Fjord Cruise Oslo fjord with overnight stay

Day 1 Oslo – Oscarsborg.  The tour starts from Aker Brygge on board the ferry B21/B22 and follows Nesodden shore by the fjord. The boat makes stops in several small villages along the coast before arriving at Oscarsborg. Explore the many sights at Oscarsborg Fortress such as tours of the ramparts, see the big canons and walk through the tunnels. Visit the museums or explore the area by self-guiding. Overnight stay and dinner at Oscarsborg Hotel and Resort or have a meal by the water's edge at Havnekroa.

Day 2 Drøbak – Son. Idyllic Drøbak center consists of cozy wooden houses and the marina with many cozy restaurants, cafes, galleries and trendy shops in the center. Avistegnernes Hus is well worth a visit with satiric drawings, as well as the many artist galleries. You can get here by ferry from Oscarsborg. Foodies can enjoy a stop in Bringebærlandet for a raspberry wine tasting and a tour of the farm. Possible to rent electric bikes for a nice bike ride back and forth.  Check opening hours on www.bringebarlandet.no

A short ferry ride of 30 min brings us on to the coastal town of Son. In the harbor you will find wooden boats from the coastal culture center in Son. Enjoy a nice walk from the harbor to Son Spa hotel among the small white wooden houses. Arriving at the hotel, you can enjoy a meal on the terrace or the hotel's beautiful Spa. Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 Son – Oslo. Spend the morning in pleasant surroundings with spa or walks along the coastal path. Also possible to rent a kayak for a paddle tour on the fjord. Return by ferry back to Oslo. The boat makes a stop at Nesoddtangen and we recommend a stop for a delicious meal at Signalen Sjøbad before embarking on the last leg to Aker Brygge. Enjoy a dinner with evening sun and great views to Fornebu. The restaurant serves delicious seafood and food from local producers at Nesodden. Well worth a stop before the tour ends with a small boat trip from Nesoddtangen to Aker Brygge (about 20 min)

Check ferry schedule on www.ruter.no

Tenting in Asker and Bærum

5 nice tent sites in Asker and Bærum

Accommodation in nature is a great opportunity to get out and create new great memories. Feel the magic of nature's silence, the birds' song, the stream's stream and the morning light that tickles your eyes. We have selected 5 beautiful tent sites in the open that are suitable whether you are alone, with friends, with children and family.

Remember warm clothes, good footwear, headlamps, follow the fire rules and bring all waste back.

Tour suggestions:

1. Østernvann or Lathus, Fossum

2. Burudvann, Lommedalen

3. Rabben and Elnestangen, Vollen, Asker

4. Sandbukta, Tofte, Asker

5. Kjekstadmarka, Asker

The right of public access gives us fantastic opportunities to use the nature around us, as long as we take into account landowners, each other, plants and animals. Feel free to familiarize yourself with this before you go on a trip.

Infields are areas such as courtyards, house plots, cultivated land and similar areas where public traffic will be a nuisance for the owner of the land.

Outfield can be explained as anything that is not infield; forests, mountains, bogs and coastal areas, which make up most of the region.

1. Østernvann and Kråka, Fossum, Bærum

Østernvann is a popular hiking destination in Bærumsmarka, just a short bike ride or walk from Fossum. There are several good tent and hammock places around the entire lake, but there are most visitors where the hiking trails come up in the south and east. On the upper side, there is a nice, large open space along the gravel road that is well suited for a tent trip with the little ones. Nice hiking trails along the entire water. Østernvann does not have toilets, waste disposal and established campfire sites that many other places have.

Less known is the tent site near Lathus, known as Kråka on the west side of Bogstadvannet. Here there is an elongated lawn, a small sandy beach, nice campfire and barbecue and two nice outdoor toilets. Nice starting point for canoe trips on Bogstadvann and up Sørkedalselven. Good sun conditions all day with a view to Bogstad Golf Course and Holmenkollen. On the way to the square, follow the Lysaker River towards Bogstad, past Hammarbrua and Osdammen. The water from the dam in Hammarfossen was used to drive a large hammer to hammer out nails, plates and other objects in iron. The tent site is located at the end of Fossumveien past the site with timber storage. Keep on the walking path to the right along the water when the road splits.

Both lakes are scenic and easily accessible by both car and public transport such as bus to Fossum and Metro 2 to Ekraveien.

2. Burudvann, Lommedalen

Burudvann is a gem in the countryside, with a spacious fine sandy beach, good sun conditions and several nice headlands to set up tents and hammocks. The spaces by the dam are most popular. There is a network of hiking trails full of blueberry heather as an alternative to the forest road. On the east side, the Lions have set up a lavvo a few km inland, then take the first hiking trail to the right. Cage water has a lot of fish. Among other things, trout are released here, but bream is also a frequent occurrence on the hook. Respect the fishing rules and buy a fishing license in advance.

