Introduction
Located in southeastern Norway, Buskerud is a region of magnificent mountain landscapes, deep forests, crystal-clear rivers, charming villages, and year-round outdoor adventures. Stretching from the fertile lowlands around Drammen to the dramatic peaks of Hallingdal, Numedal, and Hardangervidda National Park, Buskerud offers an incredible variety of experiences for nature lovers, families, photographers, and adventure seekers.
The county is home to some of Norway’s best-known mountain destinations, including Geilo, Hemsedal, Norefjell, and parts of the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Visitors can enjoy hiking through alpine scenery, fishing in pristine lakes and rivers, cycling scenic valleys, skiing at world-class resorts, and exploring historic stave churches and traditional Norwegian mountain villages.
Buskerud also offers easy access from Oslo, making it one of Norway’s most popular destinations for weekend getaways, family holidays, and extended road trips. Whether you are searching for peaceful nature, exciting outdoor activities, cultural heritage, or breathtaking photography opportunities, Buskerud has something to offer in every season.
Quick Facts
- Located in southeastern Norway
- Administrative center: Drammen
- Home to approximately 270,000 residents
- Includes Hallingdal and Numedal valleys
- Home to popular destinations such as Geilo, Hemsedal, and Norefjell
- Borders Vestland, Telemark, Innlandet, Akershus, and Oslo
- Includes parts of Hardangervidda National Park
- Rich traditions in farming, forestry, and mountain culture
- Excellent destination for hiking, skiing, cycling, and fishing
- Easily accessible by road and rail
Highlights
- Explore the mountain resorts of Geilo and Hemsedal
- Discover the spectacular Hardangervidda National Park
- Visit the historic Numedal Stave Churches
- Hike through Hallingdal’s beautiful mountain landscapes
- Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding
- Fish in pristine rivers and mountain lakes
- Drive scenic mountain roads and valleys
- Visit Drammen’s riverside attractions
- Enjoy traditional Norwegian mountain villages
History
Buskerud has been inhabited since the Stone Age, with fertile valleys, abundant rivers, and mountain resources supporting communities for thousands of years. Throughout the Viking Age and Middle Ages, important trade routes crossed the region, linking eastern and western Norway.
The valleys of Hallingdal and Numedal developed strong farming traditions, while forestry, mining, and hydropower later became important industries. Historic stave churches, ancient farmsteads, and traditional mountain architecture still reflect the county’s rich cultural heritage.
During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, improved transportation transformed Buskerud into a popular destination for recreation. Skiing, hiking, fishing, and mountain tourism flourished, helping establish Geilo, Hemsedal, and Norefjell among Norway’s premier outdoor destinations.
Today, Buskerud combines modern visitor facilities with authentic Norwegian traditions, making it one of the country’s most accessible and rewarding travel regions.
Why Visit This Destination?
Buskerud offers one of Norway’s best combinations of mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage. Visitors can spend their mornings hiking across alpine plateaus, afternoons fishing in crystal-clear lakes, and evenings enjoying traditional Norwegian cuisine in cozy mountain lodges.
Unlike many coastal regions, Buskerud provides easy access to vast wilderness while remaining only a few hours from Oslo. The county is perfect for families, road-trippers, outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, anglers, cyclists, and winter sports lovers.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning an extended holiday, Buskerud offers unforgettable experiences in every season.
Best Time to Visit
Every season brings different opportunities.
Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking, cycling, fishing, canoeing, camping, and exploring mountain villages.
Autumn (September to October) offers colorful forests, crisp mountain air, berry picking, and excellent photography conditions.
Winter (November to March) transforms Buskerud into one of Norway’s premier skiing destinations with excellent alpine and cross-country facilities.
Spring (April to May) features melting waterfalls, blooming valleys, and quieter hiking opportunities at lower elevations.
How Long Should You Stay?
Three to four days allows visitors to explore one or two mountain destinations.
One week is ideal for experiencing Hallingdal, Hardangervidda, Numedal, and Drammen.
Ten to fourteen days provides enough time for hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and exploring the county at a relaxed pace.
Getting There
Buskerud is easy to reach by several forms of transportation.
