Gjerdrum: Forests, Waterfalls and Mining History

Spruce forests, water and traces of mining shape the places to visit in Gjerdrum. At 410.6 metres above sea level, Prekestolen is the municipality’s highest point. Waterfalls, trails and the history of Dalsgruva offer further, distinct insights into the area.

Forest, Highest Point and Water

The climb to Prekestolen is about 3 km long. Parts of the route follow a gravel road, while others are on a trail. Prekestolen Nature Reserve protects 556 dekars of old-growth spruce forest in the municipalities of Gjerdrum and Nittedal. Another protected forest lies in Torshov Nature Reserve, where the focus is on old spruce forest rich in deadwood and marine clay.

Grytfossen is a waterfall in the Gjermåa river, upstream of Lysdammen. From Grytfossen, the Streiff-renna runs downhill towards Horka; parts of the channel are still visible. Lysdammen is a swimming spot with landscaped green space along parts of the waterway. The swimming area has been adapted to be accessible for visitors with disabilities.

A number of protected and historic sites also add to the picture: Fjælstadeika is a protected oak at Nedre Fjælstad. Sixteen Iron Age burial mounds are recorded at Torshov farm. Gjerdrum is also home to 30 old setervanger—historic mountain pasture and summer settlement sites.

Trails and Practical Information

Two very different routes give an idea of the distances involved in a hike: the climb to Prekestolen is about 3 km long, while the “Langt inn i Gjerdrum” route is 33.8 km. It starts at the popular Tæruddalen excursion area in Skedsmo, continues to Gjerdrum and passes four places to stop for refreshments. By contrast, the circular route from Harasletta stays entirely within the municipality, passing through forest and across bogs; there are two places to stop for refreshments along the way.

The easiest way to reach Gruvbakken is from Allmenningssaga in Gjerdrum, via a toll road through Ask. Access to the forest roads is funded by parking fees at Lysdammen, the toll booth on Sagveien or online payment. At weekends in winter, a sports club from Gjerdrum serves refreshments at Busterudvangen. The cabin is closed for the rest of the year.

Other options include the 5 km floodlit ski trail or path. The “Postfinner'n” orienteering activity is suitable for children and adults of all ages: the checkpoints are out in the terrain from May to October, and specific dates may vary by season. The Gjerdrum Orienteering Club also organises the “Stolpejakt” activity in the municipality.

Mining History and Local Culture

Gruvbakken is the site of Dalsgruva. Iron ore was mined there intermittently from the early 17th century until 1820. In the early 19th century, Hakedals verk developed Myrgruvefossen to provide power for pumping water out of Dalsgruva in Gjerdrum. The Konsta mechanical power transmission ran from Myrgruvefossen to Dalsgruva and was in operation from 1811 to 1820.

Ulvedalshula tells a different story: the stone cave lies east of the road barrier to Ulvedalen and was used by Norwegian resistance forces as a store for weapons, ammunition and explosives during the war. Together, these places represent different chapters in the municipality’s history—from earlier ways of working to traces of the resistance.

Kulturukene is an annual series of events lasting several weeks in autumn. The programme includes concerts, art exhibitions, lectures, dance classes and theatre. Gjerdrumsdagen is a celebration of local culture and a gathering 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. Check the dates of each event before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Sørum, Ask, Nes, Rælingen, Skedsmo, Nittedal, Ski, Eidsvoll.

For the broader travel overview: Akershus.