GROW UP LIVE LEARN WORK EXPERIENCE

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1 TAKE A LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES IN buskerud GROW UP LIVE LEARN WORK EXPERIENCE

2 From the windswept rocky slopes along the coastline to dramatic mountain wilderness, expansive plateaus and looming mountaintops, from small idyllic farms to large international technology and IT centres. Stave churches and trendy lively cities. Adventures and activities - Buskerud is a county of many opportunities. LOCATION Buskerud County was established in 1760 and is located centrally in South-eastern Norway. The county is divided into 21 municipalities and stretches from the mountains of Hemsedal in the north to Hurum on the southern coast. Its centralised location makes travelling in Norway and travelling to or from foreign countries easy. Everything is just a short trip away by car, bus, train, boat or airplane. Drammen is the county s main hub for traffic, with a large harbour, and is the terminal station for the express train to Oslo Gardermoen international airport. THE LOCAL POPULATION AND BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Communities in the north-western part of the county are only found in the long and narrow valleys of Hallingdal, Numedal, Sigdal, Eggedal and in adjacent mountain ranges. The economic base for these communities is agriculture, forestry, tourism and hydropower production. Most of these communities are located in the lowlands in the southeast part of the county. This is where the most fertile agricultural land is found around Tyrifjorden and along the Drammenselva River, to name just two examples. The southern part of the county has a variety of businesses and services, especially in the cities of Drammen, Hønefoss and Kongsberg. THE COUNTY S ORIGINS The county s name comes from a farm named Buskerud (Biskopsrud) in Modum. The county s coat of arms consists of important elements from the county. The bear is the main element on the coat of arms because Vassfaret and

3 Buskerud a county of opportunities surrounding areas were known for their bear populations. The blue colour on the bear is a beautiful cobalt blue once extracted from around Modum by the Blaafarveværket. The silver shield symbolises the enormous wealth that the silver mines at Kongsberg once extracted from the ground. Hemsedal 1. The Strømsø Torg (market square) in Drammen 2. Drammen the terminal station for the airport express train 3. The Holmsbu boat harbour 4. A variety of winter activities 5. The view of Bergshammaren, Sigdal 6. The silver mines of Kongsberg 7. There are still bears in Buskerud 8. The Biskopsrud Farm in Modum 9. The cobalt mines in Modum Hol Ål Gol Nes Nore og Uvdal Rollag Flå Krødsherad Sigdal Ringerike Hole Modum Lier Flesberg Nedre Eiker Øvre Eiker Røyken Drammen facts and figures Area: km 2 Population: ( ) 21 municipalities Cities: Drammen, Kongsberg, Hønefoss, Hokksund Kongsberg Hurum

4 Culture and adventures traditional and unique 1 2 Lively folk dance or dance floor boogie? Jazz? Rock? Or some lovely chamber music? Music reflects the diversity available from our cultural events. Walk through history in one of Buskerud s seven large museums. Get inspired by visiting one of the county s five stave churches or at one of the many estate houses around the county. Plan a day to enjoy the exciting activities at the Blaafarveværket. Or visit the beautiful Drammens Teater. INSTITUTIONS OF ART AND CULTURE There are many museums you can visit in Buskerud that make an important contribution to our local identity. The Blaafarveværket Museum was built to show the history of cobalt mining from when the old mines were in operation in Modum from 1773 to It is possible to visit the mines with a tour guide along with visiting the museum s exhibitions.the Kongsberg Silver Works began mining activities in After 335 years the silver mines are still an important and exciting attraction. The Veien Cultural Monument Park in Ringerike provides a unique peek into the country s 2000 years of history. Some marvellous objects from the Early Iron Age can be seen here. The Art Laboratory in Vestfossen (Kunstlaboratoriet) exhibits international contemporary art of the highest quality. ARTISTS AND ART COLONIES Many famous artists have lived or stayed in Buskerud. Holmsbu attracted artists from all over Scandinavia as early as the beginning of the 1800s. Theodor Kittelsen illustrated many of Norway s folk tales. Kittelsen lived at Lauvlia in Sigdal, which is now a museum. You can visit Herman Wildenvey s childhood home at Portåsen in Nedre Eiker. You can experience poetry reading, exhibitions and concerts here. MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS Buskerud also has some of the largest concentrations of Norwegian buildings from the Middle Ages. There are more than 40 medieval buildings in Numedal alone. Four of Buskerud s six stave churches are also found in this valley. Medieval buildings made of wood are quite unique in national and international contexts. The stave churches hold a special position in this regard. FESTIVALS A number of important festivals are arranged in Buskerud every year. The Kongsberg Jazz Festival is the county s largest festival, which takes place at the beginning of July. The Folk Music Week in Ål is organised for the month of May and is an essential part of our national folk music and folk dance traditions. Local food and dining traditions are also represented by a number of culinary festivals, including the Egertorget Food Festival in Hokksund in early September. THE CULTURAL CENTRES The county s numerous stages and cultural centres present concerts and theatre performances. The venerable old Drammens Teater is a living piece of our national cultural history. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1993 and may be Norway s most beautiful theatre.

