Kategori: Nature

Askekaller – Sems lake

“Askekaller” were the ash trees that were used to harvest additional feed for the animals.

This was the traditional method for cutting down ash trees in Asker. The trees were severely pruned, so that only stems of 2-3 metres remained. This was done every 1-2 years. The cuttings were used as additional feed for cows and sheep. This type of “askekaller” can be found at Tveiter farm at Semsvannet. Historians believe that the name Asker comes from “a place with many ash trees”.

For recreational routes: Nearest gateway NaKuHel.

Sourse: Asker Turlag

Coastal gems along the Oslofjord west coast

Throughout history, the west side of Oslo has attracted artists, bathers and Christiania's nobility to gather in the small towns during the summer months. No wonder the area today has 6 of Norway's Blue Flag beaches in addition to top hikes with stunning views and plenty of unspoilt nature.

A road trip through Bærum and Asker and Hurumlandet, takes you through various eras via charming summer gems such as Vollen, Sætre and Holmsbu. The area is best experienced by car but is also very popular to explore from the bike seat or by leisure boat. There is also a scheduled boat between Aker Brygge and Drøbak / Son with stops along the coast.

From industry and shipbuilding to small town charm
You can get close to Oslo and the region's cultural highlights by staying at Fornebu with sea views and bathing opportunities right outside your door. At Scandic Fornebu everything is ready for a lovely dinner, a game of shuffleboard in the bar. Explore the Fornebu peninsula with its art installations, exciting architecture, Nansenparken and magnificent coastal nature. Art lovers should also visit the Henie Onstad Art Center or Sjøholmen near Sandvika before the tour continues.

Take a tour of the old ironworks at Bærums Verk for a gallery tour and shopping, today a shopping center with over 40 shops and restaurants. The place is idyllically situated along the river Lomma. The sculpture park shows the country's foremost collection of Norwegian sculptors. Fill up the basket of delicacies for the drive from Smelters Mathus and crafts from the unique shops.

A stop in Vollen offers a whole day of experiences; unique shops with jewelery design and fashion, delicious Mediterranean lunch by the water at Vito´s or the taste of Greece at Elea. A popular activity is renting Jet Ski in the marina for a ride to the coastal pearl Konglungen and Middagsbukta, followed by sauna and sea bath at Varm in Vollen. On the other side of the bay, the Oslofjord Museum has changing exhibitions that tell about life on the fjord and boat building traditions. The Polar ship Maud was built here and is now for storage in Tofte, further south on the Hurum Peninsula.
In pleasant Filtvedt there is real danger of staying here in the beautiful white bay with a view to the lighthouse ……. but new experiences are worth the detachment.

World-class geology
You get the feeling of being in Southern Norway all the way along the long coast with small coves and beaches, maritime walks and white seahouses. Explore the unique geology where you see fossils of snails and squid in the stone urns in Slemmestad. The outfield is full of mushrooms throughout the fall, small undisturbed lakes for a dip are nice hiking destinations and you really get away from the hectic everyday life.

The painter town of Holmsbu
Rødangen and Holmsbu were early favorites among the elite of artists, known for their beautiful light. Here the coast is at some of its most beautiful where the fjord opens, the seals colonies reside on the islets and the many nature reserves manage wildlife and plant life. Rent a nice cabin and stay near this coastal pearl that oozes of life from Easter to the autumn holidays, but is well worth a year-round visit. Spend the evening with fine dining at one of the city's restaurants and cafes, listening to live music in the backyard or on the hotel's terrace before the small talk continues into the late morning.

When the morning light comes on, why not start the day in the robes before exploring the area either by renting a canoe, cycling or discovering the galleries for which the place is so famous. The hotel serves a good breakfast with sea views. Just below the hotel there is the possibility to rent the floating sauna and combine the sea bath, togetherness and sauna.

Royal scenery and farm visits
There is something soothing about the presence of the animals, sweaters knit from the finest alpaca wool and to touch the soft fur. Enjoy a day at Bergvang Gård, get close to the beautiful alpacas and ride into the forest on horseback. The Icelandic horse is fun to ride, it is small and strong. The tours take place in the beautiful area at Semsvann in Asker, in the backyard of the Crown Prince´s residence.

