Discover Gjerdrum: Forest, Water and History
Accommodation in Gjerdrum
In Gjerdrum, old spruce forests, trails through woods and marshes, and traces of past mining meet. Those who enjoy exploring the landscape on foot will find a range of options for their stay: an ascent of about three kilometres to the municipality’s highest point, circular trails and longer routes. Water and local culture also add their own distinctive touches to a trip.
Spruce forest, viewpoint and water
At 410.6 metres above sea level, Prekestolen is the highest point in Gjerdrum. The ascent is about three kilometres long and follows a gravel road for part of the way and a path for the rest. The changing trail surface is a practical consideration when planning your day. The Prekestolen Nature Reserve protects 556 decares of old spruce forest and lies within the municipalities of Gjerdrum and Nittedal.
Another woodland area is Torshov Nature Reserve, with old spruce forest rich in deadwood on marine clay. The two reserves offer different glimpses of the forest: at Torshov, deadwood is expressly part of the character of the protected woodland. Those wishing to combine nature experiences with local history can also include the municipality’s historical sites in their travel plans.
Lysdammen has a bathing area with a landscaped green space along parts of the water. The area is equipped to be accessible to visitors with disabilities. Grytfossen is a waterfall in the Gjermåa river upstream from Lysdammen. This offers a choice of two different reasons to take an outing in the municipality—a bathing area and a waterfall—without assuming the same kind of activity.
Trails through forest and marshland
The circular route from Harasletta lies entirely within Gjerdrum municipality, passes through forest and over marshes, and goes by two refreshment stops. For those wishing to include a longer route in their trip, “Langt inn i Gjerdrum” is a 33.8-kilometre route. It starts at the popular excursion destination of Tæruddalen in Skedsmo, continues to Gjerdrum and passes four refreshment stops. The two options differ in length and in the landscapes described: the circular route from Harasletta focuses on forest and marshes, while the longer route connects Skedsmo with Gjerdrum.
For orienteering enthusiasts, there is “Postfinner'n”. The activity is suitable for children and adults of all ages; the markers are out in the terrain from May to October. The Gjerdrum orienteering club also organises the activity “Stolpejakt”. A five-kilometre lit ski trail or path adds another option for getting active. Families can choose among a marked search activity, Stolpejakt and longer hiking routes, depending on their interests.
Traces of mining and older settlements
Norwegian resistance forces stored weapons, ammunition and explosives during the war in Ulvedalshula, a stone cave east of the road barrier to Ulvedalen. Waterfalls also tell the story of how the landscape was used: in the early 19th century, Hakedals verk developed Myrgruvefossen to provide power for pumping water out of Dalsgruben in Gjerdrum. The mechanical power transmission system Konsta connected Myrgruvefossen with Dalsgruva and was in operation from 1811 to 1820.
Gruvbakken is the site of Dalsgruva. Iron ore was mined there intermittently from the early 17th century until 1820. The easiest way to reach Gruvbakken from Allmenningssaga in Gjerdrum is via a toll road through Ask. Another trace of the past is the 16 Iron Age burial mounds recorded at Torshov farm. Gjerdrum also has 30 old setervanger, historic mountain pasture and summer settlement sites. The protected Fjælstadeika oak stands at Nedre Fjælstad.
The partly visible Streiff-renna runs downhill from Grytfossen towards Horka. Together with the information about Dalsgruva and Konsta, it offers another perspective on the history of the local landscape and its use.
Events and local pages
Kulturukene takes place every year in autumn and lasts several weeks. The programme includes concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, dance classes and theatre. Gjerdrumsdagen is a celebration of local culture and a meeting place for the municipality’s residents. “Jul i Gjerdrum” is a pre-Christmas event featuring a concert, Christmas market, Christmas tree lighting and activities for the whole family. If you would like to plan your stay around culture or events, you can take these different formats into account when choosing your travel dates.
Access to the forest roads in Gjerdrum is funded through parking fees at Lysdammen, the toll station on Sagveien or online payment. Include this arrangement in your outing plans if you intend to use the forest roads. To find your way around the municipality, you can also explore the places Sørum and Ask.
For the wider travel overview: Akershus.
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