Vikersund is a small town in the Modum municipality of Buskerud county (now part of Viken county following Norway’s regional reforms), Norway. As the administrative center of Modum, it is a hub of local culture, history, and winter sports, most notably known for the Vikersundbakken, one of the world’s premier ski flying hills.
Vikersund is strategically located in southeastern Norway,
approximately 30 kilometers south of Hønefoss and 40 kilometers
northwest of Drammen, with Oslo about 42 kilometers to the east. The
town sits at the southwestern arm of Tyrifjorden, one of Norway’s
largest lakes, which shapes much of its scenic beauty and recreational
offerings. The Drammenselva river flows into Tyrifjorden at Vikerfossen,
a historically significant waterfall that powered early industrial
activity.
The town’s geography includes a mix of flat, fertile
land and hilly terrain, with the Bergsjøen lake bordering it to the
south. A bridge connects the western and eastern parts of Vikersund
across the Tyrifjorden’s arm, facilitating local movement. The town’s
coordinates are approximately 59.97°N, 9.99°E, and its elevation is
relatively low, typical of Norway’s coastal-influenced inland areas.
Nearby villages like Geithus and Åmot form part of the broader Modum
region, with Åmot/Geithus classified as a separate statistical urban
area (tettsted).
Vikersund’s climate is cold and temperate, with
significant snowfall in winter (December–February), making it ideal for
winter sports. Summers are mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding
20–25°C. The town’s position in a winter sport region, surrounded by
alpine areas, enhances its appeal for outdoor activities year-round.
As of 2020, Vikersund had a population of approximately 3,232, though a 2024 estimate places it at 3,250. Classified as a tettsted (a statistical urban settlement), Vikersund is small but vibrant, serving as the administrative and cultural heart of Modum. The population is predominantly Norwegian, with a mix of families, retirees, and younger residents drawn to the area for its quality of life and proximity to larger cities like Oslo (96 km by rail).
Vikersund’s history is deeply tied to its natural resources and
strategic location. The name “Vikersund” (historically spelled Vigesund
in the 16th century) likely derives from Old Norse, with “vik” meaning
bay or inlet and “sund” referring to a strait or sound, reflecting its
position along Tyrifjorden.
Early History
The area has been
inhabited since at least the medieval period. The ruins of Vike Church
(Vike kirkeruin), located east of Vikersund, date back to the 1200s and
were documented as a parish church by 1456. These ruins are a testament
to the town’s historical significance as a local religious center. The
nearby Heggen Church, a stone structure from the early 13th century,
remains in use and was expanded in 1878 to seat about 400 people, with
restorations in 1928 and 2020.
Industrial Development
Vikersund’s industrial history revolves around the pulp and paper
industry, driven by the Drammenselva river and Vikerfossen waterfall.
Timber was floated across Tyrifjorden and down the Drammenselva,
supporting early mills and factories. The harnessing of hydroelectric
power from local rivers further bolstered industrial growth,
particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While industry has
declined, its legacy remains in the town’s infrastructure and local
economy.
Railway and Connectivity
The establishment of
Vikersund Station in 1866, two years before the completion of the
Randsfjordbanen railway (connecting Drammen to Randsfjord), marked a
turning point. In 1872, the Krøderen Line, a 26-kilometer narrow-gauge
branch line to Lake Krøderen, opened with Vikersund as its terminus.
Passenger services on the Krøderen Line ceased in 1958 and freight in
1985, but it has since been repurposed as a heritage railway
(Krøderbanen), operated by the Norwegian Railway Club and Krøderbanen
Foundation, offering steam train rides from May to October.
Vikersund’s economy is diverse for a town of its size, blending
tourism, small-scale industry, and services. The town’s prominence in
winter sports, particularly ski flying, drives significant tourism,
especially during World Cup events at Vikersundbakken. Hotels like
Tyrifjord Hotell, located opposite Vikersund and near the ski jumping
center, cater to visitors, as do local health and wellness facilities
like Modum Bad and Vikersund Kurbad, which attract those seeking
therapeutic retreats.
Historically, the pulp and paper industry
was a cornerstone, but today, the economy leans on tourism, education,
and healthcare. The Riksvei 350 (Highway 35) and railway connections
ensure accessibility, supporting local businesses. Nearby attractions,
such as the Blaafarveværket Cobalt Mines, also draw visitors,
contributing to the regional economy.
Transportation
Rail: Vikersund Station is a key stop on the
Randsfjordbanen, served by Vy Tog’s express trains between Bergen and
Oslo. The station, opened in 1866, is about 96 km from Oslo’s central
station. The Krøderen Line, now a heritage railway, adds a nostalgic
transport option for tourists.
Road: Riksvei 350 runs north-south
through Vikersund, connecting it to nearby towns. The town is also
accessible via Highway 35, which links to Drammen and Hønefoss. However,
historical accounts note that narrow roads once posed logistical
challenges during large events like ski championships, though upgrades
in the 1950s alleviated this.