Wellbeeing and togetherness
Visit Holmen Fjordhotell to get care of stiff muscles and quality time. Enjoy the afternoon in the hotel's SPA with pool, steam room and jaccuzi. The evening should end with a delicious sea view meal, wine from the house's beautiful wine cellar and a game of shuffleboard.

** Have a good trip**

Timber experiences

The great importance of the area for migratory birds is the background for Ramsar status, which was granted in 1985. Nordre Øyeren is an eldorado for nature experiences and contains a great diversity of species. The island has 25 fish species and is the lake in the country that has the most. The area is rich in aquatic botany, amphibian species and insects. Several mammals live on the islands.

In addition, the area contains an exciting history of one of Norway's first key industries; timber floating and lumber industry. Timber was the most important export item for Norway from the second half of the 16th century and up to the 20th century. The oil of the time – timber – has played a crucial role in growth and development, both for the areas around Nordre Øyeren and for our country. Cities in Europe are built on timber that was cut on the many saws in Lower Romerike. Glomma was the country's most important flotation watercourse after 1860 and Bingen and Fetsund booms testify to this time of greatness. The authentic timber floating plant at Fetsund Lenser is unique, also in a global context. The huge stone vessels on Bingen Lenser can only be found here. Along the "Timber Route" you can get to know the exciting history of timber, floating and sawmilling and take deep dives into the cultural monuments that still exist. At Sagelva on Strømmen you can visit the upswing and mill in Mølleparken, in Lillestrøm coffee and waffles are served in the old workers' home Lurkahuset on the banks of Nitelva, at Rælingen bygdetun the story of sawmills and small industry is told, in Gansvika a visit to Gansbruket museum can be combined with a restaurant visits at Gansvika restaurant and inn and at Sørumsand you can travel back in time with the museum railway Urskog-Hølandsbanen Tertitten.

The road between the cultural monuments is short and you can use a bicycle, train or boat. The natural values ​​can be experienced on foot from land, in a kayak on your own or from the tourist boat MS Øyeren. At Besøkssenter wetland Nordre Øyeren you can learn more.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

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 the outdoors, you can find octopus fossils, trilobites and snails that lived over 400 million years ago.

Slemmestad is a central part of the Oslo field and has a particularly complex geology. Next to Kolsås, this is probably the place in Norway most used for geological studies. Here you will find in a small area rich deposits of fossils and a wide variety of rocks from the earth's ancient times.

The fossils, which are perhaps the most fascinating, are found almost everywhere. You just need to know what to look for! The fossils here in the area date from the Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods, a period from 541 million to 419 million years ago. At that time, Slemmestad's seabed was in a relatively shallow sea. Here it was teeming with animals and plants. Some are similar to those we know today, while others look completely foreign.

The most famous fossils from Slemmestad are squid and trilobites. The trilobites were very common arthropods related to shrimp and crayfish. Along with them lived octopuses, snails and sea lilies. Most notable in recent years are the "football pitch fossils" nedt to Slemmestad Ungdomsskole. It is a relatively new and unique discovery: a gigantic petrified seabed that contains thousands of octopus fossils. In retrospect, a smaller part of the same area has been uncovered behind the local gas station. Both surfaces are full of squid and are a fascinating sight.

We recommend going to Slemmestad to see unique world-class stones and fossils. Visit us at the geology center for tips on where to go.

 

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Historical park at Eidsvoll 1814

At the House of the Constitution, a beautiful park area has been established, which you can visit free of charge. If you'd like to take a walk in this unique area, you can follow the cultural trail that begins at the Old Eidsvoll Verk Bridge.

The bridge, dating from 1813, carries its own dramatic history, as the war and the Constitutional Assembly hindered its construction. The trail then leads past the new Wergeland's House and along Andelva, a small but industrious river that has played a central role in the lives and activities in Upper Romerike over the years. The arrival of the wood processing industry here revolved around sawmills and wood grinders, making this area one of the largest pulp exporters in the world. There was also a brickworks along Andelva where bricks, drainage pipes, and roof tiles were produced. For 100 years, the industry along Andelva was the backbone of Eidsvoll's economy.

