Lier mentalsykehus

Lier - where the ruins of this hospital for mentally ill is located in a bit north of Drammen. You can find it on Google Earth ("Lier old hospital").

Gamle Lier Mentalsykehus (i.e. "Old Lier Mental Hospital"). Situated in Lier, about 40 km west of Oslo and 10 km north of Drammen.

The first buildings where erected in 1926 as "Lier Asylum". The institution grew, in the 1940s it changed name to "Lier Hospital". At the height of activity, around 600 patients which all kinds of mental disease ranging from mild to severe where admitted. In 1984 four out of the seven buildings where closed as the psychiatry services where reformed. They were left more or less in the shape they were in during the last years of operation.

While controversial elements of post-WWII psychiatry, like electroconvulsive therapy, administration of psychoactive drugs like LSD and perhaps also lobotomy are likely to have been performed here, little is actually known of the manner of day to day operations before the 1984 closure. Since that time, a quite colourful folklore has developed around the place after its closure, and ghost stories of warying quality are legion.

An order of demolition was issued in 2009, but the conservation authorities intervened. The buildings are now derelict while an preservation plan is being developed. Entry is forbidden. The area is fenced. However, urban explores have repeatedly crossed physical barriers to enter the complex, and several photo series exist.

If one does decide to break the law and enter, it's very important to understand that the buildings are in very poor shape and that there is considerable risk of serious bodily harm. Especially the areas around the staircases are in grave disrepair and the floors may fail at any moment.

It is also important to consider that while four of the buildings are abandoned, three buildings still operate as a mental hospital and an unconsidered entry may distrube and provoke patients at the institution.

(I'm not advising for or against, just making sure people know exactly what they are doing or not doing.)

In culture, the hospital served as backdrop for "23-salen" ("Dorm 23"), the 1981 debut novel of prize winning Norwegian author Ingvar Ambjørnsen. Ambjørnsen is perhaps most known for his later "Elling" books which were turned made into an Academy Award nominated movie.

Also, a Norwegian film production company announced in 2011 that a €1 mill budgeted film based on the hospital would start shooting some time in the winter of 2011/12.

Thanks for all your information and advise..I have noted them down and be extra cautious

One more question, how to get there from Lier train station if you dont drive.
I noticed that it is a 4km walk one way.. possible to get a cab or other means of transportation from the train station?

thanks