Akershus, Norway – Surrounds Oslo – Attractions, activities

Art, climbing and constitution

In Akershus you can easily switch between the good life by the coast, urban city life and active holiday in the countryside.

Think of Akershus as a green belt that surrounds the capital of Norway. The area is packed with family-friendly active holiday offers, history, art and local food experiences. Thanks to well-developed public transport and road structure, it is easy to get to Akershus.

Asker and Bærum are Oslo's neighboring municipalities in the west. Combine urban lifestyle with the great outdoors. Swim in the fjord, climb the Kolsåstoppen or go cross-country skiing in freshly prepared trails. After a day in the nature, enjoy a decent coffee and shopping in the city centers of Asker and Sandvika and get input at art institutions like Henie Onstad Art Center, Bærums Verk and Kunstnerdalen at Hvalstad.

The Follo area is just a 20 minutes' drive from Oslo, with several idyllic coastal towns by the Oslofjord. The small artist cities of Drøbak, Hvitsten and Son are located in a row, with traces of big names like Edvard Munch, Theodor Kittelsen and Sigrid Undset. In Drøbak see Tregaardens Julehus, the cousin of Santa Claus and the only aquarium of the Oslofjord. Oscarsborg Fortress is a cultural and historical arena.

TusenFryd, Norway's largest traditional amusement park, is the place to go for an exceptional joyful day.

Romerike, just north of Oslo, offers urban culture in the towns of Jessheim and Lillestrøm and refreshing walks in forest and fields. History buffs will head for the birthplace of the Norwegian constitution at the Eidsvoll 1814 visitor centre, before a trip on Mjøsa with the historic Skibladner paddle steamer.

Continue to Fløtmuseet in Fetsund for the history of timber transport on the Glomma river, and climb from tree top to tree top at the Sørum activity park. In winter you can go cross-country skiing in a network of prepared trails or visit resorts like Varingskollen and SkiHurdal.

Find more inspiration on Akershus' official website.

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