Discover Hokksund

Hokksund can be explored through three clearly distinct themes: the history of Nøstetangen glassmaking, salmon at Hellefossen, and the walking and cycling path along the river. If you are looking for a hotel in Hokksund, these highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Glassmaking history in Hokksund

The Nøstetangen glassworks was a Norwegian industrial enterprise that operated in Hokksund from 1741 to 1777. In the 18th century, some of Europe’s finest wine glasses and chandeliers were made there. This period gives the history of glassmaking a clear historical context; the products are as much in focus as the production itself.

At the Nøstetangen glassworks, visitors can watch a glassblower make chandelier arms with the distinctive twists in the glass associated with Nøstetangen. Another technique, which varies, is also demonstrated. The glassworks is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 16:30 and Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. If you would like to see the demonstration, plan your visit around these times and check the opening hours in advance.

In the wider destination of Øvre Eiker, the Nøstetangen Glass Museum displays glass art from Norway’s first glassworks at Nøstetangen, as well as from other glassworks and by other glass artists. Alongside the actual glassmaking at the glassworks, the museum also features works from different workshops and by a range of artists.

Salmon and visitor information at Hellefossen

The outdoor exhibition at the Hellefossen Wild Salmon Centre by the river is free and accessible year-round. It covers the salmon life cycle and importance, as well as the threats they face, their conservation status, and measures to protect them and secure their future. This offers a perspective ranging from the lives of the fish to questions about their conservation. Check the current visitor information before travelling.

The Hellefossen Wild Salmon Centre accepts bookings for guided group visits throughout the year. This is a different type of visit from the outdoor exhibition, which is accessible year-round: guided group visits require a booking, while the exhibition is free to access. Booking arrangements may change, so contact the centre for information before planning a group visit.

A self-service disinfection station for fishing equipment is located at Elvehuset, Dynge 77, 3303 Hokksund. The Blue Zone is also important when planning a fishing trip: it extends from Hellefossen to the Hokksund Bridge; the Red Zone and the cultivation zone are excluded. Boats may be used in the boat zone of the fishing area. Since fishing rules and zones may change seasonally, check the current regulations before fishing.

Walking or cycling by the river

A combined walking and cycling path runs along the river from Loe Bruk towards Steinberg, and onwards to Mjøndalen and Drammen. The same path is intended for two types of travel: on foot or by bicycle. The places mentioned give you an idea of the route’s direction. If you would like to plan your trip around a particular activity, the path can be treated as a distinct highlight alongside glassmaking history and salmon.

More culture in Øvre Eiker

In the wider destination of Øvre Eiker, Fossesholm Manor is located near Vestfossen. It is an 18th-century manor house with a long history. The museum there is open daily during the summer season and accessible by appointment outside that season. Check the seasonal opening hours and appointment arrangements before visiting outside the summer season.

Also at Fossesholm Manor is the Nedre Buskerud Home Front Museum. It presents local conditions and events from the occupation years of 1940 to 1945. These topics are located in Øvre Eiker, whereas the former glass production at the Nøstetangen glassworks belongs to Hokksund. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between the dated history of glassmaking in Hokksund and other cultural and historical topics in the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Skotselv

Back to the wider travel overview: Øvre Eiker.