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Akershus
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Explore Akershus in Norway for fjord villages, forest walks, constitutional history, farm produce and easy journeys around Oslo.

Encircling Oslo on three sides, Akershus is a varied county of wooded hills, agricultural plains, lake country, fjord shores and historic settlements. It is part of Norway’s most populous metropolitan region, yet its landscapes quickly become rural beyond the suburban belt. The county includes the districts of Asker and Bærum west of Oslo, the sailing and farming landscapes of Follo to the south, and the broad inland districts of Romerike to the north and east.
Read more about Akershus
Akershus is often encountered first through Oslo Airport at Gardermoen, but the airport is only one element of a region with its own character. Lillestrøm is a practical railway and cultural centre beside the Nitelva, while Sandvika and Asker provide access to the Oslofjord and the western county. Drøbak, with its timber houses and harbour, has a more intimate maritime atmosphere; Eidsvoll carries national historical importance; and the villages and market towns of Romerike reveal a quieter agricultural Norway.
The county’s waters are central to its identity. The Oslofjord reaches into the southern and western coast, with islands, skerries, beaches and boat harbours, while Lake Øyeren and the Glomma form a rich inland wetland landscape in the east. The coast is suited to swimming, kayaking and gentle walks, whereas the forests and low hills offer hiking, cross-country skiing and cycling. Conditions vary considerably between the exposed fjord, cultivated lowlands and snowier inland areas, so itineraries work best when planned around the season and transport connections.
Akershus also preserves important evidence of Norway’s political, industrial and cultural development. Eidsvollsbygningen marks the drafting and signing of Norway’s constitution in 1814, Oscarsborg Fortress guards the narrow Drøbak Sound, and Fetsund Lenser recalls the timber-floating industry that once moved logs through the Glomma system. Museums, galleries and performance venues in Bærum and Lillestrøm add a contemporary cultural dimension, while historic churches, manor landscapes and coastal communities broaden the picture beyond Oslo’s urban attractions.
Food and local life reflect both city proximity and countryside production. Farm shops, bakeries, cafés, seasonal markets and restaurants draw on Norwegian staples, locally produced vegetables, berries, freshwater and coastal ingredients. Visitors can combine a museum or historic town with a short forest walk, a fjord excursion or an evening in a suburban cultural centre. Akershus is best understood not as a single compact destination, but as a set of accessible landscapes and communities linked closely to Oslo while retaining distinct regional histories.

When is the best time to visit Akershus?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-150
February045
March450
April1045
May1650
June (best)2065
July (best)2270
August (best)2175
September1665
October1080
November470
December060

Getting to and around Akershus

How to get there

Oslo Airport is located at Gardermoen in Ullensaker, Akershus, and is the principal international gateway for the county and for Oslo. Airport trains and other rail services connect it with Oslo and settlements in the wider eastern Norwegian network. Akershus is also reached by rail from Oslo towards Eidsvoll, Lillestrøm, Årnes, Ski and Moss, while major roads serve the county from the capital and from Sweden-bound routes. Travellers heading to coastal destinations such as Drøbak or western Akershus may find Oslo the most convenient interchange, even when the final destination is within the county.

Transportation

Rail is useful between Oslo, Oslo Airport, Lillestrøm, Eidsvoll, Ski, Asker, Sandvika and other main settlements, while buses fill many local gaps. Services become less frequent in rural parts of Romerike and Follo, so a car can be valuable for combining dispersed museums, farm shops and nature areas. Cycling is practical on quieter roads and selected cycle routes, but distances and hills should not be underestimated. Ferries and private boats are relevant around parts of the Oslofjord, although services vary by season. Urban and suburban centres are generally easier to explore on foot than the countryside.

Top city travel guides in Akershus

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

Best attractions in Akershus

Akershus offers a broad mixture of heritage, nature and family-oriented activities across a relatively accessible part of eastern Norway. The constitutional museum at Eidsvollsbygningen is the county’s most important historical attraction, while Fetsund Lenser presents the demanding timber-floating industry through preserved riverside structures and equipment. Oscarsborg Fortress adds military history in an Oslofjord setting reached by ferry from Drøbak. In Bærum, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter combines modern and contemporary art with a fjord-side location, and the surrounding coast provides walking and boating opportunities. TusenFryd amusement park near Ås is a major seasonal attraction for families. The county’s natural appeal lies in its variety: forest trails around Romerike and Bærum, the wetlands and waterways of the Glomma and Lake Øyeren area, cultivated landscapes around Eidsvoll and Ås, and the islands and skerries of the inner Oslofjord. Beaches, kayaking, cycling and cross-country skiing are all possible, but facilities and public transport differ sharply between suburban centres and rural districts.

