Hønefoss is a town in Buskerud county, Norway, and the center of the municipality of Ringerike. It is located 63 kilometres northwest by road from the Norwegian capital of Oslo.

In 1852, Hønefoss received town status and was separated from Norderhov. Hønefoss celebrated its 150th year of township in 2002. In 1964, Hønefoss ceased being a separate municipality and became part of Ringerike.

Hønefoss is located north of lake Tyrifjorden, where the river Begna forms the waterfall of Hønefossen, giving the town its name. Hønefoss is an industrial center of inner Østlandet, containing several factories and other industry. As of 1 January 2008, Hønefoss has 14,177 inhabitants.

Etymology

The city is named after a waterfall in the Begna River. The first element is the name of the old farm Hønen (Norse *Hœnvin), the last element is foss m 'waterfall'. The name of the farm is a compound of a word *hœn- (with an unknown meaning) and vin f 'meadow'.

Economy

Hønefoss is home to several factories and other industry, with the Norske Skog Follum paper mill traditionally having had a significant impact on the town. The paper mill, one of the largest producers of newsprint in Europe, opened in 1873.