Hokksund is a small industrial town in Øvre Eiker municipality, Buskerud county, Eastern Norway, serving as the administrative center and largest population center of the municipality. Located halfway between Kongsberg and Drammen on the E134 highway, it is known for its rich Viking Age archaeological finds, historical significance as a trade hub, and blend of industrial and agricultural activities. The town's name derives from "Haug," a local farm name meaning "hill" or "mound," and "sund," meaning "ferry place" or "strait," originally Haugsund before being changed to Hokksund in the 1920s to avoid postal confusion with Haugesund. With a population of approximately 8,318 as of 2017 (and estimates around 8,000-9,000 in recent years), Hokksund spans 8.6 square kilometers with a density of about 970 inhabitants per square kilometer. It features well-preserved historical sites, scenic river landscapes, and serves as a gateway for exploring Eastern Norway's cultural heritage and outdoor pursuits.
Hokksund is situated at coordinates 59°47′N 9°59′E, at an elevation of 13 meters above sea level, in a fertile agricultural district of Eastern Norway. It lies on both sides of the Drammenselva river, approximately 18 kilometers west of Drammen and 49 kilometers from Oslo. The Vestfosselva river splits into two branches near the town before merging with the Drammenselva, which flows southward into the Drammensfjorden. This riverine setting has historically supported timber floating and salmon fishing. The surrounding landscape includes rolling hills, agricultural fields, and forested areas, with the Hellefoss hydroelectric station located north of the town. Older settlements are concentrated northeast of the Drammenselva, while newer developments extend to the opposite bank. Hokksund's position in Buskerud county places it amid a region of valleys and rivers, making it a transitional point between urban Oslo influences and rural Norwegian countryside.
Hokksund has a humid continental climate with cool, wet summers and long, freezing, snowy winters, influenced by its inland location and proximity to rivers. Annual temperatures range from 24°F to 64°F, rarely below 8°F or above 73°F. The warm season spans 3.1 months (June 5 to September 8), with July as the hottest month averaging highs of 64°F and lows of 51°F. The cold season lasts 4.0 months (November 19 to March 21), with January the coldest, averaging lows of 25°F and highs of 36°F. Precipitation occurs year-round, with a wetter period of 7.3 months (May 19 to December 29) seeing over 31% chance of wet days; August averages 11.0 wet days and 3.8 inches of rain. The drier season (December 29 to May 19) has March with the fewest wet days (8.0). Snowfall is notable from November 11 to April 16, peaking in January at 5.7 inches. Cloud cover is more pronounced from September 20 to April 22, with November the cloudiest (68% overcast or mostly cloudy), while July is clearest (51% clear or partly cloudy). The growing season lasts 5.3 months (May 3 to October 14), and wind averages 5.1 mph annually, calmest in July. Daylight varies dramatically: June offers nearly 19 hours (sunrise 3:59 AM, sunset 10:43 PM), while December has about 6 hours (sunrise 9:15 AM, sunset 3:15 PM). Overall, the climate supports agriculture but brings challenges like frequent rain (annual average around 32 inches) and snowy winters.
Hokksund's history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation from the Stone Age and significant Viking Age activity. Archaeological finds include a silver treasure, 20 graves, and 13 individual artifacts at Eiker Farm, plus a Viking farm unearthed in 2014 near the town center. In 2023, excavations revealed a large house and 30-40 cooking pits from AD 300-500, along with weapons in graves. The area's largest Viking-era gold find, over 2.5 kg of jewelry, was discovered in 1834 at Nedre Hoen farm and is now at Oslo's Museum of Cultural History. Hokksund was a key trade and travel hub, with the old road from Hallingdal and Numedal passing through to Oslo. The first national road, the King's Road, connected Hokksund to Kongsberg in 1624 after silver discoveries there. The 19th century brought the railway (opened 1866) and timber floating on the rivers, boosting industrialization. The Nøstetangen glassworks operated from 1741-1777, producing high-quality table glass and chandeliers. The town name changed from Haugsund to Hokksund in the 1920s for postal reasons, despite local opposition favoring Eiker. Haug Church, built in 1152, was partially destroyed by fire in 1818 and rebuilt in 1863, with restorations in 1962. Hokksund evolved from a rural ferry crossing to an industrial center, shaped by its rivers and resources.