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Best landmarks in Akershus

Eidsvollsbygningen is Akershus’s defining political landmark: the preserved manor where the representatives of 1814 drafted and adopted Norway’s Constitution. At the entrance to the Oslofjord, Oscarsborg Fortress occupies the islands in the narrow Drøbak Sound and represents the strategic importance of controlling the maritime approach to Oslo. Fetsund Lenser is a different kind of landmark, formed by long timber booms and riverside industrial buildings that document the historic movement of logs along the Glomma. The old centre of Drøbak provides a visual contrast through its wooden houses, harbour and compact streets, while the county’s medieval churches, including those at Nes and Ås, preserve long-settled agricultural landscapes. In Bærum, the modern architecture and waterfront setting of Henie Onstad Kunstsenter stand out as a cultural landmark rather than a military or historic monument. The county’s natural landmarks include the Oslofjord shoreline, the river environments around Fetsund and the broad, open landscapes of Romerike.

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Explore Akershus on the map

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Best restaurants in Akershus

Dining in Akershus reflects the county’s position between Oslo’s metropolitan market and eastern Norway’s farming, forestry and coastal landscapes. Towns such as Lillestrøm, Sandvika, Asker and Ski offer a broad choice of cafés, bakeries, international restaurants and contemporary Norwegian cooking, while smaller communities tend to centre on cafés, traditional restaurants, pubs and seasonal venues. Local produce may include vegetables from the agricultural districts of Follo and Romerike, berries, apples, breads, dairy products and meat from nearby farms; coastal restaurants and fish counters draw on the Oslofjord’s maritime setting, though not every seafood dish is locally sourced. Farm shops and markets are good places to look for preserves, baked goods and seasonal produce. Norwegian staples such as open sandwiches, waffles, fish and hearty soups are widely available, alongside modern menus shaped by the county’s diverse population and close connection with Oslo.

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Best bars in Akershus

Akershus has no single nightlife district comparable with central Oslo. Evening life is distributed among the county’s main towns, with Lillestrøm, Sandvika, Asker, Drøbak and Ski offering the widest choice of pubs, restaurants, cafés and occasional live-music or cultural events. Traditional pubs and hotel bars are common meeting places, while breweries and modern bars provide a more contemporary setting in larger centres. Drøbak’s harbour area has a seasonal evening atmosphere, but it becomes quieter outside summer. In suburban and rural communities, nightlife usually finishes earlier and depends on local restaurants, community venues and programmed performances rather than large clubs. Visitors should check current arrangements for concerts and late-opening venues, and remember that public transport becomes less frequent at night away from the main railway corridors.

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Best nightclubs in Akershus

Akershus has no single nightlife district comparable with central Oslo. Evening life is distributed among the county’s main towns, with Lillestrøm, Sandvika, Asker, Drøbak and Ski offering the widest choice of pubs, restaurants, cafés and occasional live-music or cultural events. Traditional pubs and hotel bars are common meeting places, while breweries and modern bars provide a more contemporary setting in larger centres. Drøbak’s harbour area has a seasonal evening atmosphere, but it becomes quieter outside summer. In suburban and rural communities, nightlife usually finishes earlier and depends on local restaurants, community venues and programmed performances rather than large clubs. Visitors should check current arrangements for concerts and late-opening venues, and remember that public transport becomes less frequent at night away from the main railway corridors.

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Best shops in Akershus

Shopping in Akershus is organised around practical town centres, suburban retail areas, independent streets and seasonal producers rather than one concentrated destination. Lillestrøm, Sandvika, Asker and Ski provide the broadest range of shops, cafés and services, while Drøbak is known for a more intimate setting of small retailers, galleries and harbour-area businesses. Market towns and rural districts are useful for farm shops selling preserves, baked goods, berries, vegetables, honey and other Norwegian food products, although opening days can be limited. Craft galleries and museum shops offer ceramics, textiles, books and locally themed gifts, while supermarkets are convenient for assembling a picnic or buying everyday Norwegian specialities. Visitors seeking design goods, luxury fashion or a very large retail selection may find central Oslo more suitable, but the county’s independent businesses and producers give shopping a more local, seasonal character.

