Jessheim Explained

Jessheim
Settlement Type:Town
Pushpin Map:Norway
Pushpin Map Caption:Location within Norway
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Norway
Subdivision Type1:County
Subdivision Name1:Akershus
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Romerike
Subdivision Type3:Municipality
Area Total Km2:7.52
Population As Of:2017
Population Total:21 598
Timezone:CET
Utc Offset:+1
Timezone Dst:CEST
Utc Offset Dst:+2
Coordinates:60.15°N 22°W
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:2053
Nickname:Flyplassbyen ("The Airport Town")

Jessheim is a town in the Ullensaker municipality in Akershus of Norway.

History

The railway station with the Jessheim station was built in 1854 as part of the Hovedbanen line from Oslo to Eidsvoll.The railroad had at the initial construction of the railroad in 1854 called the stop "Trøgstad", but because of confusion with the town name Trøgstad in Østfold, the name was changed in 1897 to "Jessum". This name was used blasphemically, for example by military recruits who said they had passed through Bøn (town north of Jessheim) which sounds like "prayer" in Norwegian to Jessum, which could sound like Jesus. The priests in the area complained to the bishop who in 1900 brought the case up with the local council and suggested the form "Jessheim". The name was changed to "Jesseim". In 1920 the railroad changed the spelling to the current form, Jessheim.

Facilities and landmarks

Jessheim is a center for commerce and regional service functions at Øvre Romerike. The area also has some industry such as a concrete factory that utilizes the sand and gravel resources in the area as well as a wood products manufacturer. Jessheim Storsenter (mall) located in the center of town, is one of the biggest shopping malls in Norway. [1]

Jessheim is also home to Ullensaker Kulturhus which is a cultural center with a library and cinema. West of the town is the old royal burial mound Raknehaugen which dates back to between AD 533 and 551.[2] [3]

Etymology

The name "Jessheim" is from Norse Jasseimr or Jesseímr where the first part has unknown origin, while the second part (heimr) means home. It is also possible that the first part "Jess" can mean jarl or jarls (earls). The name was originally used for the Hovin parish.

Population

As at January 2020, Jessheim's population was estimated to be 21,598.[4]

Transport

Jessheim Station (Jessheim stasjon) is located on the main track of Norway's first railroad, completed in 1854, and formed the foundation for the later town. From Jessheim trains go north to Dal and south to Oslo. The E6 highway runs past on the west side of the town. Distance to Oslo is 41 km along this road, distance along the railroad is 45 km. Jessheim is also an important crossroad between Riksvei 35 westward to Oslo Airport, Gardermoen and Hønefoss, Riksvei 174 to Nannestad and Hurdal, and eastward to Kongsvinger (Riksvei 2).[5]

Sports

As of 2016 the local football (soccer) team Ullensaker/Kisa plays in the professional Norwegian First Division.

Notable locals

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Jessheim Storsenter. Visit Norway . September 1, 2018.
  2. Web site: Historikk. Ullensaker Kulturhus. September 1, 2018.
  3. Web site: Raknehaugen. Store norske leksikon. Frans-Arne Stylegar. September 1, 2018.
  4. https://www.ssb.no/befolkning/folketall/statistikk/tettsteders-befolkning-og-areal Statistics Norway
  5. Web site: Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL). Visit Norway. September 1, 2018.