A long, uphill climb!
The route leads from the urban centre of Sandvika in the south, along Sandvik River and Lomma River, up to Bærums Verk in the heart of the municipality. Bærums Verk is a modern town steeped in history, with 50 shops, galleries, museums and a sculpture park.
Without detours, the route is about 8 km long.
Begin at the main entrance of Sandvika Storsenter (shopping centre) in Claude Monets Allé and take the road going northeast, over Sandvik River. Turn left at Løkketangen and cross Elias Smiths street. From here there is an enjoyable walking and cycle path through Løkkehaven and over old Løkke Bridge. The old wooden houses have been preserved as relics of the wooden town of Sandvika. Originally they stood elsewhere in Sandvika. Old Løkke Bridge was built at Bærums Verk in 1829 and was Norway’s first cast-iron bridge.
Cycle past Sandvika high school (keep the school on your right), and over Sandvik River on the bridge which is part of the entrance to the former Hamang Paper Mill, now an industrial park with shops. Immediately after the bridge, take a left and follow Sandvik River until you reach yet another bridge. Cross the bridge and take a right, through the gate and Bjørnegårdsvingene. Up toward the left, at the beginning of Bjørnegårdsvingene stands Bjørnegård Psychosocial Centre, in a venerable, old building from the 1860s. In the late 1800s the manor was converted to a guesthouse. Painter Claude Monet stayed here during his visit to Bærum in 1895.
After Bjørnegård, cross the river and cycle on the right side along Franzefossveien, past the former quarry belonging to the Franzefoss plant and Kalkmølla kulturstasjon. Kalkmølla (the lime mill) was completed in 1919 and belonged to Franzefoss. Today it functions has a cultural centre offering concerts, lectures, and more. There is also a popular fishing spot at Kalkmølla. The Sandvik watercourse has great value as a migration corridor and habitat for birds and other wildlife. Perhaps you’ll see the White-throated Dipper along the way? In spring the buttercup anemones are in bloom along the river shore. This is Bærum’s municipal flower.
The cycle route crosses the river again just before the road up to Emma Hjorth. Cycle on the left side of the road to the traffic light crossroad where Skuiveien meets Bærumsveien. Follow Skuiveien past Kirkerudbakken Ski Centre. On the right side of the road, past the clubhouse belonging to Bærum Ski Club, there is an asphalted trail going north toward Kolsås and Bærums Verk. This road is the first right turn immediately after the Esso station on the same side, and marked as a footpath.
Follow the path and turn right underneath Ringeriksveien E-16 (the motorway) and over the river. Follow the path and you will see Wøyen Mill on the right side. Turn left where the path ends and continue past Glassverket School. Follow the road up to the highway. Here you can take a detour to Wøyen Gård, which is Bærum’s largest estate. The four oldest buildings are believed to date from 1650. On the way to Bærums Verk, cycle on the right, along Gamle Lommedalsvei. At the roundabout, the crossroad of Økriveien and Brynsveien, go straight on, still along Gamle Lommedalsvei, but now on the left side. On your left stands Bryn Church, a “long-church” from 1861.
Cycle on a path parallel to Gamle Lommedalsvei, cross Stigerbakken and turn right down Langvari road. Then take a left. Once you have crossed Langleiken, you will reach the “new” Lommedalsvei. A detour is available here; you can take a marked footpath to the right, leading to Spikerfallet, an old power plant. Continue cycling along Lommedalsveien on the left, now with Glitredammen (Glitre Lake) down on the right. Along the route are several crofts that once belonged to the Bærums Verk estate. Enter through the gate onto an avenue leading to the estate, just before you cross Lomma River. To the left is Gommerud Mountain and Eineåsen.
Continue on the left side of Lommedalsveien, past the pottery workshop/boutique. Head down to Verksgata. Here you will find the old houses belonging to Bærums Verk, where there are various little shops. There is also a sculpture park here, with sculptures by Per Ung, among others. After crossing the Lomma River yet again, you have soon reached your destination. The Baker Hansen bakery has lots of treats for a hungry – and perhaps tired cyclist.
For recreational routes: the nearest gateway is Tourist Information at Sandvika Storsenter (shopping centre)
Phone: 67 52 23 00
E-mail: kundeservice@sandvikastorsenter.no