Burudvann has a floating jetty with diving board, toilet, dining table, fixed grill, bathing jetty, nice fire place and rubbish bins. Suitable for bringing a canoe. Easy access from free parking at Burudveien. About 1 km walk along the forest road. For those who want a longer trip, continue the road towards the north end of the water where it is also nice to camp and smaller people.

3. Rabben and Elnestangen, Vollen in Asker

With proximity to Vollen, this is a great place to combine a tent trip with the small town experience, a trip to the Oslo Fjord Museum and a good brunch the next day at one of the pleasant cafes in the city center. Bring Frisbee and play frisbee golf on the green areas in Svelvikbukta towards Arnestad school a stone's throw away from Elnestangen.

Nice tent sites on the headlands along the coast, which were once a storage site for ice blocks when the area supplied the major cities in Europe with ice. Access to toilets. Beautiful sandy beaches both in Vollen and the other way towards Sjøstrand.

Easily accessible by public transport; the bus to Slemmestad or fast boat from Aker Brygge to Vollen. By car, take off from Slemmestadveien by Vollen sports park and follow the road to the car park near the music kindergarten.

Take a detour from Vollen to the sports field at Slemmestad Ungdsomsskole; see the 400 million old fossils of squid and snails in the rock wall along the long side of the course and learn about the unique geology in the Oslo belt and visit Trilobox in Slemmestad center with an exhibition from the geology in the area.

4. Sandbukta, Tofte in Asker

Sandbukta is a popular hiking destination for swimming and outdoor life at the far end of the Hurum Peninsula. Locals believe it is the Oslo Fjord's finest part of the coastal path. Sandbukta is protected as a nature reserve, with a tent site in the beach zone northeast of the bay, regulated as an area for open space and swimming area.

The surrounding areas have burial mounds from the Bronze Age, rich animal and plant life and you may be visited by seals from the colonies on the small islands outside. Remember fishing rod, good opportunities to secure today's dinner. Access to toilet and renovation.

Follow the coastal strait from Sagene west of Tofte, over Preiserstranda and over Østnestangen (in some places it is so steep that ropes have been laid).

Otherwise, the area has several pleasant campsites on Rødtangen, Knatvoldstranda and Solbærstøa and has throughout history been a favorite destination during the summer season for the people of Oslo and artists. Popular sights nearby are Rødtangen, the small town of Holmsbu and Filtvedt and the polar boat Maud which is located in the quay at Tofte.

5. Skapertjern, Kjekstadmarka in Asker

Skapertjern is a fine forest lake and a popular hiking destination in the south of Kjekstadmarka. The water is surprisingly large. The tent sites on the headland in the southeast and by the dam in the southwest are most popular. Large and beautiful tent site in the far north by Tjernsløkka, with boulders and beautiful grassland. There is a wide and nice forest path along the entire east side of the water, which makes more nice tent sites well accessible. Fishing and swimming are popular activities for young and old. Remember fishing rod, fishing license and respect the fishing rules.

Parking space at Myrvoll at the end of Skapertjernveien in Lier. 10 minutes walk, 0.8 km into the water. Nice gravel forest path all the way in. If you want a longer trip, follow the blue-marked path from Gjellebekk P (5 km) and Damtjern P (6 km).

Our tips for more fun;

Bring a nail knife, make bark boats (or bring plank scraps from home) and have a boat race with a nice prize for the winner

Make nature farm with cone animals

Bring twine and a paring knife, then you have everything you need to make a bow and arrow. Free to be a Native American chief 🙂

Walk on the shore along the coastal path, collecting mussels. Did you get enough to cook soup for supper? Add a box of tomatoes, chili, garlic, shallots and white wine or apple juice. Salt and pepper. Bon apetite.

**Good hiking**

The Pilgrim’s Route to and from Oslo

The Pilgrim Paths in Akershus is one part of the St Olav Way which takes you to Trondheim. In mediaeval time this was the main goal for pilgrimages in the Nordic area with the cathedral Nidarosdomen and St. Olav’s relics.

The Pilgrim Paths in Oslo and Akershus can be reached when arriving in Oslo with boat from either Kiel in Germany or from Denmark, or by air to one of the airports; Oslo Airport, Gardermoen or Rygge Airport in Østfold. You can go straight from the ferry or the plane and start your walk.

When in Oslo you have the choice of an eastern or western path. Are you arriving from the south you will meet the path from the south through Follo at the boarder of county Østfold. It takes you to Gamlebyen in Oslo.

Heading east from Oslo you will soon leave the suburbs and meet the rolling cultivated landscape in Romerike. At the river Nitelva was once the site of the battle between Olav Haraldsson and the local tribe in the petty kingdom of Romerike. The path later takes you past Raknehaugen. This burial mound is the largest barrow in Northern Europe. On your way you will pass many beautiful old churches. In Eidsvoll you have the option of taking the paddle steamer Skibladner to cross Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. Accommodation options along the way are in hotels, hostels and in farms.

If you chose the western route from Oslo you will pass the only remaining mediaeval church in Oslo, Gamle Aker church. Here you’ll also find the Oslo Pilgrim Center where you can get advice for your pilgrimage.

