The community under Hellefossen

The salmon, the river and the people

For almost a thousand years, life along the Drammenselva River has been shaped by the migration of salmon.

Under Hellefossen, where the masses of water break against rock and the current gathers its power, a society grew up where nature provided both work, income and identity.

The first reliable written sources date back to the 12th century. Even then, salmon fishing was so valuable that the monarchy secured ownership.

Throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times, fishermen, farmers, boat builders and rafters lived side by side with the river.

A community grew up here – shaped by the water, work and the annual migration of salmon.