Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Bergen on the E16
View our guide to the scenic drive between Bergen and Oslo.
Hønefoss is the administrative centre of Ringerike. The town is located by a waterfall and is founded on the sawmill business that arose from the waterfall in the 17th century. Hønefoss is home to several factories and other industry, with Norske Skog Follum, a timber company, having its headquarters here. Dating from 1873, Norske Skog Follum was one of the largest producers of newsprint in Europe until it closed in 2012.
Latitude: 60.1 degrees north
Population: 15,000
Ringerike Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Hønefoss
The town’s dramatic centrepiece, where the Begna River plunges beneath bridges right in the middle of town. Great photo spot and a lovely place for a stroll.
One of Norway’s premier art destinations and home to The Twist, the world-famous gallery that bends across the river. Includes sculpture parks, industrial heritage buildings, and cutting-edge exhibitions.
Veien Cultural Heritage Park contains more than 100 burial mounds and several hundred flat graves from the Early Iron Age. A building has been reconstructed on the site where archaeologists found post holes. The field has been excavated several times, and items such as scales, clay pots, gold jewellery and coins have been found. The finds show that this has been an important meeting place for over 3,000 years. It is one of the largest burial grounds in the Nordic region.
The Ringerike Museum has runestones as well as the private belongings of Jørgen Engebretsen Moe, who wrote the famous collection of Norwegian fairytales with Peter Christen Asbjørnsen.
The old prison is one of the more interesting buildings in town. The prison is in the heart of the city and is an interesting wooden building. This one was built in the mid-19th century and had 17 inmates divided into 12 cells.
20 minutes away; watch glassblowing, browse design shops, sample cafés, and explore seasonal markets.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Historic forest region with hiking and ski trails, cosy huts, lakes, and a strong connection to old Norwegian folklore.
Short hike near Sundvollen, leading to one of the most stunning viewpoints in Eastern Norway, overlooking Tyrifjorden and the islands below.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Hønefoss
Follow this self-guided trip between Oslo and Bergen on the E16, one of the major highways in the country. The road is built close to where the historic postal road from the 17th century went, and parts of the old road are still visible and today a hiking trail. That’s why along the way you’ll see stave churches and runestones. There’s also some charming towns and local markets to stop at, turning a long drive into an exciting one!
The Rv7 is a relatively modern highway in Norway. The earliest road here was in the section between Hardangervidda and Eidfjord in the Måbødalen valley. It’s believed there was a road there in the 16th century. Construction of the highway as we see it today began in sections at the turn of the 20th century. The most difficult part was the stretch over the Hardangervidda plateau, which was finished in 1943. Today the stretch across Hardangervidda is one of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Hønefoss
The area around Hønefoss has been inhabited for a long time, and in the 14th century the area was known as Weienfoss. The land on the northern side of the waterfall belonged to a large farm called Hønen, but it was only after sawmills began to appear on the north side that the name “the Høne Foss” was used in the 17th century.
The idea of a city came in 1839, though at the time around 800 people were living there. It was decided to build a city by a waterfall to help the growth of industry in the region. The first worker’s union came to the town in 1890. The last half of the 19th century brought significant development for the community. The town was connected to Drammen by train in 1868 and this boosted industry significantly. Hønefoss got electric street lighting in 1896, only five years after Hammerfest, which was among the first cities in Europe with such lighting. Oslo got its first street lighting in 1893.
Hønefoss is not a maritime town, but launched the first steamship every built in Norway. It was launched on the river on the 9th of July 1837, just below the city bridge and Hønefoss.
Hønefoss is home to several factories, with Norske Skog Follum having its headquarters in the city. Dating from 1873, Norske Skog Follum was one of the largest producers of the newsprint in Europe until it closed in 2012.
Fly: fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport, then train or bus to Hønefoss (around 1.5 hours total travel).
Drive: Hønefoss is located on the E16 just north of Oslo. The Rv7 to Granvin ends at Hønefoss; it shares the highway with the E16 all the way to Gol. There are frequent buses from Oslo (approx. 1–1.25 hours) via Vy Bus4You or NOR-WAY Express.
Train: Rail services connect Hønefoss with Oslo, Bergen, and regional destinations, though some routes involve transfers depending on the schedule.
Ferry: No ferry access
A car is needed to get to the attractions. Local buses connect Hønefoss with Jevnaker, Sundvollen, and nearby villages.
Kubben Senter – the main shopping complex with fashion, electronics, groceries, and cafés.
Hønefoss High Street (Storgata) – small boutiques, bakeries, florists, and local gift shops.
Farm shops around Ringerike – seasonal berries, vegetables, honey, cheese, and traditional baked goods.
Cafes & Bakeries
Narum Café – cosy spot with cakes, soups, and a neighbourhood feel.
Casual Eateries
Torino’s Restaurant & Bar – Italian restaurant and bar
Hønen & Hanen Restaurant & Bar – Popular local restaurant with an international menu
High End & Unique Eats
Kokkestua at Hadeland Glassworks – seasonal menus with a refined but rustic atmosphere.
Gledeshuset Hønefoss – Fine dining right by the waterfall.
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Hen Gjestgiveri – Guesthouse located north of the city centre.
Chains & Mid-Range
Scandic Hønefoss – central, comfortable, and reliable, with a good breakfast.
Grand Hotel Hønefoss – historic, charming, and right in the town centre.
Klækken Hotell (Jeavnaker side) – indoor pool, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere.
High End & Unique Properties
Sundvolden Hotel – a beautifully restored hotel with spa areas, fine dining, and lovely fjord surroundings.
View our guide to the scenic drive between Bergen and Oslo.
The road from Oslo to Aurland follows the old postal road called Kongevegen.
Here’s my practical overview to the Bergen Railway, plus a guide to the stations & scenic points.