As of 2017, Hokksund had a population of 8,318 across 8.6 square kilometers, with a density of 970 per square kilometer. Recent estimates place it around 8,000-9,000, reflecting steady growth in Øvre Eiker municipality, which reached 20,250 in 2022. The population is predominantly Norwegian, with small immigrant communities from countries like Poland, Iraq, and Turkey contributing to diversity. Hokksund serves as the urban core of the municipality, attracting families due to its proximity to Oslo and local amenities.
Hokksund's economy traditionally centered on forestry and agriculture, leveraging its fertile lands and river resources for timber and farming. Modern sectors include engineering (electrical and cement industries), with historical ties to glassmaking at Nøstetangen. Tourism is growing, drawing visitors to historical sites and natural beauty, supported by hotels, campsites, and cabins. Attractions boost local revenue, with options for hiking, day trips, and cultural experiences. The town's location on major routes makes it a stopover for road-trippers exploring Eastern Norway, contributing to a service-oriented economy alongside industry.
Hokksund is well-connected by road and rail. The European route E134 runs south of the town, linking Frogn to Karmøy and serving as a key Oslo-Haugesund artery. National road 350 connects E134 to Hønefoss via Hokksund. Hokksund Station, on the Sørlandet Line (originally part of the Randsfjorden Line), opened in 1866 and features a Renaissance-style building from 1897 by architect Paul Due. It offers long-haul services by Go-Ahead Norge and is part of Oslo Commuter Rail's R12 route between Kongsberg and Eidsvoll. Nearest airports are Oslo Gardermoen and Sandefjord Torp; a local airfield operates for small aircraft. No ferries or major ports, but rivers historically aided transport. A car is recommended for local exploration.
Hokksund's cultural scene revolves around its historical and natural assets. Haug Church, a medieval stone structure from 1152, features restored interiors and a 2004 organ by Jürgen Ahrend. The Nøstetangen Museum at Eiker Sorenskrivergård Farm (built 1904) displays artifacts from the 18th-century glassworks, including chandeliers and tableware, set in a prototype magistrate's court building. Adjacent Skriverparken offers riverside walks. Hoenskatten site commemorates the Viking gold find with a replica shovel monument and info signs. Old Hokksund preserves timber houses tied to salmon fishing and timber rafting, including an old ice house. Vinsvollbanen hosts motorcycle speedway events, having held Norwegian championships. Attractions like hiking trails, Viking farm excavations, and the town hall by Arnstein Arneberg add appeal. Annual events and cafes enhance the quaint atmosphere, making it ideal for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hokksund and Øvre Eiker have produced several prominent figures. Novelist, poet, and playwright Jonas Lie (1833-1908) was born in Hokksund and is considered one of Norway's "Four Greats" in literature. Newspaper editor and author Olaf Solumsmoen (1920-1978) hailed from the area. Other notables include farmer and politician Christopher Borgersen Hoen (1767-1845), freestyle skier Ole Bremseth (born 1961), photographer and politician Arne Nævra (born 1953), and musician Alf Cranner (1936-2020). These individuals reflect the town's contributions to literature, politics, sports, and arts.
As of 2025, Hokksund continues to balance its industrial roots with heritage preservation, offering a peaceful alternative to nearby urban centers. Visitors can enjoy accommodations from campsites to high-end hotels, with dining ranging from cafes to fine restaurants. The town's Viking legacy and scenic rivers make it a hidden gem for road trips, with recommendations for exploring nearby Kongsberg or Drammen. Environmental efforts focus on sustainable agriculture and river conservation amid climate variations.