Øverland bro

Øverland bro is a historic stone bridge in Bærum municipality, near Haslum, crossing the small river Øverlandselva southeast of the Øverland farm. It is a place where the story of the old roads around Oslo is easy to read: an ancient crossing, dry-stone masonry and a pilgrim route in one spot.

What does Øverland bro look like?

The bridge is a vaulted structure built of dry-laid stone, meaning without mortar. It is roughly 30 metres long, 3 metres high and 5 metres wide. This technique demanded careful selection and fitting of every block, and the arch holds together through the way the stones are placed.

What is the history of the bridge?

A crossing has existed here for a very long time. The bridge is already mentioned in Jens Nilssøn's visitation account of 1594, and local sources say it lies at the same old crossing point he used.

The stone bridge itself dates from 1838. It was built when Gamle Ringeriksvei, the old road toward Ringerike, was upgraded as a royal road. Earlier, from 1825, the Bergen road had become a postal route, which called for repairs and better crossings along the way.

In 1859 the road stopped being the main route toward Ringerike. In 1893, after Gamle Ringeriksvei was improved, traffic was moved to a new bridge slightly further north and the stone bridge fell out of use. In 1954 that newer bridge was replaced by a steel-beam bridge with a concrete deck. Sources do not fully agree on which bridge is the one that survives today, so it is worth checking current information locally before a visit.

Why visit?

The road has protected status. The Pilgrim's Route, opened in 1997, passes through the area, and footpaths were built down to the bridge on both sides of the river. That makes it easy to reach on foot as part of a walk around Haslum.

It suits anyone interested in transport history, stonework and old highways. It is not an all-day attraction, more a quiet, short stop on a walk along the river and the pilgrim path.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Øverland bro? In Bærum municipality, near Haslum, over the river Øverlandselva, southeast of the Øverland farm.

When was the bridge built? The stone bridge dates from 1838. The crossing itself is much older and was mentioned in 1594.

Is it part of the Pilgrim's Route? Yes. The Pilgrim's Route, opened in 1997, includes this place, and paths lead to the bridge from both sides of the river.

Can you walk there? Yes, footpaths on both sides of the river lead to the bridge.

Why did it stop being used? In 1893, after the road was improved, traffic moved to a new bridge slightly further north.