Solbergmoen: Nerdammen, cross-country skiing and spinning mill history

Solbergmoen offers different ways to explore the surrounding area: you can swim at Nerdammen, the “Marivann rundt” circuit offers opportunities for both classic cross-country skiing and skating, and Solbergelva has a remarkable industrial history. There is also a popular viewpoint with a steep climb and a historic fortification. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether you would rather focus on water, exercise, or history.

At Nerdammen and on the ski circuit

Damslett is on the eastern shore of Nerdammen in Solbergelva, in Drammen municipality. From Damslett, you can swim in Nerdammen just below the cabin. If you would like to include swimming in your plans, this is a specific bathing spot located right by Damslett.

The nearby “Marivann rundt” circuit is about 6 km long. It has a track for classic cross-country skiing and also offers the option of skating. The circuit is suitable for families with children and older people. This gives you the option to choose a route based on both its approximate length and your preferred style of cross-country skiing when planning your day. The circuit can be reached from Solbergelva via Nerdamsveien, which is open to traffic all year round. From the Damhaugen car park, a groomed ski trail also runs along Nerdammen.

Hiking and local history

A DNT hiking suggestion leads to Kampenhaug. It starts at the Damhaugen car park, which can be reached from Solbergelva via Nerdamsveien. Kampenhaug is 3 km from Damhaugen. This means you can consider the hike as an option in its own right alongside the activities around Nerdammen and Marivann rundt.

Solberg Spinderi connects the area with Norway’s textile history. Founded in 1818 as Drammen Bomuldsspinneri, it is Norway’s oldest mechanically operated spinning mill. In 1821, Solberg Spinderi moved its operations from Drammen to Solbergelva to make use of hydropower there. The old factory site is also part of the area’s history: it is registered as a cultural heritage site worthy of preservation. For visitors interested in culture, this offers a different perspective on Solbergelva from its water and outdoor activities.

Sports, viewpoints, and fortification history

Solbergbanen in Solbergelva is used extensively for bandy. The facility is also used by ice-skating enthusiasts of all ages. Its amenities include changing rooms, a kiosk, and public toilets. Solbergbanen therefore adds another specific leisure destination to your options if you are interested in bandy or ice skating as well as hiking and cross-country skiing.

Knabben is a popular viewpoint in Solbergelva. The climb up is steep. This is a useful distinction from the route options described around Damhaugen: if you plan to visit Knabben, you should take the steep ascent into account when choosing your outing, rather than assuming it is like a route for which no such information is given.

Gjetholbatteriet, also known as Batteriet, is also nearby. The fortification is located between Stenseth and Solbergelva and was built from 1898 to 1903 as one of several border fortifications in Drammensdalen. Its historical significance adds another chapter of the region’s past to the industrial history of Solberg Spinderi.

For more places to explore, you can also see Mjøndalen.

For the broader travel overview: Nedre Eiker.