Asker, Bærum and Hurum

Coastal charm west of Oslo

Discover the west bank of the Oslofjord, just a short drive or train ride from Oslo!

A map of Norway with a red dot on Bærum.
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

Asker, Bærum and the Hurum Peninsula are just a short trip from Oslo. Here, you'll find world-class art, wonderful shopping and beautiful beaches along the coastline.

Visit sculpture parks and wander along coastal trails, passing several charming spots such as Vollen, Filtvet and Holmsbu.

You can also go hiking in the nearby mountains or enjoy a walk with alpacas. In winter, there are excellent opportunities for both alpine and cross-country skiing.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

"Verksgata" at Bærums Verk in Lommedalen, Bærum
Handcrafted glass art at Bærums Verk in Lommedalen
Henie Onstad Kunstsenter

Explore exciting attractions such as the artisan village of Bærums Verk, just a half-hour drive from Oslo.

The former ironworks is now home to cosy cafés and niche shops. In December, the historical venue transforms into a lovely Christmas market.

Experience glassblowers and other craftspeople at work and go for a stroll in the sculpture park, where you will find more than 29 works created by some of Norway’s most renowned sculptors.

The Henie Onstad Art Center in Sandvika is a leading arena for Norwegian and international art, with a varied programme of exhibitions and a permanent collection consisting of more than 8,000 works.

It is beautifully located on the Høvikodden peninsula, right by the fjord, beaches and a large sculpture park.

All of this is within easy reach (15 min) by train or bus from Oslo city centre!

In Sandvika, you also find Norway's biggest shopping centre and one of the best beaches in the Oslo region, Kadettangen.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

  • Lady in the exhibition
    Eiksmarka

    Grini Museum

    Grini prison camp was the largest German prison camp in Norway during World War II. Almost 20,000 men, women and children were held captive here during the four years the camp existed. At the museum you can delve deeper into engaging exhibitions about the important history of Grini and why it is still relevant.
    The Oslofjord Museum in Vollen
    Vollen

    The Oslofjord Museum in Vollen

    Charming Vollen in Asker has a long and rich boatbuilding tradition. At the bottom of the bay you will find the Oslo Fjord Museum and the museum harbor. Here, the little ones can build an elastic boat and test it in the indoor pool, or play in the wheelhouse and coastal lodge. You will also get close to historic leisure boats, outboard engines and topics such as marine litter and the construction of the polar ship Maud.
    Book now
    Kolsåstoppen - utsikt
    Bærums Verk

    Hiking to Kolsåstoppen

    Kolsåstoppen is a well-known peak in Bærum easily accessible by T-bane or bus. It is known for its beautiful paths and splendid view overlooking the Oslo fjord. Kolsåstoppen consisting of two peaks, Nordre Kolsåsbanen which is 379 m and Southern Kolsåsbanen which is 342 m. It is also one of the biggest climbing fields in the Oslo area.
    Sjøholmen Jason Tayler
    Høvikodden

    Outdoor art in Bærum

    The sculpture parks in Bærum can be found at Henie Onstad, Sjøholmen, Bærums Verk and Fornebu A stroll here is like a walk in an open cultural landscape, Several renowned artists such as Monet was inspired by the beautiful surroundings and the light. We have 4 beautiful sculpture parks that are available around the clock for a cultural experience.
    Fossil of a snail
    Slemmestad

    Geologi center

    The Geology Center in Slemmestad has an exhibition in the Trilobox containging fossils, rocks and minerals. A model shows the bedrock of Slemmestad which has a unique geology that we find only 3 places in the world. In nature surrounding Slemmestad you can find octopus fossils, trilobites and snails that lived over 400 million years ago.
    Alpinist with blue jacket
    Vøyenenga

    Alpint and snowboard in Asker and Bærum

    Alpine in Asker and Bærum. In Asker and Bærum we have a huge selection of great skiing opportunities for those who want to ski and snowboard and develop their skills. There are slopes for every taste and skill, and several of the slopes organise weekend courses and seasonal courses!
    Vollen, Asker, Oslofjord, beach, sand, green area, recreation, frisbee golf, grilling, swim
    Vettre

    Coastal path - hike Vettre-Vollen-Slemmestad

    Easy walk on small roads and good trails along the coastal path on one of Asker's most beautiful stretches. A good mix of varied marine nature through pleasant residential areas, in historical surroundings and old cultural landscape.
    House and sculptures in the museum park
    Hvalstad

    Asker Museum

    In the Artist Valley at Hvalstad is the Asker museum. Here you can step into the beautiful and unique artist homes of Tilla and Otto Valstad and the author couple Hulda and Arne Garborg. The homes are surrounded by the fairytale, baroque-inspired garden including sculptures by Anne Grimdalen.
    Book now
    Lady holding a jacket with leopard pattern
    Sandvika

    Thon Senter Sandvika

    Sandvika Storsenter just outside Oslo is the largest shopping mall with 200 shops and restaurants gathered at one destination. Free parking for 2 hours, and easy access by public transport such as bus and train from Oslo and Drammen.
    Bærums Verk shopping
    Bærums Verk

    Bærums Verk shopping

    Bærums Verk has more than 40 shops and restaurants, from modern fashion and interior shops to artisan shops within visual arts, carpentry, iron smiths and glass blowers.
    Book now
    Kusama art at Henie Onstad - colourful dotted lamps
    Høvikodden

    Henie Onstad Art Center

    Since 1968, Henie Onstad Artcenter has been committed to Norwegian and international art, with a broad exhibition, music and performance program, and a central art collection.
    Book now
Find more attractions
Dog sledging at Bergvang visitor farm in Asker

Here we go! The huskies at Bergvang visitor farm, in Asker, simply love to run!

