Sandvika is Bærum’s city and the largest commercial, service and culture centre in the municipality. The town is beautifully situated on Sandvik River, right near the river mouth flowing into the fjord, with a backdrop of verdant hills. The route offers shopping, recreation, cultural sites and rural surroundings.
Without detours, the route is about 7.5 km long.
The route begins outside Thon Senter Sandvika. Start at the centre’s main entrance on Claude Monets Allé. Set a course northeast, cross Sandvik River and take the first road to the left on Løkketangen. You will arrive at Elias Smiths vei. Straight ahead is Løkkehaven, with its cast-iron Løkke Bridge, immortalised by Claude Monet in 1895. Here are small wooden houses with a gallery, arts and crafts, and a café, along with a chess sculpture by Sverre Hoel.
From Elias Smiths vei, take a right and then the first possible right again, over Rønne River on a small wooden bridge for pedestrians and cyclists. Follow the river southward to some pleasant cafés and restaurants. Pass Bærum rådhus (Bærum City Hall), designed by Magnus Poulsson and completed in 1926 and later in 1960. At the town hall you will find a statue, “Friheten” (Freedom), and a fountain called “Elementene” (The Elements), both by Arnold Haukeland. Continue straight on to Kadettangen. Here you can stop for a cup of coffee at Artista gallery café, watch Rigmor and Rigfar – the ferry boats, sit at the guest harbour or walk over to Kalvøya, known for its festivals and lovely nature trails.
Continue around Kadettangen. Back to Sandviksveien, turn left, straight over the bridge, then another left, and follow the river southwards. You will arrive at Kjørbo Park. At the edge of the fjord is Kjørbo Farm, Sandvika’s oldest, established during the late Iron Age. You will pass Politiet (Police) – which is a circle-shaped indoor car park, as well as Thon Hotel Oslofjord and Thon Senter Sandvika (one of the largest Nordic shopping centres), before arriving back on Sandviksveien.
Time to get those wheels spinning. Turn left and follow Sandviksveien about 1.4 km. At the first roundabout, keep to the right up Slependveien. After about 1 km you will see the Slependen lime kiln from 1914. The lime kiln is used as a symbol on Bærum’s municipal crest. Interested in seeing Tanum’s medieval church? If so, take the gravel road to the left, halfway out onto the field. If not, continue straight on to Bjørnegårdsvingen. Cycle over the bridge, keep to the right along the pedestrian and cycle path. Cross the river one more time and pass Sandvika High School on the left. You have arrived at Løkke Bridge and Løkkehaven, where you can conclude your trip with a game of “outdoor chess”.
For recreational routes: the nearest gateway is Tourist Information at Thon Senter Sandvika (shopping centre)
Phone: 67 52 23 00
E-mail: thonsentersandvika.kundeservice@thon.no