NorskA historical and artistic walk along the water at Dikemark. An idyllic and adventurous walk along the “Love Path” at Dikemark – an area rich in nature, history and art. The walk starts at Dikemark Hospital, where you can either come by bus or park at the administration building. Already here you get a taste of the area’s artistic soul, with beautiful wooden sculptures of beavers and otters.
The walk is child-friendly and easily accessible, but also offers a lot for those interested in local history and art.
Along Verkensvannet and Nordvannet
The path winds along Verkensvannet, with several cozy swimming and picnic areas that invite you to take breaks and picnics. Here the children can play by the water, while the adults enjoy the view and the tranquility. Eventually you cross the main road and continue along the east side of Nordvannet, where the path goes up a little into the terrain before it meets the water's edge again at a new swimming area with a pier and raft.
Historical buildings and local culture
On the way you pass Odden, a beautiful building that in 1925 was a tuberculosis sanatorium for children. The tour continues towards Slottsberget, and you have the opportunity to take a short detour to Dikemark riding club and Vardåsen school, before you reach the intersection at the former Sportsstuen café – a popular gathering place from 1923.
On the way back you pass Vardåsen Sanatorium, a magnificent Baroque-style building with a spire, which once housed tuberculosis patients. Since then, the building has also been a psychiatric ward for the elderly under Oslo University Hospital.
Artistic life
The tour ends back at the hospital area, where you will find several old, listed buildings and green lawns. Here, Dikemark Kunsthall has been established at Verksveien 2 (formerly Trafo Kunsthall which was located in Asker) and various exhibitions and events are held in the listed buildings. The Dikemark Psychiatric Hospital Museum is also located here at Sykehusveien 4.
Have a nice walk along the Love Path – a gem in Asker!
Length: approx. 5 km
Starting point: Dikemark Hospital (bus and parking available)