The trail winds down along the river through picturesque farmland. At Mago C in Vengerfossen, the route continues back across Venjarmoen, Myravegen, and to the iconic Eidsvoll Building. See maps and more details about the trail here: Cultural Trail by the Eidsvoll Building (ut.no).

The Democracy Center, Wergeland's House, is located just steps away from the Eidsvoll Building, on the grounds of the old Eidsvoll Ironworks. The main attraction at Wergeland's House is the exhibition "Freedom and Democracy," which can be explored independently. Wergeland's House also has a café serving delicious dishes, cakes, and coffee, with a view over the grounds.

Additionally, it is possible to take a guided tour of the historic Eidsvoll Building.

Welcome!

Gamle Hvam Museum

Take a break from everyday life – discover the peaceful charm of Gamle Hvam Museum

Step into the tranquil atmosphere of Gamle Hvam Museum, a living cultural heritage site surrounded by blooming gardens, historic farm buildings, friendly animals, and a nostalgic country store. Relax with freshly made waffles in the sunshine while taking in the scents of heirloom perennials and roses in full bloom.

Garden walks in historic surroundings

Join us for a guided garden walk through Gamle Hvam’s botanical treasure trove. Our knowledgeable gardener will lead you through the grounds, sharing the fascinating stories behind the traditional plants collected from old gardens across Eastern Norway.

Tours are available both during and outside regular museum opening hours.

A living collection of heritage plant

The garden at Gamle Hvam is more than just beautiful, it is a living conservation collection. Here you’ll find perennials, roses, and ornamental shrubs that were commonly grown in Eastern Norwegian gardens from the mid-20th century and earlier. Every plant has been carefully selected for its documented history and its adaptability to Norwegian growing conditions.

These old garden plants are uniquely valuable – hardy, resilient, and well adapted to local climates. The collection began in the 1980s, and since 2003, it has been part of the Plantearven (Plant Heritage) initiative, in collaboration with the Norwegian Genetic Resource Centre. Today, the garden serves as a clone archive, recognized for its national and regional conservation value.

Welcome to Gamle Hvam – where history takes root and grow

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

Art tour of Fornebu

Discover the world-class art – make the trip to Fornebu.

Many millions of NOK have been invested in exquisite outdoors art at Fornebulandet, thanks to architects, builders and the municipality. Norway's old main airport, has become an art destination.

Use the Sunday for an art trip close by. Explore the area as a bicycle safari or on foot and discover selected works of art at Fornebu. The trip is excellent to combine with swimming on the beautiful beaches, a walk in the nature reserve, playing in the playgrounds and school and shopping on Fornebu S or a good meal at the local eateries.

Suggested tour – choose length and time as desired;

The "Imprints" sculpture park by Magne Furuholmen is located outside Aker's new headquarters at Fornebu. The park is the largest collection of sculptural works made by a Norwegian artist since the Vigeland Park and houses 40 large glazed ceramic vases and sculptures. Up close, one can read words and writing blocks that are engraved in the tiles, while at longer distances the expression changes.

Cross the underpass towards the sea by Telenor Arena and walk towards the Telenor building's parking lot. Take a walk across the courtyard. Here is the "Fondation Surgisante" by Buer, 92 striped columns in a grid pattern over the square, but also represents what can not be seen, a continuation of the construction below ground.

The facade on the left shows the so-called "truism", short text-based truths in "Installation for Telenor", which consists of 430 poetic and slogan-like statements. Below the stairs is Franz West's pink sculpture "Drama" a strange shape that has knotted itself.

Continue along the sea towards the Equinor building and you will see Einarsson's sculpture to the right on the grass "Untitled / Big dumb Object" consisting of five billboards standing in a row with prints of various art objects that create curiosity. "Knowing doing the planet" is the big  green bullet with a smaller bullet in the middle made by Eliasson. The inner bullet reflects the environment around it, which constantly reflects changes in the environment.

