The west side of the Oslo fjord
The west side of Oslo has throughout history attracted adventurous artists and Christiania's nobility gathered in the small towns during the summer months. No wonder that today the area has some of Norway's best beaches in addition to summit hikes with fantastic views and a lot of untouched nature.
A round trip through Bærum and Asker takes you through different eras via charming villages such as Vollen, Sætre and Holmsbu. The area is best experienced by car but is also popular to explore by cycling or by leisure boat. There is also a scheduled ferry between Aker Brygge and Drøbak/Son with stops along the coast.
Popular small towns arise from industry and shipbuilding sites
Proximity to Oslo and access to the region's cultural highlights is best acheived by staying at Fornebu with sea views and nice beaches. At Scandic Fornebu, enjoy a tasty dinner at the balcony, play a game of shuffleboard in the bar and stroll the neighborhood to experience the Fornebu peninsula with its art installations, exciting architecture, Nansenparken and magnificent coastal nature. Art enthusiasts should also stop by Henie Onstad Art Center or Sjøholmen near Sandvika to explore contemporary art.
The old ironworks at Bærums Verk is worth a detour, today a center with over 40 shops and restaurants including several galleries, artisan shops and reputed interior shops. The place is idyllically located along the river Lomma. Admire the sculpture park and the unique shops in Værksgata.
Photo: Picturesque Bærums Verk
Vollen offers a whole day of experiences; unique shops with jewelery design and fashion, delicious Mediterranean lunch on the pier at Vito´s or the taste of Greece at Elea. Popular activities such as renting a jet ski in the marina and sauna at Varm in Vollen. The Oslo Fjord Museum has changing exhibitions that tell about life at sea and boat building traditions. The polar ship Maud was built here and is now stored in Tofte, further south on the Hurum Peninsula.
Photo: Charming Vollen in Asker
World-class geology
You get a feeling of being in southern Norway exploring the small bays and beaches, trecking along the shore and admiring the small white houses with rose gardens. Unique geology where you clearly see fossils of snails and octopuses in the stone urns is found in Slemmestad. The forest is full of mushrooms throughout the autumn, quiet lakes for a dip and great hiking trails.
Southern Charm in the villages
In charming Filtvet you can enjoy a lazy day by the beautiful white bay with view to the lighthouse. By Rødtangen the coast is considered to be the most beautiful where the seal colonies rests on the islets and the area has an unique plant and animal life by the coastal path towards Holmsbu.
Rent a nice cabin and stay close to this coastal gem that is bustling with life from Easter, but well worth a visit all year round. Spend the evening with delicious food at one of the towns restaurants and cafés, listening to live music in the backyard or on the hotel terrace. Directly below the hotel it is possible to rent the floating sauna and combine a dive into the sea with socializing and a steamy sauna.
Photo: Combine a stay at Holmsbu Badehotell with a wonderful sauna experience with KOK Holmsbu
Royal nature and farm visits
There is something soothing with animals, sweaters knitted from the finest alpaca wool and petting the soft fur of the family's pet. Stop at Bergvang Farm to get close to the beautiful alpacas and ride into the forest on horseback. The tours take place in the beautiful area by Semsvannet in Asker, namely in the backyard of the residence of our Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
Mindfulness and quality time
Pay a visit to Holmen Fjordhotell for care of stiff muscles and enjoy quality time with you loved ones. Spend the afternoon in the hotel's SPA with pool, steam room and jacuzzi followed by dinner with sea views, wine from the house's extensive wine cellar and a round of souffle board.
Photo: Precious drops can be found in the wine cellar at Holmen Fjordhotell