Join us for an adventure on 2 or 4 wheels. The car tourist's favorite along the Oslo Fjord allows you to discover local coastal pearls.
Ship building and export
The paper industry and the export of wood and ice were important industries that secured jobs locally and from here came a lot of "refrigeration" in big cities such as Paris and London until the 60s. Traces from this time are experienced at the ice ponds at Ramton, the lighthouse at Filtvet and the cellulose factory at Tofte.
In Vollen was the shipyard where Amundsen's polar ship MS Maud was built, and the Oslo Fjord Museum in Vollen conveys the coastal history of the Oslo Fjord. In Tofte, MS Maud is stored in the harbor and can be viewed all year round. After 80 years in the ice in the Arctic, the boat was raised and released over two summers and then towed back to Norway. The Jan Wangaard and Tandberg family develops the area and on some days you can view a small exhibition with things that were saved from the boat and the plane "Kristine" in the hangar. Amundsen was also a pioneer in aviation.
The gallery tour and local art!
Artists have lived in our community for a long time. At Hvalstad you will find the «artist valley», established by Tilda and Arne Garborg in connection with Asker Museum where there are historic buildings, baroque garden and café. In Holmsbu, the "Holmsbum painters" have left their mark led by Henrik Sørensen.
Holmsbu together with Filtvet Lighthouse are the peninsula's most famous landmarks. Generations before us have defined Holmsbu as their favorite summer place. Today, the city is a vibrant gem with white charming small houses, restaurants with history, charm and good entertainment and several galleries and museums that preserve the history of the Holmsbum painters. Guided tours are held in the church by appointment or on set days in summer.
From here you have great hiking opportunities towards Verket or beyond towards Rødtangen and on to Tofte through distinctive nature, nature reserves with rich wildlife and plant life. Did you know that this is one of the few places where Mistletoe (protected) grows freely in Norway. Maybe you see a seal or sea eagle along your journey.
There is also today an extensive artist community locally and many nationally renowned artists have their work in the municipality. Several galleries are open to the public all year round, such as Trafo in Asker, Det gule huset on Holmen and Galleri Kalk in Slemmestad.
In addition, local galleries around the entire peninsula are open during the summer. Exhibitions vary from classical expression to modern contemporary art. You will find the greatest density of artists in Vollen, Slemmestad and Holmsbu, but do not miss the galleries along the way as well.
From farm to fork
From the farms and producers in the area, food is delivered to Michelin restaurants in Norway and abroad. These products are also available to you, whether you visit the local delicatessen in Vollen, Tofte or Holmsbu, or choose to stop by one of the local farm outlets. We show the way with the link to the Taste Map. Here you will find beautiful apple juice (with tailor-made labels for special occasions), organic vegetables at Bergsmyrene and edible flowers at Fiori, homemade chops, sausage and roast at Hurum Hjort and locally produced beer at Wettre Brewery to name a few of the most famous local flavors. Maybe a gift idea for the hobby chef at home?
Relaxed holidays and weekends
Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life and feel the calm that spreads like a warm blanket when the view and light are taken inwards. Combine the trip with a sauna visit by the forest lake to Grønsand Gård and grilling of sausages over the fire pan by the pub. It is rented out by appointment. If you are looking for more life, the saunas in Vollen and Holmsbu are nice "urban" alternatives with good friends, and the road is short to a bite to eat at the local restaurants afterwards. Yes, the appetite is aroused by the sauna and sea bath.
A home away from home can be found at both Villa Utsikten, Wærpen Gård and Holmsbu Badehotell where the hosts ensure good well-being and service. Welcome to a relaxing hotel stay with the beautiful coastal path and the sea right outside the door.
At the southern tip of Asker you have several campsites; Knatvoldstranda and Solbergstøa while Rampton Camping is located by Nærsnes. In Asker north you stay well at Holmen Fjordhotell and Spa, Quality Hotel Leangkollen, Thon Hotell Vettre or stay centrally at Scandic Asker in Asker Sentrum, with a short way to bars and restaurant life.