- Drammen was the first city in Norway to introduce a bus rapid transit system to connect its neighborhoods.
- The city is home to a unique tunnel system, including the Spiral, which was originally blasted into the mountain as a way to extract rock for construction rather than as a primary road.
- During the 19th century, Drammen was one of Norway's most significant shipping centers, primarily driven by the timber and paper industries.
- The river running through the city center was once highly polluted due to industrial activity but was significantly restored through a massive urban renewal project starting in the late 1990s.
About Drammen
Drammen is a Norwegian port city centered around the Drammen River, distinguished by its unique infrastructure like the Drammen Spiral tunnel that winds up to a hilltop lookout. The city has transformed from an industrial hub into a modern urban center featuring the striking Ypsilon Bridge and the recreational riverside at Fjordparken. Residents and visitors frequently access the local outdoors through sites like Kjøsterudjuvet, a natural canyon that provides challenging hiking opportunities. Cultural history is preserved at venues like Gulskogen gård, showcasing the city's growth from a timber-trading port to a contemporary gateway of the Viken region.
Highlights of Drammen
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Drive through a six-story corkscrew tunnel inside a mountain to reach a panoramic city viewpoint.
Places of interest
Walk across a distinct, cable-stayed pedestrian bridge that connects the city center to the park area.
Natural attractions
Hike through a dramatic, steep-walled canyon that serves as a popular natural attraction for thrill-seekers.
Natural attractions
Relax at a dedicated riverside park area that reflects the city's successful environmental restoration efforts.
Museums
Tour a historic manor house featuring one of Norway's best-preserved 18th-century gardens.
Parks
Enjoy the central green space that functions as the primary community gathering point in the city.
Temples
Visit a prominent neo-Gothic landmark that defines the architectural skyline of the Bragernes district.
Top things to do in Drammen
The 191 highest-rated places in Drammen, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
The Drammen Spiral is a unique road tunnel that ascends 1,650 meters inside the Bragernesåsen hillside via six consecuti...
2
Historical places
Oscarsborg Fortress is a coastal fortification located on the island of Kaholmen in the Oslofjord, notable for its strat...
3
Parks
Drammen Park serves as the central green lungs of Drammen, featuring a historic layout that dates back to the 19th centu...
4
Zoos
Drøbak Akvarium is Norway's smallest aquarium, located in the historic coastal town of Drøbak. It specializes in local m...
5
Museums
The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum is the oldest naval museum in the world, founded in 1853 to preserve the maritime herita...
6
Historical places
Karljohansvern is a former main naval base of the Royal Norwegian Navy, situated on a group of islands connected to the...
7
Places of interest
The Ypsilon Bridge is a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge spanning the Drammen River, noted for its unique Y-shaped design...
8
Historical places
The Borre Mounds, known as Borrehaugene, contain the largest collection of monumental burial mounds from the Merovingian...
9
Natural attractions
Kjøsterudjuvet is a 1,300-meter-long, narrow geological gorge located near Drammen, featuring a 60-meter vertical drop....
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Natural attractions
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Temples
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Museums
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Museums
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Parks
27
Historical places
28
Temples
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Natural attractions
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Museums
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Drammen on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Drammen
June to August, when the warmer temperatures allow for full enjoyment of the riverside parks and hiking trails.
2 days, which provides sufficient time to explore the city center and take a trip up to the surrounding viewpoints.
The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with a well-integrated local bus network connecting outlying areas.
The Bragernes district is the most convenient area to stay, offering proximity to the river, dining options, and public transport hubs.
Expensive, consistent with Norway's high cost of living for dining, accommodation, and services.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 191 curated attractions in and around Drammen, ranked by traveller ratings.
Drammen Spiral is the highest-rated place to visit in Drammen right now.
The largest category is historical places, with 44 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Oslo, Bergen, Bryne.
Explore more of Norway
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