5 1. The Uvdal Stave Church in Numedal 2. Tubaloon the stage and landmark for the Kongsberg Jazz Festival 3. Blaafarveværket in Modum Buskerud s most visited tourist attraction 4. The Vikersundbakken Ski Jump 5. Cultural traditions are kept alive 6. Be challenged at the art laboratory in Vestfossen 7. Participate in many exciting cultural activities 8. Musical enjoyment for almost everyone 9. Drammens Teater Norway s most beautiful theatre? FACTS AND FIGURES 6 stave churches 40 medieval buildings in Numedal The Krøderbanen Train Line in Krødsherad, Norway s longest museum train The Vikersundbakken Ski Jump Park in Modum, the world s longest ski jump hill (2011) The Nøstetangen Glass Works in Øvre Eiker, Norway s first glassworks The county s largest museums: the Kunstnerdalen Culture Museum the Eiker and Lågendalen Museums Hringariki the Hallingdal Museum the Drammens Museum Blaafarveværket the Norwegian Mining Museum

6 Nature and outdoor activities adventures from fjord to mountaintop Bear watching. Wild reindeer. Virgin forests. Beautiful orchids. Try your luck at salmon fishing. Hunting. Kiting. Fantastic ski destinations. The nature of Buskerud County is beautiful and diverse. You can find just about any outdoor activity you like here. From Hardangervidda in the northwest to the region of Hurum in the southeast, our natural environment and its awaiting adventures vary with the seasons of the year. NATIONAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS Buskerud has two national parks: Hardangervidda (3 422 km2) and Hallingskarvet (450 km2). Hardangervidda is Northern Europe s largest high mountain plateau. Buskerud also has many expansive protected landscapes and a number of nature reserves in many of its municipalities. The Trillemarka Nature Reserve stretches through the municipalities of Sigdal, Rollag and Nore Uvdal and is Norway s largest protected range of forest. ACTIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Many of the country s best ski resorts and towns are located in Buskerud. Geilo, Hemsedal and Norefjell are among the best for alpine and cross-country skiing. Finse is a paradise for kite skiing. Stable winds and a long winter season attract enthusiasts from around the world. During the summer you can bicycle down the ski slopes or bicycle the old Rallarvegen along Hardangervidda. The county offers many excellent bicycle trails and roads. There are many opportunities for bicycle trips near cities, towns and in the countryside. You can follow a coastal trail in Hurum or rove along wild Hardangervidda. During the summer boating becomes a favourite pastime in the county s large lakes and along the coast. GETTING INTO NATURE Buskerud has a magnificent natural environment and abundant animal life. You can find many different animal species in the wilderness, or see our animals up close in the nature reserves. The Vassfaret Bear Park in Flå and the Langedrag Nature Reserve in Uvdal has many wild Norwegian species like bears, wolves, lynx, arctic fox and elk. You can fish in the fjords, rivers and mountain lakes. The Drammen Water Course is known for its excellent salmon fishing and is a favourite travel destination for salmon fishermen from all over Europe. If you are interested in other more uncommon fishing adventures you can participate in a trout safari or go river snorkelling in Hemsedal.

7 Enjoy our coastal culture to the fullest! 2. You can fish for salmon in Drammenselva River 3. Take a bicycle trip in the mountains 4. Go rafting in Numedalslågen 5. Make your way to one of Norway s leading ski destinations 6. Glacier hikes 7. Lively fun on the beach in Hurum 6 7 FACTS AND FIGURES Approximately km 2 of national parks Salmon fishing in the Drammen Water Course, 308 km 24 types of orchids in Øvre Eiker Leading ski destinations: Geilo, Hemsedal and Norefjell Longest fjord: Tyrifjorden in Modum, 138,56 km² Highest point: Folarskarsnuten in Hol, m The coastline: 123 km

