Skotselv: Church Architecture and Ironworks History

Skotselv offers cultural history with specific names and dates: Bakke Church was consecrated in 1883, and the former Hassel Ironworks operated for a long period. Those who like to give their trip a cultural focus will find two different themes here. Hiking can also be part of your holiday plans: in Knivedalen, there are trails including routes to Bergdamtjern, while Lobbenåsen has a marked circular trail and a shelter.

Bakke Church: Design, Materials and History

Bakke Church in Skotselv is a cross-shaped log church designed by architect D. Omeijer. It was consecrated on 10 October 1883. For visitors interested in culture, this offers several specific points of interest: the architectural style, the building material used, and the design by a named architect. The consecration date provides a precise point of reference in time, without implying a different construction date.

The cemetery at Bakke Church also tells a story of regional craftsmanship and industrial history. It contains numerous cultural heritage monuments in the form of iron crosses cast at Hassel Ironworks. This means the church can be appreciated for more than its architecture: the crosses provide a reason to view the cemetery as part of the cultural heritage. Those interested in historic materials can consider the log church and the iron crosses as distinct forms of expression.

Hassel Ironworks and Its History

The former Norwegian ironworks, Hassel Ironworks in Skotselv, operated from 1649 to 1854. It was one of Norway’s oldest ironworks and, at times, one of the country’s largest. These two descriptions make its history particularly revealing: on the one hand, they point to its early place among the country’s ironworks; on the other, to an importance shaped at times by the scale of its operations. Together with the iron crosses cast at Hassel Ironworks, this provides a historical connection that can be explored both through the works themselves and through the objects that have survived.

Hiking in Knivedalen and on Lobbenåsen

If you would also like to include outdoor activities in your trip, there are different opportunities for hiking. Hiking routes are available in Knivedalen, including trails to Bergdamtjern. This named destination may be of interest when planning if you like to make a particular place the focus of a hike. Lobbenåsen has a marked circular trail. There is also a shelter there. So, alongside hikes with a named destination, you can also consider the circular trail and the shelter as separate features.

For a family trip, you can consider whether cultural history or hiking should be the focus before choosing a holiday rental. Bakke Church and the history of Hassel Ironworks offer different cultural themes; Knivedalen and Lobbenåsen offer different hiking opportunities. This lets you tailor your accommodation search to the interests that matter for your trip, without assuming that the holiday rental has any particular amenities. If you would like to discover more places, you can also visit Hokksund.

For the main travel overview: Øvre Eiker.