Hokksund: Glass History, Salmon and River Routes

Hokksund offers a variety of things to explore during your stay: the history of the Nøstetangen glassworks, an outdoor exhibition about salmon, and opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing. The themes range from crafts and culture to nature and activities by the river. This gives you a sense of Hokksund and helps you decide which experiences are of particular interest for your trip.

Glass History and Demonstrations

The Nøstetangen glassworks was a Norwegian industrial venture from 1741 to 1777. In the 18th century, some of Europe’s finest wine glasses and chandeliers were made there. Hokksund is therefore also associated with a history of glassmaking that was significant beyond the local area. If you are interested in design and traditional techniques, the Nøstetangen glassworks offers a demonstration of how a glassblower makes chandelier arms.

The glass twists characteristic of Nøstetangen are particularly distinctive. They are demonstrated during the making of chandelier arms. Another technique is also demonstrated, and this may vary. The glassworks is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 16:30 and Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00. When planning your visit, it is worth noting the shorter Saturday hours and the longer opening hours on the other days listed.

Salmon at Hellefossen

The Hellefossen Villakssenter’s free outdoor exhibition is located by the river and is accessible year-round. It explores salmon from several perspectives: topics include the animals’ life cycle and significance, as well as the threats they face, their conservation status and protection measures. Measures to secure their future are also covered. The exhibition therefore offers an insight into wildlife and salmon conservation without limiting the visit to a single topic.

The Hellefossen Villakssenter accepts bookings for guided group visits throughout the year.

Along the River: Cycling and Fishing

A combined walking and cycling path runs along the river from Loe Bruk towards Steinberg and onwards to Mjøndalen and Drammen. It is suited to anyone who wants to explore a route on foot or by bicycle.

When fishing, it is important to understand how the areas are divided. The Blue Zone fishing licence area extends from Hellefossen to the Hokksund Bridge. The Red Zone and the Cultivation Zone are excluded. Within the Blue Zone fishing area, boats may be used in the boating zone. Be sure to distinguish this restriction to the boating zone from the geographical extent of the Blue Zone.

A self-service station for disinfecting fishing equipment is located at Elvehuset, Dynge 77, 3303 Hokksund. It is a convenient place to stop for this part of your trip.

You can also discover Skotselv as another place to visit.

For the wider travel overview: Øvre Eiker.