8 1. Commercial industries and services are very important sectors for the county 2. Industrial production as far the eye can see 3. Construction activity is extensive 4. One of the nation s largest counties where chalets are concerned 5. The Aass Brewery the country s oldest brewery 6. The harbour of Drammen is one of the busiest in Norway 7. Ancient culinary traditions new possibilities 8. Kongsberg a city of technology A very attractive region for business and industry. Centrally located. Committed to knowledge-based enterprises and competence development. Extensive collaborations between the education sector and business & industry. Important international technology centres. Data and telecommunications companies. OUR TRANSPORT HUB CITY Drammen is the county s largest city and an important traffic hub for transport by boat, car and train around the region and to other parts of Norway. The city is the terminal station for the express train to Oslo Gardermoen international airport. Drammen s harbour is one of the country s largest and busiest. The proximity to Oslo makes the city an attractive location for setting up a business. TECHNOLOGY CENTRES Knowledge-based businesses are becoming more and more important for business and industry in Norway. Kongsberg is known for its large companies and important environments within advanced technology. Defence systems, offshore, maritime systems and the production of auto parts are among the most important industries here. Kongsberg is home to a number of well-known international companies with a significant amount of export activities. OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Hønefoss has traditionally had a lot of industry related to forestry and wood processing. Many public entities are located here, alongside a wide range of other industries especially within the area of natural resources like concrete, sand and stone. The county s agricultural production is predominantly based on fruit and vegetables, sheep and cattle products. Buskerud leads the way in ecological agriculture; many of our local manufacturers are testing out new production techniques. TOURISM Buskerud is one of Norway s largest travel destinations with Hallingdal as the country s largest region of travel. The county has more than chalets and holiday homes.

9 Business & Industry from primary industries to knowledge-based technology FACTS AND FIGURES Hallingdal is Norway s largest region of tourism There are more than chalets in the county 11 square kilometres dedicated to vegetable production 25 % of Norway s wood processing The Aass Brewery (1834) in Drammen is the country s oldest brewery

10 The urban scene lively, inclusive and heading for the future Development or transformation? From grey stalwart industrial towns to lively and vibrant commercial meeting points, the towns of Buskerud are characterised by a lush combination of the old and traditional with the new and modern. Trendy shopping. Entertainment, attractions, social environments and nightlife abound. DRAMMEN TRENDY AND EXUBERANT Drammen is a multi-cultural city with inhabitants from 140 countries and with a wide selection of cultural and educational environments to choose from. The city has undergone a unique and distinctive development attracting national and international attention. Bragernes Torg is the heart of the city. The Bragernes Church and the Tower Buildings are the main visual attractions in the urban landscape. The market square is always bubbling with activity and is surrounded by restaurants and stores. The prize-winning Ypsilon bridge connects the beautiful walkways along the shores of both sides of the river. Drammen has many recreational areas in the middle of town. KONGSBERG A CITY OF TECHNOLOGY Kongsberg is a city of technology with advanced international and innovative competence environments. Kongsberg and its downtown are also very charming, lively and busy. This is where ancient cultures meet new ways of life. You will find many businesses and enjoyable restaurants on both sides of the Lågen River. Kongsberg s cultural life attracts many visitors, with the Kongsberg Jazz Festival and the Gloger Classical Music Festival as the most prominent attractions. Downtown is home to the Norwegian Mining Museum, the Kongsberg Ski Museum and the Lågdals Rural Culture Museum. The silver mines outside the centre of town have been attracting visitors since the end of the 1800s.

11 1. Wireless connection all around town 2. Abundant market stalls brimming with seasonal raw materials and foods 3. Cycling in town 4. Many irresistible attractions 5. Good shopping opportunities in the cities 6. Meet friends at a café 7. Downtown concerts 8. Skateboarding an important part of the urban scene HØNEFOSS CONNECTING EAST AND WEST The town of Hønefoss grew around the waterfalls. The forest and timber mills gave birth to the town. Hønefoss is where traffic from South-eastern Norway meets South-western Norway and Hallingdal. Downtown you will find shopping centres, small shopping streets and enjoyable restaurants and bars. The centre of town is home to cultural attractions like the 17th century Riddergaarden, the old prison from 1860 and of course the large Veien Cultural Monument Park with its ancient burial mound just north of town. HOKKSUND A PLEASANT LITTLE TOWN Hokksund is a pleasant little town located alongside the Drammenselva River between Drammen and Kongsberg. It is particularly well-known for its salmon fishing along the Hellefossen cascades. Hokksund was also home to the Nøstetangen Glass Works, Norway s first glass works, which is now a museum. FACTS AND FIGURES Cities in Buskerud with number of inhabitants in the municipality as of : Drammen (63 582) Kongsberg (25 090) Hønefoss, Ringerike (28 946) Hokksund, Øvre Eiker (16 987) Distances to Oslo: Drammen 43 km Kongsberg 82 km hønefoss 65 km hokksund 64 km Drammen The administrative centre of the region Kongsberg a city of technology There are rivers in all the towns and cities There are ski resorts in Drammen and Kongsberg