The Bergen Railway connects Oslo with Geilo and several other destinations throughout the county.
Major highways including the E16, Rv7, Rv40, and Rv52 provide scenic driving routes.
Drammen serves as an important railway hub with excellent national connections.
Oslo Airport is approximately one to three hours away depending on your destination.
Regional bus services connect towns, villages, and mountain resorts throughout the county.
Accessibility
Major towns and ski resorts provide accessible hotels, restaurants, museums, shopping areas, and visitor facilities.
Many nature centers and scenic viewpoints are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
Mountain trails, national parks, and wilderness areas often involve uneven terrain and require appropriate footwear.
Geography & Landscape
Buskerud showcases an extraordinary variety of landscapes.
The county stretches from lowland forests and fertile river valleys to high mountain plateaus, alpine peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and countless lakes.
Hallingdal is one of Norway’s most famous mountain valleys, surrounded by spectacular peaks and traditional villages.
Numedal combines beautiful farmland, dense forests, rivers, and some of Norway’s best-preserved stave churches.
Hardangervidda National Park occupies much of the western part of the county, offering Europe’s largest mountain plateau with vast open landscapes, wild reindeer, and exceptional hiking opportunities.
Numerous rivers including the Hallingdalselva, Numedalslågen, and Drammenselva provide excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling, and recreation.
Climate
Buskerud experiences a continental climate with distinct seasonal variation.
Summers are generally warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27°C depending on elevation.
Mountain areas remain cooler, providing ideal conditions for hiking during the warmer months.
Winters are cold and snowy, particularly in higher elevations where ski resorts enjoy reliable snow conditions.
Autumn and spring bring rapidly changing weather, making layered clothing and waterproof gear advisable.
Things to Do, See & Enjoy in This Place
Top Attractions
Geilo is one of Norway’s most famous mountain resorts, offering hiking, cycling, fishing, skiing, and family activities throughout the year.
Hemsedal is internationally recognized for alpine skiing and mountain adventures during both summer and winter.
Hardangervidda National Park provides spectacular hiking, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable Arctic-like mountain scenery.
Norefjell offers excellent skiing, hiking, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking eastern Norway.
The Numedal Stave Churches, including Nore and Uvdal, are among Norway’s finest medieval wooden churches.
Drammen features beautiful riverside promenades, museums, viewpoints, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Hidden Gems
Many of Buskerud’s finest experiences remain relatively undiscovered.
Dagali offers rafting, mountain biking, and peaceful hiking opportunities.
The Langedrag Nature Park provides opportunities to observe wolves, lynx, moose, and other Nordic wildlife.
The mountain villages of Tunhovd, Imingfjell, and Skurdalen offer authentic Norwegian countryside with spectacular scenery.
Numerous hidden mountain lakes provide peaceful fishing and camping away from busy tourist areas.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor recreation defines Buskerud.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, cycling, canoeing, rafting, climbing, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife watching throughout the year.
Hiking
Buskerud offers hundreds of hiking routes suitable for every ability.
Popular areas include Hardangervidda, Hallingskarvet National Park, Hemsedal, Geilo, Norefjell, and the mountains surrounding Hallingdal.
Trails range from short family walks to demanding multi-day wilderness expeditions.
Many hikes reward visitors with panoramic views across valleys, lakes, and mountain plateaus.
Fishing
Fishing is one of Buskerud’s greatest attractions.
The county contains thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams inhabited by brown trout, Arctic char, grayling, perch, pike, and Atlantic salmon.
Hardangervidda is internationally known for its excellent mountain trout fishing.
Fishing licenses are required for many inland waters.
Guided fishing trips and boat rentals are widely available.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Buskerud supports abundant wildlife.
Moose, red deer, roe deer, foxes, beavers, lynx, wild reindeer, and mountain hares inhabit forests and mountains.
Golden eagles, owls, ptarmigan, cranes, and numerous migratory birds can be observed throughout the county.
Hardangervidda is one of Europe’s most important habitats for wild reindeer.
Photography Tips
Buskerud offers outstanding photography opportunities throughout the year.
