Leave the city behind and explore the scenic charm of southern Norway on a private day tour through the Drammen Valley and the historic Blaafarveværket. This day trip from Oslo combines beautiful countryside views, quiet riverside towns, and a fascinating glimpse into Norway’s cobalt mining past. With your own private guide and vehicle, you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure with a personalized itinerary designed for your travel group.

Check out our sample itinerary below to gain a glimpse into how a private day tour from Oslo to the Drammen Valley and Blaafarveværket could look.

Private Day Tour Itinerary

This exciting day tour starts and ends at your accommodation in Oslo. Your private driver guide will collect you from your accommodation on the morning of your private tour. You’ll travel in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle exclusively for your travel group, accompanied by a private driver throughout. As you head southeast, your private guide will take you through your itinerary for the day. As you approach the Drammen Valley, your guide will share with you its historical significance and how it was once a center for timber, trade, and mining.

Explore the Drammen Valley

Begin your exploration in the Drammen Valley (Drammensdalen), a lush, glacial valley shaped by rivers and ridgelines. The highlights during your time in the Drammen Valley include:

• Spiralen Tunnel & Viewpoint – Your private guide will drive you up the famous spiral tunnel to reach a panoramic viewpoint above Drammen. Enjoy incredible views over the valley, the Drammenselva River, and surrounding hills. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos with your travel group and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

• Riverfront Walk in Drammen – Next is a scenic walk along the river promenade. The area features restored industrial architecture, and you’ll pass modern bridges and outdoor bridges along the way. If you want to take a break, you can stop at one of the local cafes and enjoy the views.

• Ypsilon Bridge & Union Scene – Your guide will lead you across the striking Ypsilon Bridge, a unique Y shape that crosses the Drammenselva River. It’s a great place for photos for architecture enthusiasts or just those looking to take some unique photographs. After you cross the bridge, you’ll have time to explore the Union Scene. This cultural area is filled with galleries, art studios, and local design stores. Your guide will tailor your time here to your interests (design, coffee, art, etc.).

Blaafarveværket

After leaving the Union Scene, your driver guide will take you west along the Drammenselva River to take you to Blaafarveværket, a beautiful restored 18th-19th century industrial site. This site was once globally recognized for producing cobalt blue pigment used in ceramics and glass.

As you walk past the historic buildings, your private guide will share the story of Norway’s pigment export boom in the 1800s and how workers lived in isolated mountain conditions. You’ll be able to see the preserved smelting ovens that were used to heat cobalt ore and separate the valuable blue pigment from the surrounding rock.

Finish your time here at the rotating art exhibitions and historical displays in original industrial halls. These exhibitions often feature classic Norwegian painters with beautiful pieces of art.

Cobalt Mine Tour

After lunch, your last attraction of the day is an incredible experience as you take a guided underground tour of the King’s Mine. You’ll travel on a mine train approximately 2.3 km into the mountain. Walk through the ancient tunnels in the heart of the mine and see hand-hewn rock walls, wooden support beams, and original equipment from that time. It’s a truly surreal experience as you feel the temperature drop and gain a sense of the isolation the miners faced during long shifts beneath the surface.

Return to Oslo

Your private guide will take you back to your Oslo accommodation, where you can relax after a dramatic day, enjoying the beautiful scenery and learning about Norway’s mining past. If you need any recommendations for evening activities or restaurants in Norway, your private guide will be more than happy to help.