Things To Do
in Nedre Eiker

Nedre Eiker is a municipality in Viken county, Norway, located southeast of Drammen along the Drammenselva river. It blends farmland, forests and small-town charm with easy access to the city amenities of Drammen. The area is known for outdoor recreation, cycling routes and tranquil countryside, ideal for a relaxed Norwegian experience.

Visitors can explore riverside paths, seasonal markets and local culture within reach of the capital region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the beauty of Nedre Eiker
morning
:

Start your journey in Nedre Eiker with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly baked pastries and strong Norwegian coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll around the picturesque parklands, surrounded by the stunning views of nature. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere while observing the local flora and fauna in the morning sunlight.

afternoon
:

Head to the beautiful surroundings of the Eiker Valley for an afternoon of hiking along well-marked trails. Discover hidden gems along the way, including views of the sparkling river and charming rustic farms. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic viewpoints, soaking in the tranquillity of the region.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a local restaurant to savor traditional Norwegian cuisine, featuring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy the cozy ambiance while chatting with friendly locals who are eager to share stories about their home. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the riverbanks under the stars, reflecting on the day's adventures.

day 2
Cultural immersion in local history
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Nedre Eiker Cultural Centre, where you can learn about the rich history of the region through interactive exhibits. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights the significance of the area during different historical periods. Take time to browse the local artwork, much of which reflects the unique culture of Norway.

afternoon
:

After exploring the cultural centre, make your way to the nearby Village of Hokksund for shopping and local crafts. Enjoy lunch at a quaint café where you can try seasonal seafood dishes. Visit local artisans who create handmade pottery, textiles, and other crafts for a unique souvenir to remember your stay.

evening
:

Return to Nedre Eiker for an evening of entertainment at the local community theatre, which showcases performances from talented local artists. Enjoy a mix of music, drama, and dance, providing insight into the vibrant cultural scene of the area. End your night by unwinding at a nearby bar, sampling locally brewed beers and mingling with fellow travellers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🚌One-way local transport$4-6
Coffee$3-5
🏨Hotel (1 night)$90-150
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Drammen and nature
  • Quiet countryside feel
  • Outdoor activities and scenic landscapes
  • Friendly locals and safety
  • Limited nightlife within Nedre Eiker
  • Rural transport may require planning
  • Weather can be unpredictable
  • Some services concentrated in nearby towns
  • "Hei" - Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Hvor mye koster det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Snakkes senere" - See you later
  • "Jeg trenger hjelp" - I need help

Places to Visit in Nedre Eiker

Visit one of these nice places.

Drammenselva Riverside

Long, meandering river with morning mist and reflections, ideal for landscape photography.

Mjøndalen Waterfront

Quaint waterfront with boats, willow trees and a gentle scale of urban and rural textures.

Forest Trail Overlook

A lookout along a forested path offering panoramic views of fields and hills.

Old Mill Grounds

Historic industrial buildings converted into public spaces with seasonal light.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nedre Eiker

Nedre Eiker embraces Norwegian countryside cuisine—seasonal produce, freshwater fish and hearty comfort foods. Expect simple, flavorful dishes featuring rye breads, dairy, berries and locally sourced meats.

Nedre Eiker Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fårikål

A traditional slow-cooked lamb and cabbage dish, widely enjoyed in fall, best with boiled potatoes.

Must-Try!

Kjøttkaker med brun saus

Norwegian meatcakes served with rich brown gravy, potatoes and lingonberries.

Rømmegrøt

Creamy sour-cream porridge often served with sugar, cinnamon and cured meat on the side.

Fiskesuppe

Mild fish soup featuring locally caught white fish, shrimp or mussels with vegetables.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mjøndalen Farmers Market (seasonal)

A small weekly market offering fresh produce, bread and locally produced dairy and meat.

Drammen City Market (nearby)

A regional market with fish, berries, cheese and ready-to-eat options; ideal for a quick bite.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nedre Eiker experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cold winters. Precipitation is spread fairly evenly throughout the year, with more rain in autumn and winter. Summer highs typically range from 20-25°C (68-77°F), while winter temperatures often drop below freezing, with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn are transitional, bringing windy days and fluctuating temperatures.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and eye contact are standard when meeting people; Norwegians value modesty and direct communication.

