Bærums Verk
Viken
Bærums Verk is a historic village located in Bærum, Norway, originally established as an iron foundry in the early 17th century. Founded by Paul Smelter in 1610 near the river Lomma, it became a major industrial site producing nails, iron parts, bullets, and cannonballs. Under Anna Krefting's leadership from 1712 to 1766, the works expanded significantly, becoming Norway's largest of its kind. Despite setbacks including a major fire in 1762, the foundry was rebuilt and continued operation until the blast furnace was replaced in 1874. Owned by the Løvenskiold family since 1889, the ironworks closed in 1964. The site was revitalized in the 1980s and transformed into a retail and cultural center in 1997, preserving many historic buildings including Norway's oldest tavern. Today, Bærums Verk offers a charming shopping experience with specialty stores, restaurants, and a museum showcasing historic ovens and handcrafted products, all nestled in a picturesque valley with pedestrian bridges spanning the river.
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Astuce: Visit Bærums Verk during the Christmas season to experience the traditional annual lighting of the Christmas tree in the square outside the shopping center. It's advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets for the museum beforehand if available. The site offers discounts for groups and seniors. Exploring on foot is recommended to fully appreciate the historic buildings and pedestrian bridges connecting the area.
Faits intéressants
- •Bærums Verk was granted a virtual monopoly on iron production in the Oslo area in the early 1600s.
- •Anna Krefting rebuilt the ironworks within two years after a devastating fire in 1762, showcasing remarkable resilience.
- •The site houses Norway's oldest tavern, which is a protected building still in operation.
- •The foundry produced a variety of iron products including nails, bullets, and cannonballs during its operational peak.
- •The Løvenskiold family has owned the site since 1889 and transformed it into a retail center in 1997.
Histoire
Iron ore was discovered in the Bærum area in the early 1600s, leading to the establishment of the first foundry by Paul Smelter in 1610.
The ironworks consolidated at its current location by 1615 and dominated the Oslo region's iron production.
After crown ownership and mismanagement, Gabriel Marcelis revitalized the foundry in 1641 with a double blast furnace.
The Krefting family expanded operations in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, notably under Anna Krefting.
Ownership changed hands several times, including to Peder Anker and the Wedel Jarlsberg family.
The blast furnace was shut down in 1874, replaced by a cast iron workshop.
The Løvenskiold family acquired the works in 1889, and the ironworks ceased production in 1964.
The area was redeveloped in the late 20th century into a shopping and cultural center while preserving historic structures.
Guide du lieu
The Old Foundry Buildings17th century onwards
Historic industrial buildings along the river Lomma that housed the original ironworks, now converted into shops, restaurants, and a museum.
Bærums Verk Museum18th century to 1964
Museum located in the old foundry buildings showcasing ovens produced from the 18th century until the foundry's closure in 1964, as well as exhibits on the ironworks' history and local craftsmanship.
Værtshuset Bærums Verk (The Tavern)1762
Norway's oldest tavern still in operation, located in a protected building dating back to 1762, offering a glimpse into the social life of the ironworks community.
