When exploring Akershus, small choices can make a big difference. Travelling responsibly, supporting local businesses, and showing consideration for nature and local communities helps ensure that the region can be enjoyed by both visitors and residents for many years to come.
Travel by Public Transport or Bicycle
Exploring Akershus without a car is easy. Many of the region’s attractions are just a short bus or train ride from Oslo. Frequent departures, efficient connections, and scenic routes make the journey both convenient and enjoyable. Travelling by public transport is not only a more sustainable option, it also lets you relax and enjoy the experience from the moment you leave the city.
Cycling is another great way to discover the region. It allows you to experience nature, local communities, and cultural landscapes at your own pace while keeping your environmental impact low.
Choose environmental certified businesses
When you choose environmentally certified businesses, you support companies that actively work to reduce their environmental impact and take responsibility for people and places. Certifications can help you find accommodation, restaurants, and activities that take sustainability seriously. Even small choices can make a positive difference.
Eat and Shop Local
Support local cafés, restaurants, and shops during your visit. Choose seasonal and locally produced food whenever possible. By purchasing products from small-scale producers, you contribute to local value creation rather than mass production.
Stay Longer and Experience More
Staying a little longer in one place can make your trip both more enjoyable and more sustainable. Spending less time travelling and more time exploring allows you to experience the region at a slower pace while reducing the environmental impact of your journey.
By extending your stay, you can:
Discover more of the region. Explore coastlines, forests, lakes, small towns, and historic sites, and combine nature experiences with local culture.
Enjoy local events and culture. Throughout the year, Akershus offers festivals, concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances, and community events.
Support local businesses. Stay locally, dine at restaurants using regional ingredients, and join guided tours, hikes, and cycling experiences that create value for local communities.
A longer stay gives you the opportunity to experience more while helping to build a more sustainable visitor economy.
Respect the Natural Environment
To help protect nature and ensure positive experiences for everyone, it is important to follow local regulations when enjoying the outdoors.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- There is a national leash requirement in Norway from April 1st to August 20th. Some municipalities have additional local regulations. In Asker Municipality, dogs must be kept on a leash year-round, while other municipalities may have local or extended leash requirements in specific areas. Always check local regulations.
- Campfires and open flames.
- Open fires are generally prohibited between April 15 and September 15, except in designated fire and barbecue areas. Additional restriction may be introduced during periods of high fire risk.
- Do not disturb wildlife.
- Show consideration for animals and birds by keeping your distance, avoiding unnecessary noise, and not approaching nests, breeding grounds, or grazing areas. Wildlife is particularly vulnerable during nesting and breeding seasons.
- Be considerate when outdoors.
- Take all litter home with you and show respect for nature, people, and wildlife. Follow marked trails and signs. Protected areas may have additional regulations governing access and activities.
Fishing Ban in the Inner Oslofjord
In the no-fishing zones, all fishing is prohibited, both commercial and recreational. Fishing for anadromous salmonids, such as sea trout and Atlantic salmon, is also covered by the prohibition.
Crab fishing with hand lines for children will still be permitted.
The red line on the map marks the boundary of the Oslofjord.
Read more about the fishing ban on the website to Directorate of Fisheries.
Respect Local Communities
Tourism is important to our region, and for visits to be positive experiences for both visitors and residents, it is essential to show respect for local communities.
- Park only in designated areas. During busy periods, traffic volumes can be high, and illegal parking can create challenges for residents, neighbourhoods, and emergency vehicles. Follow signage and use designated public parking facilities where available.
- Be mindful of noise. Keep noise levels low in residential areas, campsites, and natural environments. Many places serve both as recreational spaces and everyday living environments, where peace and quiet are highly valued.
- Use nature and shared spaces responsibly. Follow Norway’s Right to Roam (Allemannsretten), clean up after yourself, show consideration for others, and respect private property.
By showing consideration for local residents, you help create positive encounters and enjoyable experiences for everyone.
Climate Change and Climate-Friendly Choices
Climate change is affecting Akershus through more frequent extreme weather events, increased rainfall, flooding, and pressure on natural and coastal environments. The choices we make when travelling can help reduce these impacts.
Choosing public transport, staying longer in one destination, supporting local and environmentally certified businesses, and taking care of nature are all simple ways to reduce your travel footprint. Together, many small actions can help create a more sustainable and resilient destination for the future.