12 1. Papirbredden Drammen s Knowledge Park 2. Research and development 3. Active college/university environments 4. Old traditions new forms 5. Advanced technology in Kongsberg 6. A wide range of attractive college and university environments FACTS AND FIGURES Affected operators and environments: Innovation companies Industrial parks and knowledge parks College/university education Advanced technology environments in Kongsberg Product development within the medical and health sectors 4 5

13 Competence and innovation a knowledge-based society for the future 6 New ideas abound in modern and creative environments. The region is committed to supporting knowledge parks, college/university centres and competence centres. Knowledge and creativity are becoming the most important driving forces for value creation in our society. Knowledge increases in value the more it is shared and used. A SOCIETY OF KNOWLEDGE Our society is moving more towards knowledge-based value creation where human resources are the primary focus. Papirbredden Drammen s Knowledge Park is a regional meeting point for competence development and innovation. There are three college/universities located there, along with a modern library and a number of important local companies, organisations and projects that focus on sharing knowledge and innovation. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Many research and development environments have been finding their home around Drammen. The medical, health and care services sectors have been developing new and exciting products and services in Drammen, often in cooperation with public agencies and private companies. unique level of competence seen from national and international viewpoints. NCE, the Norwegian Centre of Expertise, is leading the way in Norway in the area of industrialisation of technological innovation. Many companies in Kongsberg are participating in this important collaboration. ART AND CULTURE The demand for cultural products is rising; the region has taken the opportunity to invest in growth and development in this sector. Cultural businesses and projects are an important area of commitment for Buskerud; the county s desire to be innovative and cooperate in this area is great. Events, travel and other cultural activities and businesses have come into focus and new important connections between art and business have been developed here. INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRES Kongsberg is home to many large businesses that work in the field of advanced technology. In only a very short period of time Kongsberg has been able to establish a

14 The Buskerud County Municipality a part of your everyday life The Buskerud County Municipality is one of Buskerud s largest and most multi-disciplinary competence environments with more than employees. With professional experience from education, transport and communications, regional development, public health, culture, cultural heritage and dental health etc. the county municipality is seen as a very attractive competence environment and an attractive workplace. Competence development is the key to the organisation itself and to the people working in the organisation. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The county municipality administrates important social tasks and is responsible for upper secondary education and training offering studies that meet the needs for skills in the region. The county municipality is responsible for transport and communications, which among other things includes public transportation and a large part of the public roads network. The county municipality cooperates closely with local municipalities, businesses and organisations to promote development in the many different regions of the county. The county municipality is working actively to improve travel opportunities and destinations by supporting the travel industry and travel businesses around Buskerud County. Where culture is concerned, the county is working to bring the best cultural activities to as many towns, regions and inhabitants as possible. The county municipality provides support to museums, different sports and cultural events and invests in new arenas for such events. Buskerud has more than 400 protected heritage houses. It is the county municipality s task to protect the cultural monuments in the county.

15 The county municipality provides free dental care to children and young people up to the age of 18, along with care for the mentally handicapped, the ill and those in need of care at institutions and for everyone living at a nursing home. THE COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES The county municipalities were established as a third level of local administration to try to increase democratic processes, decentralise government tasks and make government more effective. Democratising by giving the region more political control of centralised administrative tasks. Decentralising by sharing previously centralised administrative tasks with regional agencies. Improving the effectiveness of government by sharing administrative tasks between government levels to optimise results and costs and be able to see where change is needed. FACTS AND FIGURES The county municipality is governed by the council, elected every four years The county council consists of 43 representatives The chairman of the county council is the council s highest political position and its leader The county commissioner is the county municipality s highest administrative leader 13 upper secondary schools, one post-secondary school, one employment institute and four centres for adult education kilometres of county roads 39 dental health clinics (2011) More than employees

16 Oslo Postboks Drammen Tel: Date: Photo: Buskerud fylkeskommune, Nils Maudal, Torbjørn Tandberg, Nina Holtan, Flytoget, Ingar Holm, Bjørn Johnsen, Hemsedal Turistkontor, Hemsedal.com/Nils-Erik Bjørholt, Casper Tybjerg/ Kongsberg Gruppen, Kongsberg Automotive, Anders Knutson Medhus, Bjørn Furuseth, Bjørn-Owe Holmberg, Tom Schandy, Thorfinn Bekkelund, a-aa.no Design: a-aa.no print: Trykk-Service MILJØMERKET 241 Trykksak 665