Walking with Alpacas

Have you ever walked with an alpaca or cuddled and fed one? Now you have the opportunity!

In VisitGreaterOslo you have many opportunities to experience alpacas.

Whether you want to go hiking or join in the feeding, see and experience them up close.

With us you have many experiences that offer activities with these beautiful animals.

Romerike

Alpaca hiking in Sørum

Alpaca hike Killingmo Farm

Alpaca hiking in Hurdal at Nilsstua 

Rånås Gård – experience a "living farm" with alpacas and other animals.

 

Asker and Bærum

Bergvang Visitor Farm – experiences on a farm with alpacas and other animals.

Welcome to us!

Members of Visit Greater Oslo 

Coastal Art Galleries

Welcome to art experiences around the Asker Peninsula.

We take you to secluded gems and original artist workshops along the beautiful coast. A varied and wonderful art experience that takes you to local galleries with varied expressions and living artist workshops. Experience the ceramicist, jewelery designer and weaver at work, and let yourself be inspired and excited by various expressions from well-known and lesser-known artists. On this tour you will find everything from classic works to the next generation's expressions.

Along the way you experience southern idyll and beautiful beaches with a view over the fjord. Explore an area on a day trip or stay overnight at one of the charming hotels.

Artist colonies

Asker's cultural center of gravity 100 years back in time was in Hvalstad and was called Kunstnerdalen. Here was a sociable artist community and today the homes of Hulda and Arne Garborg and Tilla and Otto Valstad are part of the exhibition at Asker Museum. The museum has a lush, baroque-inspired garden with animal sculptures by Anne Grimdalen, a large and diverse collection of houses and objects as well as permanent and changing exhibitions in the museum. Free entrance.

The trip continues to the Yellow House on Holmen, and further along the coast via the small towns Vollen, Slemmestad, Sætre, Filtvet, Tofte and to Holmsbu where the "Holmsbum painters" found inspiration throughout the 50s and 60s. Among them we find Henriks Sørensen and his gallery in Støa on the way to Rødtangen.

Artisan workshops in Vollen and Slemmestad:

The charming houses in Vollen are filled with quality crafts from local artists such as Deberitz and Keramikkhjørnet and rarities at Hebbes Lille Galleri. In Slemmestad Galleri Kalk and MN Keramikkstudio are located where they are particularly interested in the Japanese raku burning of ceramics. In addition, fresh coffee and good baked goods can be enjoyed from the locals' favorite Café Plenum.

Continue the journey to Sætre Gård and the whimsical gallery Galleri Gallera in Storsand on your way to Filtvet.

Filtvet Light House:

Filtvet lighthouse stands iconically on the pier and has for decades ensured safe traffic in and out of the Inner Oslo Fjord. Today there is a gallery during the summer months. Here in the white bay is also Villa Malla which serves up a great Mediterranean buffet with good ingredients, and set aside time for a walk between the charming cottages and rose gardens.

The south side of Asker has been the painters' favorite since the last century, especially due to The light and the view. Extra great is the experience in the early morning or in the evening hours – add the accommodation to Villa Utsikten and you will understand why. The hotel also has changing exhibitions of photographs and paintings.

Painters town Holmsbu

Throughout his adult life, Henrik Sørensen lived and partly lived in Holmsbu during the summer and he brought with him his artist friends known as "Holmsbumalerne". They have decorated the church inside and his work can be seen in Sørensen's Collections on Støa. The building itself is also fascinating and worth the trip. Here is also Holmsbu Bildemuseum and in the center of Holmsbu. The sculpture "On the way to the beach" by Skule Waksvik decorates the beach in the center.

Holmsbu is a nice place to stay at BadehotelletKyst. Concerts are held regularly at the local pubs and eateries. Find peace with beautiful walks along the coastal path towards Rødtangen and through primeval forest in Holtnesdalen. Nice swimming opportunities from the rocks and nearby beaches.

NOTE: The galleries have different opening hours throughout the year. Some are open all year, others only during the summer with limited opening hours.

Access:

Municipal parking in each small town and along the main road. In Holmsbu, I recommend parking at the church and own parking at Støa. There are also buses from Asker, Sætre and Drammen. The summer boat B21 / B22 stops in Vollen, Slemmestad and Filtvet before continuing across the fjord to Drøbak. It is nice to combine the boat with a bike ride to Drammen and the train back. For timetable see 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 

Skreikampen in the summer

Skreikampen

Eidsvoll Municipality's peak (698 masl) is also the highest peak along Lake Mjøsa and offers magnificent views towards Hedemarken (Innlander), where you can see all the way to the mountains around Lillehammer, Østerdalen and Trysil. The top is also a favorite hiking destination in winter, with a cross-country ski trail all the way to the top in open and nice mountain forest.

The trip is well suited for cross-country skiing (when the trail is run up, check Feiring IL or the Ski Association's trail updates), mountain skiing, top touring skiing, snowshoeing and on foot if the summer trail from Øverbygda has been completed.

Our starting point, Øverbygda, is located in the far north of Feiring and in Eidsvoll municipality. Plot Øverbygda on the map, or follow the route description: Drive north on the E6 to the exit before Minnesund. Turn left at the first roundabout, onto Feiringvegen (Fv33) and over the bridge that crosses the E6. Drive straight ahead at the next two roundabouts and continue on Feiringvegen. Drive on Feiringvegen for 18.8 km. Then take Stubberudvegen, exit on the left side of the road. Here is the sign for Skreikampen. From the exit it is approx. 3.5 kilometers on gravel road (first Stubberudvegen, then Øverbygdvegen) to the car park on Øverbygdvegen.

We would encourage all our participants to pay attention to those who live in the area, both in terms of driving and parking.

From Øverbygda there are two alternative routes to the top, depending on the means of transport, but you can also find your own way through the forest if you wish, with a map / compass or a map app on your mobile (eg Bratt or Varsom regobs).

Route 1: cross-country skiing

The second option follows the cross-country ski trail that runs to the top of Feiring IL when there is enough snow. The trail follows up the forest road towards Skomakartjennet and turns off towards Skreikampen at St. Paulsgruve. The trail is scooter-driven and is best suited for classic skiing and skiing with short and long traps. To check the status of the trail, you can check the Ski Association's website or the mobile app iMarka.

Route 2: on foot / snowshoes

The shortest alternative follows the summer trail up through the forest, where there is often a path even in winter. This can be a good alternative for snowshoeing, on foot (if the trail is closed) or skis with long traps (randoneeski, telemarkski, mountain skis). The hiking trail departs from Øverbygdveien and is marked with both Ti on top signs and signs for Skreikampen.

The forest path is clearly marked in blue. In addition, there are signs in some places. Note that, after approx. 1 km, the sign is an alternative route to the top. This is signposted as «Skreikampen via Haralè". This route is about 1.5 km longer, and it is very steep and somewhat rough at the end, before the top. This is unsuitable winter time.

Tip: If you go with randoneeski / telemarkski it can also be fun with a detour to Langtjennåsen, where you can get 100 meters of fun skiing towards Holmtjennet

Google Maps, parking link https://google/maps/MVoFJgirnmqF9DkZ7

Hike to the top of Håøya island – the highest point in the Oslofjord

The top of Håøya is Frogn and the Oslofjord's highest point.

Håøya is 230m high and the view on this trip is fantastic. It is possible to arrange transport with Oscarsborgferga and ask to be dropped off at Ormeleina. This must be done by phone before the trip. The way up is a fantastic construction and a stop at the large lower battery is a must.

There is a lot of war history along the winding road up to the top and you can stop at both the trial site and fortifications. It is also possible to request guides from Oscarsborg museums.

All plants and animals are protected here, as you are walking in a nature reserve and nesting place for the sea eagle.

The abundance of flowers here is special because of the herb garden created by St Mary's Church in the 15th century.

Book a guided tour with Oscarsborg museums or go on your own.

Coastal path – hike Vettre-Vollen-Slemmestad

Distance: about 11 km Duration: 2.5 hours one way.

Best season: March-November but works well all year round and parts of the trip can be nicely completed by bike.

From Slemmestadveien there is public transport: Bus route 251/252 Oslo-Slemmestad-Hurum

The tour starts at Vettre (bus stop) – make your way down to Kråka Pub and the coast. Continue to the right towards Blakstad and below the main building follow the blue-marked coastal path along the water and stay on it until you make it to Asker Seilforening, feel free to take a detour around Børsholmen.

Then follow Blakstad Bryggerivei up to Slemmestadveien and turn left, follow it to Sjøvollbukta and enter the residentail area, follow the path along the bay at the bottom of the houses until it comes up again on the other side of the bay. Feel free to take the detour down the penninsula behind where there are nice outdoor areas, a bench for relaxation and great views of Nesodden and Oslo.

Continue along the main road to the center of Vollen. Vito´s is a popular seaside restaurant for refreshments, and the small galleries and shops have a wide selection of jewelry, art, interior and fashion. Did you know that Roald Amundsen's polar ship Maud was built in the Maud Bay where the Oslofjord Museum is now located –  get to know the maritime history around the Oslo Fjord. Close by is Tjuvholmen, which was Asker's trial.

