drammen Museum and offers a glimpse into Drammen’s past.
You can also catch performances at the Drammens Theatre, a beautifully restored historic theatre, or live concerts and events at Union Scene, a former paper mill turned modern-culture venue.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
The Spiral is a spiral road tunnel that takes drivers on six and a half laps through and up a mountain. At the top is a café and wonderful view of the city. When stone for two new roads in the city was needed, engineer Eivind Olsen came up with the idea of turning the quarry into an attraction by blasting a spiral tunnel inward and upwards into the rock.
Experience one of Norway’s most intriguing hikes through Kjøsterudjuvet, a 10,000-year-old canyon just 10 minutes from central Drammen.The trail goes up a 1.3 km long ravine with steep stone walls towering 60 m high on each side – it’s a somewhat challenging scramble over rocks and streams, but rewards you with lush scenery and a great sense of adventure. (There are easier bypass trails along the rim if you want the views without the rock-hopping.) At the top, rest by the forest lake Gamledammen with your lunch before looping back down by the ski park.
The Drammensfjord links the town with the Oslofjord and the city has grown up on both sides of the waterway. As such, several bridges link the two parts of the city while waterfront walks are possible on the water.
Beer enthusiasts should visit Aass Bryggeri, Norway’s oldest continuously operating brewery (established 1834). The historic white brewery building on the riverside is a city landmark, and it offers tours (in English) where you can learn about traditional brewing and the brewery’s XIX-century origins. After seeing the brew-house and fermentation cellars, you’ll enjoy a tasting of Aass’s lagers and ales – the local pride of Drammen. Even if you don’t take a tour, you can sample Aass beer on tap at virtually any pub in town, or buy some souvenir bottles (and glassware) at the brewery’s shop.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Drammen
The E18 is the main highway from Oslo down south to Kristiansand. Along the way are several important towns and villages that feature in Norway’s early history.
The E134 follows one of the historic routes between east and west Norway. It provides a nice alternative to taking the E16 (the main highway) between Bergen and Oslo. On this drive you pass a number of historic churches, most notably Heddal Stave Church, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage region of Notodden-Rjukan. As you approach the mountains, you can see some of the original roads that the earliest travellers used – and even drive on them in the summer! This drive ends at Haugesund, a known Viking settlement located halfway between Bergen and Stavanger.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Drammen
Rock carvings found in the area are 6000 to 7000 years old and are the first signs of human activity in the area.
In the Viking Age the area was called Dramn or Drofn, a Norse worse that can mean ‘waves’. A the time, the water was 4-5 metes higher than today. In this era, the longships sailed up the fjord and in Snorre’s sagas it is written that Olav the Saint hid from Knut the Mighty in the Drammenfjord.
Saint Hallvard (the saint of Oslo) was killed and sunk in the Drammensfjord in 1043 with a millstone around his neck.
Drammen consisted of three small seaports: Bragernes, Strømsø, and Tangen, all situated around the Drammen River. The geographical location made the city favourable for seafaring, log driving and timber trade.
The timber trade in Drammen formed the basis for the rise of the city, which in the 18th century developed into one of Eastern Norway’s most important maritime and trading cities. The location by the watercourse and the timber that could be obtained from the surrounding areas provided the basis for industry and other businesses.
There was extensive timber trade with the Netherlands and Denmark as early as the 13th century. In the 16th century, the Drammen River had extensive timber floating, and sawmills were built by the waterwalls.
Drammen was officially founded on the 19th of June 1811, when the two separate ports of Bragernes and Strømsø were merged to make the town of Drammen. The bridge from Bragernes to Strømsø was completed in 1812 despite major protests from merchants at Bragernes, who feared trade leakage. There was a barrier on the bridge and people had to pay tolls.
Large parts of the city were ruined in the fire of 12-13 July 1866, which led to the reconstruction of the city centre, including the town square and church. The city planners wanted to build magnificent public buildings and entertainment to support business. The planners announced architectural competitios for the most important buildings. The Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet, who had designed the Stortinget building, designed Børsena nd the Theatre.
The authorities tried to mandate brick houses, but Norwegians wanted to build in wood. In Drammen, wooden houses with only one floor were allowed. The city panners thought that rising land prices would eventually make it unprofitable to build anything other than multi-story brick houses. The plot owners found they could build wooden houses where the plot was furnished, so the houses actually had two floors. These drammenshus resemble contemporary houses with other Norwegian cities.
The Drammen Line opened in 1872, providing rail service between Drammen and Oslo.
Eventually Drammen became industrialised, with a brickworks established here. In 1847, the Drammens Jernstøberi was established and became one of the country’s most important iron producers of furnaces, machines, cranes and ships. Textile factories were established as well as the shoe factory, which produced more than 50,000 pairs of shoes a year. Norway’s first canning factory was started here.
In 1909, Drammen got its first trolleybus system in Scandinavia. The lines ran until 1967.
Drammen has seen the introduction of new housing, shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars.
About 29% of the population are first and second generation immigration, with many coming from Poland, Turkey, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Drammen is known in Norway as an industrial town. It had a rather bad reputation for having lots of heavy traffic and pollution, something the city is currently trying to change.
A large part of the town has been torn down to make way for apartments and modern buildings. Large parts of the city have been under construction for rehabilitation. The city used to have very heavy traffic, but now most of it is car-free.
Fly: The express train (Flytorget) connects Drammen with Oslo Airport.
Drive: Drammen is a major transportation hub. Drammen is located on the E18 that runs between Oslo and Kristiansand, or the E134 that connects Drammen with Haugesund through Telemark. It also goes east towards Drøbak.
Train: Drammen is a station on the Bergensbanen and the Sørlandsbanen, and there are trains connecting the city to Oslo.
Ferry: No ferry connection.
The city centre is compact and easy to get around on good. The river separates the two halves of the city, though there are bridges connecting them.
There is a local bus network. You can view their timetables and routes here: https://brakar.no/en/timetables/
The main shopping district is around Bragernes Torg (the central square) and the adjoining gågater (pedestrian streets). You’ll find everything from fashion retailers and shoe stores to bookshops and bakeries here. Magasinet shopping centre and Torget Vest are two malls in the centre featuring popular chains, while Gulskogen Mall (a short bus ride away) is the largest in the region with over 120 shops. Yet part of the charm is popping into the one-of-a-kind stores: a local deli selling Norwegian cheeses, a vintage design shop, or a boutique selling Scandinavian home décor.
Den Gyldne Bønne is a gourmet shop for coffee and tea enthusiasts, and Lier Plant farm outlet (just outside town) offers local produce and plants. On Saturdays (bi-weekly in season) the Bondens Marked farmers’ market sets up at Bragernes Torg, where local farmers and producers sell organic vegetables, berries, homemade jams, cheeses, and baked goods – a great place to pick up an edible souvenir. In the run-up to Christmas, the square transforms into a julemarked (Yule market) with stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, woollen sweaters, and traditional goodies like dried meats and gingerbread.
Cafes & Bakeries
JC KaffeLab – A one-of-a-kind coffee shop and roastery that doubles as an art installation by a local artist. It’s known for its top-notch espresso and quirky, futuristic décor – a must-visit for coffee lovers looking for a unique atmosphere
Dario – An Italian-style café and gelateria serving authentic gelato, Italian coffee and light meals. Popular for its homemade ice cream and Neapolitan coffee, Dario brings a slice of La Dolce Vita to Drammen’s Union Brygge area
Casual Eateries
Skutebrygga – A beloved informal restaurant right on the riverside, featuring large outdoor terraces. Skutebrygga specialises in Norwegian seafood and traditional dishes, emphasising quality ingredients. It’s the perfect spot on a sunny day to enjoy a plate of fresh shrimp or pan-fried salmon with a cold drink as you watch boats on the river.