Meet farm animals in beautiful natural surroundings, walk with cute alpacas, go horseback riding, and enjoy something tasty at the cosy farm café.

Asker has a very long coastline, dotted with coastal gems like Vollen, with beaches, cafés, cool shops, and fascinating, historical coastal culture.

Walk along the Kyststien coastal trail, following the western side of the Oslofjord.

Did you know that legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s polar exploration vessel MS Maud was built here? Dive into its fascinating history at the Oslofjord Museum.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

  • Wooden boats on the water in front of the Badehotellet, blue sky
    Holmsbu

    Badehotellet, Holmsbu

    interior
    Sandvika

    Thon Hotel Oslofjord

    Book now
    Drone photo of hotel Quality Expo
    Fornebu

    Quality Hotel™ Expo

    Book now
    Ramton Camping
    Nærsnes

    Ramton Camping

    Book now
    White annex by the water front
    Sætre

    Wærpen holiday homes

More accommodation
Man picking apples at a farm in Eastern Norway

Continue south and visit a lesser-known gem, the Hurumhalvøya peninsula.

The peninsula offers lovely bays and farm shops selling delicious local items. Visit cafés and art galleries in the charming coastal settlements of Holmsbu (pictured), and Rødtangen before taking Norway's shortest ferry trip over to Svelvik.

Head north again, towards the recently transformed city of Drammen, along the beautiful Drammensfjord.

You'll also find many fruit farms with self service stands and shops in the area, including in the direction of Lier. Sample award-winning apple juices!

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

  • Man smelling the apple liqour
    Sætre

    Destillery tour. Apple spirits at Eplegården

    Terrace on a beautful summer day
    Vollen

    Bukta Food

    Book now
    The NaKuHel Centre
    Asker

    The NaKuHel Centre

    Book now
Find more restaurants
Sunny day at the beaches of Asker and Bærum

All these treasures and more await by the Oslofjord!

Find more information on Greater Oslo's official website.

Visit Greater Oslo logovisitgreateroslo.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Asker and Bærum with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

  • By plane

    Oslo Airport is located about 40 minutes away, while Torp Sandefjord Airport can be reached within 1 hour.

    Flytoget, The Airport Express Train, has several departures and is the quickest way to reach Asker and Bærum from Oslo Airport. The journey takes around 45 minutes.

    The Airport Express Bus travels directly to and from Oslo city centre and Bekkestua in Bærum.

    Ad: Norwegian – Cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European airports

    By car

    Asker and Bærum is a region with a well developed infrastructure. The main artery of the road network in the region is the E18, which stretches from the Oslo border in the east, through Asker in the west, and into Buskerud county.

    The E18 is a toll road if you cross Oslo’s borders.

    Ad: AutoEurope - always a smooth rental experience

    By boat

    From Oslo, there are ferry connections to Fredrikshavn and Copenhagen in Denmark, as well as Kiel in Germany. Find more information about ferry transportation.

    The Nesoddfergene ferries travel between Aker Brygge/Lysaker and Nesoddtangen all year round, whilst M/S Rigmor and M/S Rigfar are ferries that take you to islands in the fjord. For time tables and prices, check out Ruter’s website.

    By bus

    Public transport is in many cases linked to services in the bordering capital, which offers a broad and varied range of bus services.

    Several bus companies operate to and from Oslo Airport with a number of stops in the area around the airport.

    Ad: Vy express - travel with bus throughout Norway

    By train

    There are several train departures from Asker and Bærum to multiple destinations in Norway. Train stations are situated throughout Asker and Bærum.

    Ad: Check out Vy’s website for prices and timetables

Discover more

People in a horse-drawn carriage in Havlystparken at the culture destination Ramme Gård in Hvitsten by the Oslofjord in Eastern Norway
Charming seaside destinations along the Oslofjord
Four women relaxing by the indoor pool at Engø gård at Tjøme, Eastern Norway
The Oslo region with the girls
Islands in Oslo, Eastern Norway, in summer
Go island hopping in Oslo
  • Two people sightseeing at Akershus Fortress in Oslo
    The locals’ guide to Oslo: top insider tips
    Mother and child walking inside The Twist at Kistefos, Hadeland
    Top 10 arty day trips around Oslo
    M/S Victoria passing Sundkil Bridge in Telemark, Norway
    Eastern Norway

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.