After the Swedish victory at Lier, Bernhard Ditlef von Staffeldt ordered Johan Georg Ræder to attack the right flank of Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt's brigade, along the Skinnarbøl river.

The battle had no strategic effect as Armfelt retreated out of Norway in May and June, after misinterpreting the orders from the Swedish king Gustav IV Adolf advocating for him to act defensively.

[6][7] In mid-May, the Norwegian commander Christian August ordered Bernhard Ditlef von Staffeldt to conduct a counterattack against the Swedish outposts at the Skinnarbøl river (between the Vinger and Digeren lakes), covering Armfelt's right flank.

Subsequently, the remaining columns also attacked the nearby Swedish positions at Skansgarden and Skinnarbøl, of which both received orders to withdraw south across the river.

[10] To inspire his comrades, a Swedish sergeant (named Diricker) climbed up the defenses each time the Norwegians attacked and swung his hat around, mocking them.

[2] The Norwegians admitted to a loss of 7 men killed, 27 wounded and 6 captured,[2] which, in regards to the intensity of the fighting—which had resulted in three failed assaults—is considered as too low by a few sources.