Geithus is a small village between Åmot and Vikersund where Tyrifjorden narrows and becomes Drammenselva. The name comes from the old Norwegian word for goat farm.
The area has evidence of very early settlement. Rock carvings along the riverbank, showing around 30 figures - mostly elk - are approximately 6,000 years old. When they were made, the sea level was about 40 metres higher, so the carvings were at a fjord outlet. They're positioned so that water washes over them during floods, which was common for Stone Age carvings.
In more recent history, Geithus developed as an industrial village. Katfos Fabrikker produced paper and cellulose here from 1898 until the factory closed in 1983. Two hydroelectric power plants, Geithusfoss and Gravfoss, still operate at the waterfalls.
The village had its own railway station from 1875 on the Randsfjordbanen, but passenger services stopped in 2004. The Geithusbrua cable bridge spans the point where Tyrifjorden becomes Drammenselva.
From Geithus you can access the southern part of Finnemarka wilderness area via Engersetra.