Well worth a detour to Equinor's entrance under the two protrusions is the photo and video installation "The Shimmering Solution – The Tender Pixel Storm" by Rist. In the 1,200 m2 colorful work, nature, animals and people are constantly intertwined in both abstract and realistic image sequences.

On the short side of the old terminal building towards the roundabout stands "Monkey's Fist (Apeneve)", a 12 meter high monumental bronze knot. It was sailors who developed the rope art to which this gives associations.

In addition, there is a lot of great art indoors in the various office buildings, such as decoration in the restaurants and in the old Terminal building where you can find the beautiful wall decorations in the lobby of Kai Fjell in the current Technopolis building.

In the middle of the roundabout stands "Throw" by Kåre Groven, which shows the outline of a man holding a paper plane. The thrower has become a symbol, giving strong memories from the time Fornebu Airport was here.

There are also many other fine art experiences at Fornebu and Storøya if you want a longer trip, move towards Nansenparken, a varied recreation area for everyone living and visiting Fornebu. A network of walking and cycling paths and trails link the different parts of Fornebulandet together and provide opportunities for different activities. Under the bridges near the floating tower are "sound-art installations".

At Storøya school there are great play areas and here is the sculpture "Solknippe" by T.Nordström & A.Oskarsson which looks like many pencils together.
Start your trip outside Aker's new headquarters vis-a-vis Norwegian's "diamond building". The bus stops right outside and takes only 15 minutes from downtown Oslo.

Have a wonderful day.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

Salamanderparken på Holumskog

What can you experience in the park?

 By being observant, you will be able to meet many of the park's residents. The boards will give you knowledge about the developmental stages of the animals, their appearance and their way of life. This happens through pictures, text and play. In the salamander park you will find as many as five of Norway's six naturally occurring amphibian species and as many as three of Norway's five land reptiles. This makes this place a regionally and nationally valuable area. It has a distinctive and partly dramatic history. The pond has been threatened by both development and fishing. But student participation, research and willingness to take care of the place, have led to this gem being taken care of.

So why not take the trip to Salamander Park yourself?

In the salamander park you will find as many as five of Norway's six naturally occurring amphibian species and as many as three of Norway's five land reptiles. This makes this place a regionally and nationally valuable area.

The park is adapted for prams and wheelchairs.

So take a trip and experience something exciting and different in combination with a trip to Gallery Würth and maybe a bite to eat at Mortens Kro!

Information from Visit Greater Oslo 

Svanfoss river lock

The lock provides access between Mjøsa and Vormas lower parts as well as Glomma between Rånåsfoss and Funnefoss and are among the few in the whole region. The lock was build during early 1900 and was opened in 1906 – and closed from 1973 to 1993, when a restored lock was reopened after a collaboration between NVE, Eidsvoll municipality, Nes municipality and Glommens and Laagens Brukseierforening.

There are opportunities for lock-in by contacting the lock guard at least an hour before the planned lock-in either from Vorma or Mjøsa – for more information see Nes municipality's pages.

The boat Elvekongen has boat trips up Vorma with lock in – for more information and ordering tickets see www.elvekongen.no

Member of Visit Greater Oslo 

The park at Oslo Airport Gardermoen

Did you know that right outside the "doors" of the airport you will find a small park?

On the mounds in the park, flower meadows have been sown for your enjoyment, but also for our little flying friends the "pollinators". Here it is not cut before the flowers have bloomed and set seed and that is why it can look a bit "messy" here – just the way the pollinators like it

Around the airport there are large areas of sandy soil and flowering meadow plants which are a paradise for many insects. Through adapted care of dedicated areas, we contribute to and preserve these good habitats for the insects.

The measures at Oslo Airport ensure good living conditions for several species that are currently endangered. The work is a contribution to the national collaboratioin to take care of pollinating insects.

Meet some of the flying  – take a good look around you, maybe you spot a nice bumblebee or exciting insects.Feel free to send us a picture marked #parkenosloairport.

Bumblebees are peaceful insects that rarely sting. it is said that bumblebees burn instead of stinging, but this may be because the stings cause a burning pain. Only queens and workers sting. 

Welcome to take a look and relax a bit in the park while you wait for someone or if you are going on a trip and want some fresh air before departure!