Air: The nearest major airport is Oslo
Gardermoen (63–64 km away), with Notodden Airport (65 km) serving
smaller regional flights.
Education
Vikersund hosts Vikersund
Primary School and North Modum School (middle school), drawing students
from nearby areas like Sysle and Stalsberg (Geithus). These institutions
serve the educational needs of the town’s youth, fostering a tight-knit
community.
Healthcare
Facilities like Modum Bad and Vikersund
Kurbad provide specialized health and rehabilitation services, making
Vikersund a regional hub for wellness tourism.
Vikersund’s cultural identity is shaped by its winter sports legacy,
historical sites, and community-driven events.
Vikersundbakken
The Vikersund Ski-Jumping Center, home to Vikersundbakken, is the town’s
crown jewel. This ski flying hill, one of the two largest in the world,
has a storied history:
Origins: Ski jumping in Vikersund began in
1894 with the founding of Vikersund SK. The first hill, built in 1936 by
Kristian Hovde, was upgraded to a ski flying hill in 1964. The current
large hill, constructed in 1988 and modified in 2010, has a hill size of
225 meters, briefly making it the world’s largest until surpassed by
Planica’s Letalnica hill.
World Records: Nine world records have been
set at Vikersundbakken, including Stefan Kraft’s 253.5-meter jump in
2017 (Dmitriy Vasiliev reached 254 meters but crashed). The hill’s
design, with natural gravel sidewalls and a slight southern slant to
reduce wind interference, ensures optimal conditions.
Events:
Vikersundbakken has hosted the FIS Ski Flying World Championships in
1977, 1990, 2000, 2012, and 2022, as well as regular World Cup events.
It was the first ski flying hill to install floodlights in 2006,
enabling night competitions.
Complex: Beyond the main hill, the
center includes a normal hill, several training hills, and seven ski
slopes, catering to both professionals and amateurs. The “1078
Trappetrinn” (1,078 steps) stairway alongside the hill leads to “Vingen”
(The Wing), a building offering panoramic views and event space.
Historical Sites
Heggen Church: This 13th-century stone church,
expanded in 1878, is a cultural landmark surrounded by an old cemetery.
Its sparse, typically Norwegian interior reflects Lutheran simplicity,
and its proximity to Vikersundbakken offers striking views.
Vike
Church Ruins: Dating to the 1200s, these ruins east of Vikersund provide
a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.
Modum Kulturhus: The
cultural center hosts events and features a statue of Christian
Skredsvig, a Modum-born painter and writer, celebrating local artistic
heritage.
Museums and Heritage
Krøderbanen Railway Museum:
Between Vikersund and Krøderen, this heritage railway offers steam train
rides, preserving Norway’s rail history. It’s a popular attraction from
May to October.
Blaafarveværket Cobalt Mines: Located nearby, this
historical mining site doubles as a museum, showcasing Modum’s
industrial past.
Vikersund’s natural surroundings support a range of activities:
Winter Sports: Beyond Vikersundbakken, Modum Skisenter offers alpine
skiing and snowboarding, while cross-country trails abound.
Hiking
and Camping: Trails like those around Hovdekollen and cultural walking
tours explore the region’s history and landscapes.
Golf: The
Vikersund Ski-Jumping Center includes golf courses, blending sports with
leisure.
Events
The annual Vikersundrennet, a ski jumping
competition since 1936, draws crowds, alongside World Cup ski flying
events. Cultural festivals at Modum Kulturhus and historical
reenactments at local sites add to the town’s vibrancy.
Vikersund is a niche destination, particularly for winter sports
enthusiasts and history buffs. Tripadvisor reviews (393 as of 2024)
highlight attractions like Heggen Church, the 1078 Trappetrinn, and
Modum Skisenter. The town is budget-friendly, with lower hotel prices
from December to February, aligning with peak ski season.
Accommodation
Tyrifjord Hotell: A scenic fjord-side hotel, just three
minutes from Vikersundbakken, offering modern amenities.
Other
Options: Family-friendly and business hotels, including 4-star
properties, cater to diverse travelers. Booking platforms like Agoda and
Trip.com list competitive rates.
Dining
Local restaurants
serve traditional Norwegian cuisine, emphasizing fresh fish, game, and
dairy. The Tripadvisor community praises Vikersund’s cozy eateries,
though specific names are less documented.
Travel Tips
Best
Time to Visit: Winter (December–February) for skiing and budget travel;
summer for hiking and heritage railway rides.
Getting There: Trains
from Oslo (1–1.5 hours) or car rentals via Riksvei 350 are convenient.
Oslo Gardermoen Airport is the main entry point.
Local Tips: Check
event schedules for Vikersundbakken, as World Cup events can increase
demand for accommodations.