The path takes you through the Vigeland Park with all its sculptures. Leaving the urban Oslo you walk through an older residential area on your way to Bærum and the mediaeval Haslum Church. From here you can follow paths through the forest. In Bærum you can stay in cottages at Sæteren gård and later continue across Krokskogen to Bønsnes, where Olav Haraldsson spent his childhood years according to the legend.

Information from Visit Greater Oslo and Pilegrimsleden.no 

Hike to Skaugum

Make an excursion to the "Crown Prince's Backyard". Well at the top you can see their yard at Skaugum. From Skaugumåsen you have one of Asker's most beautiful views. This has been a favorite destination for locals for more than 100 years.

There is a steep hike up to the peak. Some people think the trail is a bit scary with smaller children, but the kids show great joy in getting to the top – so give it a try. It's worth it.

From the parking lot at Sem follow the path around the Holtet manor house belonging to Skaugum, before passing the large pressure pool for Asker's water supply and arraiving by the information board for the Skaugumsåsen nature reserve.

The ridge is the northernmost growing site for mistletoe that are protected in Norway. It is evergreen and feeds on other trees.

Now the ascent begins, and then the path follows som up-and-downs to the top. Enjoy the view from the Drøbaksundet to Oslo.

Finish the tour with a visit "Smia" where NaKuHel has home-made food, grows vegetables, has a gallery with art exhibitions and somethimes arrange themed events.

We wish you a nice trip.

Practical information:

The tour goes southeast in the West Marka. Starting point Sem "utfartsparking", between Semsveien 180 and 191 at Sem Gjestegård / Nakuhel or a little further down at Jansløkka school.

Public transport: Bus 706 from Asker or Sandvika / Holmen, Grana stop.

Hiking distance: 2.2 km round trip from Sem to the hiking destination on the hill (348 m asl). Terrain: Heavy climb from Sem to the top of the hill. 

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Bike tour south of Oslo to Drøbak

Day 1 – 44 km. The tour starts by cycling along Mosseveien before turning off towards Ingierstrand and Svartskog along Bunnefjorden. Here there are several nice beaches and bays. Stop at Svartskog Kolonial for a refreshment or lunch – they serve delicious local food in the pleasant garden. Roll down the road to Amundsen's Home. The house is intact from when he left it for his last expedition is today a museum with guided tours. Amundsen was the first man to reach the South Pole and travelled to both the Arctic and Antarctica on polar expeditions.

It will be a bit of a tough climb back up the slopes before the trip continues along Gjersjøen, past Tusenfryd, further on Nessetveien and road 152 to Drøbak. Feel free to stop by Bringebærlandet for a tasting of raspberry wine and a tour of the farm. Check opening hours on www.bringebarlandet.no

Idyllic Drøbak center offers – in addition to its cozy wooden houses and the marina – several cozy restaurants, cafes and accommodations in and around the center. Avistergnernes Hus is well worth a visit, as well as the many artist galleries. Stay overnight at Renskau Hotel in Drøbak or out at Oscarsborg Hotel and Resort.

Day 2 – 33 km.  Spend the morning at Oscarsborg Fortress. You can get here by a short ferry ride. The area is great for recreation and walks on the ramparts among the cannons and through the tunnels. Visit the museums or have a round of self-guiding. A cozy break at the water's edge is offered at Havnekroa before returning by ferry and you cycle north again.

Follow Fv152 over to Holtenbråveien for about 8 km and turn left onto Fagerstrandveien. Follow Fagerstrandveien and Fv137 past the villages Fagerstrand, Nordstrand and Fjellstrand. Along the way, it is possible to enjoy the view of the Oslo Fjord, Asker and Steilene in several places.

Arriving at Nesoddtangen, a nice dinner is enjoyed at Signalen Sjøbad with a great view of Fornebu. It serves good seafood and food from local producers at Nesodden and surroundings. Well worth a stop before the trip ends with a small ferry ride from Nesoddtangen to Aker Brygge (about 20 min)

Markaopplevelser

My name is Bjørn Eide and I own the company Markaopplevelser, which started 10 years ago and is located in Lommedalen.
Join the adventures in our grand nature; Where to find the best lakes for fishing? Where can we experience Blackcock and Tiur mating? Where does the Osprey live? These are examples of experiences I can show you. I share my local knowledge by inspiring and motivating my audience.

I emphasize safe guiding and take you through magnificent scenery.

Nature has always been a place I have lived in close contact with, ever since I was a little boy. With a mother born and raised in Krokskogen, and grandparents who had their work in there, the paths were just waiting for me to explore.
As an active cross-country skier for many years, I have crossed the forest many times. In the summer, I am an avid angler.

I have a lot of local knowledge in Bærumsmarka, Krokskogen, Nordmarka and Vestmarka. I'll be happy to guide you and your colleagues through some splendid nature experiences all year round.f

Welcome.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo