Høvik: Industrial History and Parkland

When looking for hotels in Høvik, it is worth first considering the themes that define the area: industrial and factory history at Høvik Verk, landscaped parkland, and sporting activities at Høvikbanen. The historic buildings and park offer a different focus from the activities at the sports grounds. This allows you to weigh up cultural history, landscape and sport as distinct travel interests.

Høvik Verk: Industrial History and Architecture

Høvik Verk is one of the twelve priority cultural heritage areas in the municipality of Bærum. The historic group of buildings in Høvikstranden recalls the industrial community of Høvik Glasverk. The area’s history comes to life through its specific buildings and their former uses.

The old Høvik Verk school was completed in 1894. The two-storey red-brick building has a traditional design. Its construction date, materials and form give the school a distinct architectural character and a firm place in the area’s building history.

The wooden villas Østre and Vestre are also among the defining buildings on the factory grounds. Østre dates from the 1890s and Vestre from the 1870s; both were built in the Swiss style. They are among the oldest and few remaining wooden buildings on the factory grounds. Together with the school, they illustrate different examples of the area’s historic buildings.

The cultural heritage also includes the assembly hall of Høvik Glasverk, which was used for theatre performances and concerts. Its former use broadens the focus beyond buildings and architecture to include the cultural life of the factory community.

Parkland and Paths

The landscape park at Høvik Verk was laid out in the 1870s and later developed further by Veritas. Changes included a fountain, new plantings and retaining walls for the large trees. Its development therefore encompasses both the original layout and later alterations to its design.

Parts of the landscape park are now part of the Veritas complex; Veritasparken is registered as a cultural heritage site. The old park trees also help tell the story of the place. Together, the trees and landscaped features add a landscape perspective to the history of the buildings.

In the Høvik Verk–Veritas area, a hiking trail runs along the shore and through the forest. This route offers a different way to experience the landscape than viewing the park and buildings. Check current information about trail conditions before setting out for a walk.

Sports and Activities at Høvikbanen

Høvikbanen is used as an artificial ice rink; there are also gravel pitches for bandy and football. These facilities provide a sporting focus alongside the historic sites and parkland. If sports facilities are among your travel interests, the description of Høvikbanen offers a specific point of reference when planning the content of your stay.

Families come together at Høvikbanen for ice-skating discos, tournaments and shared activities. If you want to plan around a particular event, check the latest dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Haslum, Sandvika, Stabekk, Snarøya, Fornebu, Lysaker

Go to the broader travel guide: Bærum.