From Oslo the expressway runs southwest by way of Sandvika, at the mouth of the Sandvikelv, and after passing the old church of Tanum and Skaugum, traditionally the residence of the Crown Prince, reaches Drammen (pop. 52,000). Drammen is the chief town of Buskerud county, situated at the mouth of the Drammenselv, a river with an abundance of water which flows into the Drammensfjord. The town has considerable industry and is an important port, shipping timber, cellulose and paper; it is also the country's principal port for the import of motor vehicles.
The city centre in Drammen has been regenerated with the introduction of new housing, shopping facilities, and restaurants. A public pathway along the Drammenselva river has also been added.
In the market square of Drammen (Bragernes Torg) is the attractive modern St Hallvard's Fountain. In the Bragernes district are a church of 1877 - a prominent landmark - and the Town Hall (1872), which in 1986 was awarded the Europa Nostra Prize for a particularly successful restoration. From here a toll road runs up in a spiral tunnel 1,700m/1,850yd long (six turns with a radius of 35m/115ft and a gradient of 10%) to the summit of Bragernesåsen (293m/960ft; fine views; Åspaviljongen summer restaurant). To the northeast lies the lonely forest lake of Klopptjern (alt. 218m/715ft).
Skoger Old Church in Drammen is a medieval church that was erected in 1150. The annual celebration of St. Olav's Day is held here the first Sunday of August.
Address: Hordaland og Bergen Reiselivsråd, Slottsgate 1, N-5003 Bergen, Norway
Tips: Open by arrangement with historical society.
St. Olav's Day celebration the first Sunday in August at 11 am.
In the Stromsø district on the south bank of the Drammenselv is the Drammen Museum (history of the town and of Buskerud county). Attached to the museum is the 18th century farmhouse of Marienlyst. There is a church of 1667, rebuilt in Empire style in 1840.
Read More
Read Less
Drammen
