Hole is Viken’s royal cradle — a municipality where Viking kings were born, fjords shimmer beneath forested ridges, and viewpoints are named after monarchs who once stood there in awe. With around 6,500 residents and a landscape wrapped around Tyrifjorden and Steinsfjorden, Hole is the kind of place where you can hike to a regal overlook, paddle past islands steeped in history, and still catch a sauna session beside a beach with views fit for a crown. It’s got legacy, lakes, and a name that once meant “round hill.”
Top Attractions
- Kongens Utsikt – panoramic viewpoint named after King Karl Johan, overlooking Tyrifjorden
- Utøya – island with deep historical significance and memorial center
- Storøya – island with beaches, hiking trails, and Tyrifjord Golf Club
- Hole Kirke – medieval church with Rococo altarpiece and Viking-era roots
- Aurora Sauna – lakeside sauna at Utvika Gård & Camping
Unique Experiences
- Ringerike Skysskafferlag – horse-drawn sleigh rides through Krokskogen forest
- Stein Kirkeruin – ruins of 12th-century stone chapel near Steinsfjorden
- Halvdan Svarte Procession – annual historical play honoring King Harald Fairhair’s father
- Utvika Camping – lakeside retreat with boat rentals and beach access
- Tyrifjord Golf Club – scenic 18-hole course with lake views from every hole
Where to Stay
Browse hotels, cabins & guesthouses in Hole
Where to Eat
Explore top-rated restaurants in Hole
Getting There
Hole sits just west of Oslo, with Vik as its administrative center. The E16 highway connects to Sandvika and Hønefoss, and buses run from Oslo and Drammen. The area is best explored by car, bike, or boat — especially if you’re chasing royal history, forest trails, or the quiet hush of fjord mornings.