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[edit] General information[edit] NameThe name (Old Norse: Bergheimr) is composed of berg which means "mountain" and heimr which means "homestead" or "farm". It has probably originally belonged to a farm located at the base of the prominent mountain of Kolsås. In Old Norse times, the municipality was often called Bergheimsherað meaning "the herað (parish/ district) of Bergheimr". [edit] Coat-of-armsThe coat-of-arms is from modern times. They were granted on 9 January 1976. The arms show an old silver-colored lime kiln on a green background. This was an important aspect of the local economy from the Middle Ages until around 1800. There are still some original ovens visible in the municipality.[2] [edit] History
The area known today as Bærum was a fertile agricultural area as far back as the Bronze Age, and several archeological finds stem from the Iron Age. The first mention of the name is from the saga of Sverre of Norway, from about 1200. There are ruins of stone churches from the 1100s at Haslum and Tanum.  The pilgrim road to Trondheim that was established after 1030 went through Bærum, and there is evidence that lime kilns were in use in the area in 850. There were shipping ports for the quicklime at Slependen and Sandvika. The lime kiln is the main motif for the municipality's coat of arms. In the 1600s, iron ore was discovered in Bærum and the ironworks at Bærums Verk were founded. Industries such as paper mills, nail factories, sawmills, glassworks, and brickworks were established along the rivers Lysakerelven and Sandvikselva in the following centuries. There were orchards and other agricultural concerns throughout the area, remnants of which still exist today. A number of artists established themselves in Bærum, particularly around the art school run by Johan Fredrik Eckersberg. Among the artists who did much of their work in Bærum are Frits Thaulow, Christian Skredsvig, Harriet Backer, Kitty Lange Kielland, Otto Sinding, Eilif Pettersen, Gerhardt Munthe, and Erik Werenskiold. Starting in the mid-20th century, Bærum's agricultural base gradually gave way to residential construction. Still, only a third of the area, 64 square kilometres (24.7 sq mi), is built up for residential use; over half is productive forestry; and nearly 17 square kilometres (6.6 sq mi) is still agricultural. [edit] GeographyThe physical geography of Bærum is dominated by a craggy coastline along the Oslofjord and inland, hilly areas rising to the north and east, where there are large forested areas. The mountain of Kolsås forms a natural center, but the municipality also includes the secluded valley of Lommedalen. Four major rivers flow through the municipality: Lysakerelven, Sandvikselva, Lomma, and Øverlandselva, and there are numerous lakes, both in residential and forested areas. The official municipality flower is Anemone ranunculoides. The geology of Bærum also offers some of the best examples of the distinct diversity of the Oslo region's rocks, formations, and fossil finds. Bærum's forested surroundings offer great opportunities for outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. Inhabitants are generally eager to use "Marka", a popular name for the forest belt which starts at Vestmarka, continues through Kroksskogen, Bærumsmarka, Nordmarka, and Lillomarka and ends up at Østmarka. Lillomarka, Østmarka and parts of Nordmarka belongs to Oslo. Marka is an area where cars and motorized vehicles are not allowed. The gravel roads through Marka is closed with gates, but there are large car parking areas outside the gates. These car parks are often very full during the weekends. [edit] Economy
Bærum's industrial base has since the 1950s given way to service industries, including retailing, engineering, public services, etc. It derives much of its tax base by being a bedroom community to Oslo. It is one of the most affluent areas in Norway.[citation needed] Two of Norway's busiest highways (E18 and E16) and one railroad traverse the municipality. There has been considerable development of office parks along E18, especially around Lysaker in the last 20–30 years, reducing some of the pressure on downtown areas of Oslo.[citation needed] Scandinavian Airlines System Norway has its offices in Fornebu, Bærum.[3] The airline Widerøe has some administrative offices in Lysaker, Bærum.[4] Partnair, a charter airline, was headquartered at Fornebu Airport.[5] [edit] DemographicsBærum is one of the most densely populated municipalities in Norway. Along the E18 highway, the residential area is continuous with Oslo and continues with some interruption through to the neighboring municipality of Asker. Bærum is also the most affluent of Norwegian municipalities, with average per capita income (2002 figures) of NOK 370,800; compared with the national average of NOK 262,800. It also has the highest level of education nationwide. Administratively, Bærum is divided into 22 sections. The population for each section on 1 January 2005 was:
[edit] SportsStabæk IF plays in Tippeligaen, the highest division for mens football in Norway. Høvik IF plays in the highest bandy division. [edit] Notable residents
[edit] International relationsMain article: List of twin towns and sister cities in Norway [edit] Twin towns — Sister citiesThe following cities are twinned with Bærum:[6]
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