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments and reservations; lateness is considered rude.

Environment

Respect for nature; recycle, dispose properly and avoid leaving trash in natural areas.

Fika Culture

Take time for coffee and pastries; casual socializing is common in cafes and during breaks.

Safety Guide

Safety

Norway generally has a high level of safety; standard safety tips include being mindful near water, sticking to marked trails, and observing local weather and road conditions. Emergency number is 112 for police, 113 for medical assistance, 110 for fire; in urgent situations call 112. Petty crime is low, but always secure belongings in tourist areas and be aware of your surroundings at night. When driving in winter, equip vehicles with winter tires and drive carefully.

Tipping in Nedre Eiker

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not mandatory in Norway but appreciated in fine dining; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common if service is exceptional.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets like Apple/Google Pay are common; cash is still accepted but less common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days, mild temperatures, and abundant daylight. Bring light layers, bug spray, and sun protection; outdoor activities are at their peak.

Autumn

Crimson forests and harvest markets; cooler temperatures with occasional rain; ideal for scenic drives and hiking.

Winter

Cold but snowy conditions; daylight is limited; dress warmly and be prepared for icy paths.

Spring

Melting snow, blooming trees and available trails; rain showers common and temperatures gradually rise.

Nightlife Guide

Nedre Eiker at Night

In Nedre Eiker, nightlife is typically low-key, centered around cozy cafes, pubs and riverside bars in nearby towns like Drammen. Outside of the city center, you’ll find relaxed venues with live music, open mic nights and seasonal events, especially around weekends. For a livelier scene, consider a short trip to Drammen or nearby municipalities where clubs and late-night venues operate. Overall, the nightlife emphasizes social, intimate settings rather than big-city nightlife.

Hiking in Nedre Eiker

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Drammensmarka Forest Trails

Extensive network of forested trails near Drammen, offering varied difficulty and scenic viewpoints.

Lierdalen Valley Trails

Gentle to moderate hikes through rolling farmland and woods, close to Nedre Eiker.

Bakken Nature Reserve

Waterways and wetlands with birdlife and easy walking paths.

Airports

How to reach Nedre Eiker by plane.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)

Major international and domestic hub about 40-60 minutes by air and ground transfer from Nedre Eiker, with frequent connections to domestic flights.

Moss Airport Rygge (RYG)

Smaller regional airport serving some low-cost and domestic routes; transfer options to Drammen and Nedre Eiker.

Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF)

Coastal airport offering domestic and international flights; longer transfer by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is good within compact towns like Mjøndalen, with riverfronts and parks; for exploring greater Nedre Eiker and the surrounding hills, a car or bike is more practical. Public transport connects to Drammen and nearby towns, but schedules can vary on weekends. Overall, you can easily stroll through town centers and along the river, but a car helps reach rural areas and hiking trails.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents with children; good schools and safe neighborhoods.

Commuters

People who work in Drammen or Oslo and travel daily.

Retirees

Quiet communities with accessibility to healthcare and services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular among locals and with regional clubs; matches and training opportunities.

Cross-country skiing

Winter staple with well-groomed trails nearby.

Ice skating

Seasonal on frozen lakes or outdoor rinks.

Cycling

Road cycling and mountain biking in forested areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typical of a semi-rural area near a city; peak hours around Drammen and major roads (E18) can see congestion. Public transport via trains and buses connects Nedre Eiker to Drammen and the wider region; schedules are reliable but less frequent in weekends.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nedre Eiker.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose meat-free dishes such as vegetarian soups, salads and baked goods; ask for local cheese and dairy-free options, and communicate allergies clearly.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Norway offers universal healthcare; residents and visitors can access doctors, clinics and hospitals through the national system. For emergencies dial 112 (police), 113 (medical). Drammen Hospital and regional health centers provide more comprehensive care within reach of Nedre Eiker. Travel insurance is recommended for visitors.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide