Akershus, Norway Travel Guide

Discover Akershus, Norway's historical heartland, where medieval history meets natural beauty and charming small towns await exploration.

Akershus, located in the southeastern part of Norway, is a region rich in history and natural beauty. The area is home to the famous Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that offers stunning views of the Oslo Fjord and serves as a historical landmark. Visitors can explore the fortress and learn about its significant role in Norway's history, from medieval battles to royal celebrations. Beyond the fortress, Akershus boasts charming small towns, lush forests, and serene lakes. The region is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. One can also visit the beautiful Drøbak, a picturesque town known for its wooden houses, art galleries, and the Christmas House, which is open year-round. Akershus is also a culinary delight, offering local Norwegian dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The region's proximity to Oslo makes it an ideal day trip destination, allowing tourists to experience the tranquility of the countryside while still being close to the bustling city life.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Akershus.

Visit Akershus Fortress early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Check local schedules for any festivals or events happening in Drøbak during your visit.
Pack comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the hiking trails in the region.
Try traditional Norwegian dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Consider renting a bike to explore the picturesque countryside at your own pace.

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The cities of Akershus, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Oslo

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Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Akershus

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Oslo Opera House

Experience the Oslo Opera House, a stunning architectural masterpiece and cultural hub offering world-class performances and breathtaking views.

4.7

The Vigeland Park

Explore the stunning Vigeland Park, an open-air sculpture museum in Oslo showcasing over 200 masterpieces by Gustav Vigeland set in a tranquil park environment.

4.7

Akershus Fortress

Explore the historic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, a medieval castle with stunning views, rich history, and engaging museums that showcase Norway's heritage.

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Holmenkollbakken

Experience the thrill of ski jumping and delve into Norway's rich winter sports heritage at Holmenkollbakken, Oslo's iconic attraction.

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Best landmarks in Akershus

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Akershus Fortress

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The Royal Palace

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Oscarsborg Fortress

Experience the rich history and stunning views at Oscarsborg Fortress, a must-visit tourist attraction in Norway's breathtaking Oslofjord.

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Norwegian Armed Forces Museum

Explore Norway's military history at the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, located in Akershus Fortress, a must-visit for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

4.5

Best restaurants in Akershus

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Den Glade Gris

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Casa Mia Ristorante Cucina Italiana

Savor authentic Italian flavors at Casa Mia Ristorante Cucina Italiana in Lillestrøm - where every meal is an exquisite culinary journey.

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Morten's Kro

Discover authentic Norwegian cuisine at Morten's Kro in Hagan – where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.

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Ekebergrestauranten

Experience exquisite Norwegian cuisine at Ekebergrestauranten with breathtaking views over Oslo's skyline and fjord.

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Best bars in Akershus

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Crow Bar & Brewery

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The Dubliner Folk Pub

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HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri

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Kulturpuben

Discover the lively Kulturpuben in Lillestrøm – a cultural bar offering a vibrant atmosphere, diverse drinks, and engaging events for a memorable night out.

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Best nightclubs in Akershus

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BLÅ

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Heidis Bier Bar - Oslo

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Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri

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F6 Cocktailbar

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Best shops in Akershus

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Strømmen Storsenter

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Sandvika Storsenter

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Paleet

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Jessheim Storsenter

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Explore Akershus on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Akershus, mapped for you.

Akershus Essentials

Akershus is easily accessible from Oslo, the capital of Norway. The nearest airport is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), located about 50 kilometers from Akershus. From the airport, you can take a direct train to Oslo Central Station and then transfer to regional trains or buses heading to Akershus. Alternatively, taxis and car rentals are available at the airport for direct transportation.
Public transportation in Akershus is efficient and reliable. The region is well-served by trains, buses, and ferries. The Norwegian State Railways (NSB) provides regular train services connecting Akershus with Oslo and other parts of Norway. Local buses are operated by Ruter, and tickets can be purchased via their app or at kiosks. For more flexibility, car rentals are available, and the road network is excellent. Biking is also a popular way to explore the region, with many dedicated bike paths.
The official currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including in small businesses and rural areas. ATMs are readily available for cash withdrawals. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated for good service, typically around 10% in restaurants. It's advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of card payment issues.
Akershus is generally a very safe region with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to safeguard personal belongings, especially in crowded areas like train stations and tourist spots. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, medical services, or the fire department. Emergency services in Norway are highly efficient and responsive. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak English.
Fashion: Do dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual clothing in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Remove hats and speak softly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don't talk loudly or play music. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like lutefisk and akevitt. Don't leave food on your plate, as it can be considered wasteful.
To experience Akershus like a local, visit the charming towns of Drøbak and Lillestrøm. Explore the beautiful nature trails in Nordmarka and Østmarka forests. Participate in local festivals and events to get a taste of Norwegian culture. Don't miss out on visiting the historic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, which offers stunning views of the Oslofjord and a deep dive into Norway's history.

When is the best time to visit Akershus?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Akershus

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Akershus. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHei
  [Hay]
- GoodbyeHa det
  [Hah deh]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNei
  [Nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Ingen årsak
  [Vair soh snil/In-gen or-sahk]
- Thank youTakk
  [Tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld
  [Oon-shild]
- How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [Vor-dan har doo deh?]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?
  [Brah. Oh doo?]
- Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?
  [Snak-ker doo eng-elsk?]
- I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [Yay for-stor ik-ke]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill
  [Yay vil yair-na seh me-nuen, vair soh snil]
- I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt
  [Yay spee-ser ik-ke shutt]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [Skawl!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill
  [Yay vil yair-na be-ta-le, vair soh snil]
- Help!Hjelp!
  [Yelp!]
- Go away!Gå vekk!
  [Gaw vek!]
- Call the Police!Ring politiet!
  [Ring po-li-tiet!]
- Call a doctor!Ring en lege!
  [Ring en leh-geh!]
- I'm lostJeg er tapt
  [Yay air tahpt]
- I'm illJeg er syk
  [Yay air seek]
- I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gjerne kjøpe...
  [Yay vil yair-na shuh-pe...]
- I'm just lookingJeg bare ser
  [Yay bah-reh sair]
- How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?
  [Vor mee-eh koh-ster deh?]
- That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [Deh air for deert]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?
  [Kan doo sen-keh pree-sen?]
- What time is it?Hva er klokka?
  [Hva air klo-kah?]
- It's one o'clockDet er ett
  [Deh air ett]
- Half past (10)Halv (10)
  [Halv (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Morgen]
- AfternoonEttermiddag
  [Et-ter-mid-dahg]
- EveningKveld
  [Kveld]
- YesterdayI går
  [Ee gor]
- TodayI dag
  [Ee dahg]
- TomorrowI morgen
  [Ee mor-gen]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Hvor er en...?
  [Vor air en...?]
- What's the address?Hva er adressen?
  [Hva air ad-ress-en?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?
  [Kan doo vee-seh my (paw kar-tet)?]
- When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?
  [Nor gor nes-teh (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)
  [En bee-lett (til ....)]

History of Akershus

Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle in Oslo, Norway, was constructed in the late 1290s by King Haakon V to protect Oslo and serve as a royal residence. Its strategic location on the Oslo Fjord made it a key defensive stronghold through the centuries.
Throughout its history, Akershus Fortress has withstood numerous sieges. Notably, it was never successfully captured by a foreign enemy. The fortress played a critical role during the Swedish-Norwegian War and was a stronghold against Swedish forces in the early 16th century.
In the early 17th century, King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway transformed Akershus Fortress into a Renaissance castle. This period saw extensive renovations, incorporating elements of Renaissance architecture and turning the fortress into a more comfortable royal residence.
During World War II, Akershus Fortress was occupied by Nazi Germany. It served as a prison and a site for the execution of Norwegian resistance members. The fortress was reclaimed by Norwegian forces at the end of the war in 1945.
Today, Akershus Fortress is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Norwegian heritage. It houses the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces Museum. The fortress offers visitors a glimpse into Norway's military history and architectural evolution.