Summer provides lush valleys, alpine flowers, and crystal-clear mountain lakes.
Autumn creates spectacular colors across forests and mountains.
Winter transforms the region into a snowy wonderland perfect for landscape photography.
Wide-angle lenses are excellent for mountains and valleys, while telephoto lenses are ideal for wildlife.
A sturdy tripod is recommended for sunrise, sunset, and waterfall photography.
Family Activities
Families can enjoy wildlife parks, swimming beaches, canoeing, museums, cycling, scenic railways, climbing parks, easy hiking trails, and winter ski schools.
Many mountain resorts provide activities suitable for children of all ages.
Spring Activities
Spring offers birdwatching, waterfalls, cycling, lower-elevation hiking, and peaceful nature experiences before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer Activities
Summer is perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, cycling, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and scenic road trips.
Long daylight hours provide plenty of time for exploration.
Autumn Activities
Autumn brings colorful forests, crisp mountain air, berry picking, mushroom foraging, wildlife photography, and excellent hiking conditions.
The quieter season offers peaceful experiences throughout the county.
Winter Activities
Winter is one of Buskerud’s biggest attractions.
Visitors enjoy alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice fishing, sledding, and cozy mountain cabins.
Geilo, Hemsedal, and Norefjell are among Norway’s premier winter sports destinations.
Camping & Vanlife
Buskerud is one of Norway’s top destinations for camping and vanlife.
Norway’s Right to Roam allows responsible wild camping in suitable natural areas while respecting private property and local regulations.
Modern campgrounds throughout Hallingdal, Numedal, and the mountain regions provide electricity, showers, kitchens, playgrounds, and waste disposal facilities.
Many campsites enjoy spectacular locations beside rivers, lakes, forests, or mountain landscapes.
Winter camping is possible with suitable equipment and mountain experience.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Drammen and explore the riverside promenade, museums, and scenic viewpoints.
Day 2: Drive through Hallingdal to Geilo, stopping at waterfalls and traditional villages along the way.
Day 3: Explore Hardangervidda National Park with hiking or fishing in the mountain lakes.
Day 4: Visit Hemsedal for mountain hiking or outdoor activities depending on the season.
Day 5: Discover the historic Numedal Valley and visit the beautiful stave churches.
Day 6: Enjoy rafting, wildlife experiences, or cycling before relaxing at a mountain lodge.
Day 7: Take a scenic drive back toward Oslo through forests, lakes, and charming countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buskerud Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Buskerud offers spectacular mountains, national parks, excellent fishing, world-class skiing, scenic valleys, and authentic Norwegian culture.
What Is Buskerud Best Known For?
The county is famous for Geilo, Hemsedal, Hardangervidda National Park, Hallingdal, Numedal, skiing, hiking, and mountain adventures.
Is Buskerud Good for Hiking?
Yes. Buskerud offers some of Norway’s finest hiking, from family-friendly walks to challenging mountain expeditions across Hardangervidda.
Do You Need a Car?
A car is highly recommended for exploring mountain valleys, national parks, and smaller villages, although the Bergen Railway provides excellent access to several destinations.
Is Buskerud Family Friendly?
Yes. Families can enjoy wildlife parks, museums, mountain resorts, cycling, canoeing, skiing, fishing, and many child-friendly hiking trails.
What Wildlife Can You See?
Visitors may encounter moose, wild reindeer, foxes, beavers, lynx, golden eagles, mountain hares, and many bird species.
Is Camping Popular?
Very much so. Buskerud is one of Norway’s premier destinations for camping, campervan travel, mountain cabins, and outdoor holidays.
Conclusion
Buskerud offers an unforgettable blend of Norway’s mountain wilderness, scenic valleys, historic villages, and year-round outdoor adventures. From the vast landscapes of Hardangervidda and the ski resorts of Geilo and Hemsedal to the tranquil rivers of Hallingdal and the medieval treasures of Numedal, every part of the county invites exploration. Whether you are hiking through alpine landscapes, fishing in crystal-clear lakes, skiing on world-class slopes, or simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of Norway’s mountains, Buskerud is a destination that rewards visitors in every season.
