The river Lomma flows through old cultural landscape in Lommedalen, and has given the valley its name.
The river starts deep in Krokskogen and several smaller rivers meet along the way. Lomma meets Isielva below Vøyenfallet together, it continues as Sandvikselva.
Along Lomma you can experience much of Bærum's industrial history as well as beautiful nature such as older deciduous forest with a large diversity of deciduous trees and plants. The area also has a rich bird and animal life. Both Norway's national bird the waterfall call and the very beautiful winter eagle nest here. The course of the river crosses the Pilgrimsleden and the Bergen Royal Road between Oslo and Klevistua. The trip goes on a path, road and forest road through forest, past dived landscape, along the Golf Courses. There are several sections where you have to walk between the historical points on nearby hiking trails. Gopdt suitable for cycling.
The pocket was a typical flood river with only relatively small waters. Waterfalls with a suitable drop height made Lomma attractive as a driving force for energy-intensive activities when these began to develop in Norway at the end of the 16th century. Until the beginning of the 20th century, mills and saws were built, and later also electricity plants in the river. Discoveries of commercially available iron ore at the end of the 16th century in the areas below the Tanum Plateau and Eineåsen provided a basis for constructing smelters with hammers, first at Wøyen farm, then at Gommerud. At Vøyen, the first blast furnace was built in Norway in 1622.
Bærums Jernverk became the municipality's cornerstone and was located where Handelsstedet Bærums Verk is today. In the old workers' houses there are galleries, craft shops and artist workshops. The area is beautifully landscaped with a sculpture park, restaurants and shopping center, an excellent stop along the way.
Bring a packed lunch and thermos on the trip along the river! – And remember the hiking map (the paper version is free and available at all libraries in Bærum), or download a detailed guide.
We wish you a good trip! Regards Bærum Elveforum
(Thanks to, and reproduced with permission from Bærum Elveforum)