Ringerike, municipality in Viken, Norway
Ringerike is a municipality in the Viken region of Norway, consisting of gentle hills, forests, and several lakes including Tyrifjorden. The main town of Hønefoss sits along a river with a small waterfall and serves as a center for visitors exploring the surrounding mountains and waterways.
Ringerike has a history reaching back to Viking times, with its name referring to an ancient kingdom. The site of Halvdanshaugen is one of Norway's largest burial mounds and is believed to be the resting place of the Viking king Halvdan the Black.
The name Ringerike comes from old words meaning 'kingdom' and refers to the tribes that once lived here. You can see this connection to the past in the coat of arms, with a gold ring on a red background, and local crafts like glassmaking and traditional farming remain visible parts of daily life today.
The region is easily reached by public transport with Hønefoss serving as a hub to reach mountains and the coast. You can explore the area on foot, by bike, or car, with hiking trails through forests and along lakes well-marked and accessible.
Hadeland Glassverk is a renowned glass factory from the 1700s where visitors can watch craftspeople create handmade glass objects using traditional techniques. The studio and surrounding shops form a lively center for local craftsmanship and artisanal production.
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