Anchas Bodega – A lively Spanish tapas bar nestled near Bragernes Torg. With its cozy, rustic interior and extensive wine list, Anchas Bodega is praised for its delicious shareable plates (patatas bravas, chorizo, garlic shrimp – all given a slight Norwegian twist) and friendly service.
High End & Unique Eats
Vertshuset Oscar & Stallen – Drammen’s historic steakhouse and inn (opened 1971), offering an old-world charm. Set in a traditional wooden building, it has a romantic, cozy vibe (think crackling fireplace in winter). The menu features premium Norwegian beef, game and seafood, alongside international touches like Italian-style pizzas – all homemade and hearty. Knowledgeable staff can recommend a pairing from their great beer and wine selection.
Alpenhaus Drammen – A unique fine-dining spot that transports you to the Alps. Located in a 19th-century brick building in Strømsø, Alpenhaus serves Alpine classics such as Swiss cheese fondue (seasonal), German schnitzel, bratwurst with sauerkraut, and Austrian apple strudel. The interior is all cozy Alpine lodge style. It’s perfect for a special evening out with friends – you’ll get generous hospitality and a hearty taste of Central Europe right in Drammen
Camping
Drammen Camping – A riverside campground about 4 km from the city centre, open from May to September. It offers tent sites, caravan spots (including coveted riverfront pitches) and simple cabins for hire. The setting is idyllic, with lawns along the Drammenselva river – you can literally fish or swim right by your campsite. There’s a playground for kids, and good bus connections into town. This is a great budget option for summer travellers with a tent, campervan or those who want a laid-back, outdoorsy stay.
Cabins & B&Bs
Origo Leilighetshotell – A highly-rated apartment hotel in the heart of Drammen, ideal for those who want more space and self-catering facilities. Origo provides modern, freshly renovated studio and 1-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, and is centrally located just minutes from Bragernes Square. It’s a “home away from home” style stay – guests love the free Wi-Fi and convenient on-site mini-market.
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Ambassadeur – A large, modern 4-star hotel by the river and a 2-minute walk from the train station. The Scandic Ambassadeur features contemporary rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar. Notably, it won an award for the county’s best hotel breakfast in 2023 – so you can expect a fabulous morning spread with everything from smoothies and freshly baked bread to Norwegian smoked salmon. Its central location and reliable comfort make it a top choice for business travellers and tourists alike.
Click here to view rates & book
Quality Hotel River Station
Click here to view rates & book
Comfort Union Hotel Brygge – A trendy hotel in the revived Union Brygge quarter, close to the Drammensbadet water park and concert venues. This hotel has a youthful, minimalist design and a eco-friendly ethos. Rooms are simple but stylish, and the lobby doubles as a social hangout with coffee bar and occasionally live music. Comfort Union Brygge is known for its organic breakfast and free waffles in the afternoons. With the train station about 7 minutes’ walk away and the river promenade nearby, it’s both convenient and hip.
High End & Unique Properties
Home Hotel Tollboden – A boutique-style hotel located in a historic area near the old port (Strømsø). Often just called Tollboden, this hotel is praised for its welcoming atmosphere – they even include an evening light supper (buffet) in the room rate, which is a great value. The décor blends modern comfort with hints of maritime history. It’s a first-class hotel yet feels homely; after a day out, you can relax with complimentary tea/coffee and waffles in the lounge. It’s also a short walk to the fjord waterfront for an evening stroll.
Click here to view rates & book
Quality Hotel River Station – Opened in late 2019, this is Drammen’s tallest building: a sleek 14-storey hotel right next to the railway station and river. True to its name, River Station offers panoramic views of the city and Drammenselva from its upper floors. The rooms have a clean Scandinavian design, and the hotel boasts a popular top-floor bar with fjord views. It’s a full-service hotel with a big breakfast buffet, gym, and even conference facilities. Despite being modern and upscale, rates are often reasonable – making it a favourite for travellers seeking a touch of luxury and convenience in one.
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This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.