Continue behind the Oslo Fjord Museum past the Svelvik villa (which also has the country's oldest outdoor bowling alley in the garden) and resume the blue-marked path. If you have a Frisbee you can play Frisbee golf on the headland and towards Arnestad school.

The path follows the upper side of Arnestad Bay and meets Sjøstrandveien. Walk through the settlement before it opens to Sjøstrand bathing place (Blue Flag 2019). Continue the marked trail – you pass several swimming areas, and many places where it is nice to take a break and look out over the fjord. Also look for the geological signs that tell a little about the nature and geology of the area that is a distinctive part of the Oslo belt.

Be aware of some construction work past Veas – follow signs and be careful. In the rock wall below, just before the pier on the left side of Bjerkåsholmen, it is possible to see fossil imprints of squid and snails, but even better is to make the trip on the far side of the sports court at Slemmestad Ungdomskole (about 2 km further).

At the junction of Bjerkåsholmen / Anna Bøes Vei, keep left – follow the path between the sea and the houses (over a private plot – agreement to cross has been made) continue towards Kutangen, follow the small roads and paths to the right up through the forest to the back of the Slemmestad factories / Norcem plot. In the small raod behind Circle K Slemmestad (Crossing Slemmestadveien / Rustadveien) – about 200 meters up the hill there are geological signs and fossils of squid and snails in the mountains. Continue down the main road, turn left and left again – follow Vaterlandsveien down to Slemmestad pier.

Slemmstad MEK is cultural center on the right hand side hosting many concerts, lectures and cultural events. The Cement Museum tells the story of cement extraction and life in Slemmestad. Trilobox is a geology center with exhibitions and is a dissemination arena for the teaching of Slemmestad's amazing geology and life in the sea 400 million years ago. Here you will find trilobites and other exciting fossils. In addition, you will find the nice bakery Plenum Café and the Kalk gallery and art workshop.

Possiblity to return by boat to Aker Brygge at the afternoon on weekdays (except from the holiday periods) – boat schedule.

The Pilgrim’s Route 1 – Moss – Son

Moss – Son 16 km

A visit to the Maria Chapel in the basement of the Arena Church and Culture Centre (give advance notice) will set you up for the day – and it starts with a hike through the beautiful Moss Woods. This is a relatively short day’s hike. One option is to spend the day in Son, a charming coastal village with many old wooden houses. Here there is also a Coastal Culture Centre, restaurants and shops. Alternatively you could enjoy some quiet hours at Solåsen Pilgrim’s Farm, with its lovely view of the Oslo Fjord.

 

Accommodation
Solåsen Pilgrim’s Farm, Falkeveien 19, 1555 Son, tel.: +47 474 83 032

 

Emma historic trail

Do you want to learn about Norway's great pioneer Emma Hjorth (1858-1921) and the history of the area that bears the same name? Visit www.emmaloypa.no and be taken back in time.

Zoom in on the map and click on the records, either at home from the sofa or actively at Emma Hjorth in Bærum. The content can be read or heard and you get access to, among other things, pictures, films and articles.
Emmaløypa is a free map solution developed by the Regional Activity Center.

The Pilgrim’s Route 6 Olavsgaard-Arteig Vestre

Olavsgård – Arteid vestre ca 17 km

At Olavsgård and Hellerudsletta we are in the area where Olav Haraldsson, who later became Olav the Holy, defeated Raumen in the battle of Nitjar in 1021.

You walk past Skedsmo medieval church, where there is a copy of the original statue of Olav that stood in the church in the Middle Ages. Furthermore, follow the historic road trip Farseggen to Leirsund and into Sørum municipality.

After a couple of kilometers long national road 259, when we have crossed the railway, we keep to the left and follow the field edge up to Frogner church. The beautiful old church is from the Middle Ages and has contained one of Akershus' two famous runic inscriptions. Continue further down to Frogner where there are shops and nice Kafe Mat og Glede. Continue north and follow east into Lindebergveien, then turn right into Revestien and through the forest. At Vilbergfjellet is Olavsgangen, a natural formation that will be a trace of the keel of St. Olav's boat, this could sail both on land and on water. Out of the forest we follow the edge of the land up to Arteid Farm.

Accommodation

Arteid Vestre –  close to the Pilegrimpath

E-post:  dag@arteid.no

Tlf:+47 922 30 044

Adr: Arteidvegen 214, 2040 Kløfta

Open: May to September