Skotselv


Skotselv is a village in the municipality of Øvre Eiker, Norway. Its population is 684, of which 8 people live within the border of the neighbouring municipality of Modum. It has a railway station on the Randsfjord Line.

History

Skotselv as a small village has existed since the Viking era. At that time the main river, now called Drammenselva, rose higher than today’s level, making transport and trade by ship highly accessible. The village first started to grow significantly during the first half of the 16th century when the powerful Ulleland family established several sawmills along the river, using the river as a mean of transporting the goods to the region's capital, Drammen.

Iron Mill period

In 1649, Hassel Ironworks started operation as the area's first iron mill, which was run by the Hassel family. They mainly produced ovens, but expanded into general ironware factory later on. It continued to be the biggest influence on the community until it was finally closed down in 1888.

Cellulose Mill period

Established the same year as the iron mill shut down, the Skotselv Cellulose Mill remained Skotselv's most important workplace. Several modernizations were made during the first part of the 20th century and the company was sold to Labor Union in 1913. The new ownership managed to turn the tide and the growth lasted all the time to 1978 when it was closed for good.

Skotselv Power Station

Skotselv Power Station is a hydroelectric dam on the Bingselva. It has installed a Kaplan turbine. The power plant uses the fall in the river. It is owned and operated by Øvre Eiker Energi AS.

Local attractions