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Akershus essentials

Currency and Payment
Akershus uses Norway’s national currency, the Norwegian krone (NOK). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, museums, transport services, shops and restaurants, and cash is used less often than in many countries. Carrying a small amount of cash can nevertheless be useful for occasional rural purchases, unattended facilities or small seasonal stalls. Prices are generally high by international standards, particularly for transport, dining and accommodation, so visitors should check the total cost before committing to an activity.
Safety
Akershus is generally straightforward for visitors, but ordinary precautions remain appropriate in transport hubs, busy town centres and crowded events. Outdoor travellers should prepare for rapidly changing weather, wet and uneven forest paths, slippery rocks and winter ice. Follow local guidance near the Oslofjord, rivers and lakes, and do not assume that calm water is safe for unsupervised swimming or boating. In winter, darkness, snow and icy roads can affect driving and walking. Use marked routes where available and take care on rural roads shared with agricultural and heavy vehicles.
Emergency Situations
Norway’s national emergency numbers apply in Akershus: call 112 for police, 110 for the fire service and 113 for urgent medical assistance. The medical out-of-hours service can be reached on 116 117 for matters that cannot wait until ordinary services reopen but are not immediately life-threatening. For an emergency on the sea or shore, explain the location clearly to the emergency operator; the Norwegian rescue services coordinate maritime incidents. In forests or remote areas, give a precise trail, road, landmark or map location and expect mobile coverage to vary.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private property, farm activity and marked restrictions when walking in the countryside, and leave gates as you find them. Follow Norway’s outdoor-access rules by avoiding damage to crops, keeping dogs controlled where required and taking rubbish away. Queue calmly and allow passengers to leave trains and buses before boarding. At historic buildings, churches and museums, observe photography and touching rules. Tipping is not compulsory in the Norwegian manner, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is accepted. On the coast and in forests, avoid fires where prohibited and check seasonal restrictions.
Local Tips
Group visits by transport corridor: Lillestrøm and the eastern railway line work well for Romerike, while Drøbak, Oscarsborg and the Follo coast suit a separate southern outing. Eidsvoll is easily combined with a railway journey but deserves advance checking for museum arrangements. Summer provides long daylight for fjord and forest excursions, while winter brings shorter days and more demanding conditions outside settled areas. Ask local tourist offices about current walking, cycling and boat options, and look for regional produce at farm shops rather than expecting every producer to operate as a daily retail outlet.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Early Settlement and Iron-Age Landscapes

Akershus has been occupied since prehistoric times, with the fertile soils around Romerike, Follo and the Glomma waterways supporting farming communities. Burial mounds, ancient field systems and place names preserve evidence of Iron-Age society, when control of land and routes was closely connected to political power. The region’s rivers and fjord inlets provided practical routes for movement and exchange, linking inland farms with coastal communities. Although much of the modern landscape is developed, archaeological remains and historic churches still indicate the long continuity of settlement across the county.

Medieval Churches and Agricultural Communities

Christianisation brought new institutions and stone or timber churches to the settled districts of Akershus. Medieval churches at places such as Nes, Skedsmo and Ås reflect the growth of organised parishes amid productive agricultural landscapes. Farms, manors and religious institutions shaped local society, while waterways and roads connected the area to Oslo and other parts of eastern Norway. Several later buildings stand on older ecclesiastical sites, making the county’s churches important not only for worship but also for understanding the settlement pattern that developed during the Middle Ages.

Akershus Fortress and the Defence of Oslo

The name Akershus derives from Akershus Fortress, founded in Oslo in the late thirteenth century, although the fortress itself is now within Oslo rather than the modern county. Its strategic importance influenced the wider territory, whose fjord approaches, roads and agricultural resources helped sustain the capital and its defences. In the nineteenth century, Oscarsborg Fortress was built on the Oslofjord’s narrow Drøbak Sound to protect the maritime approach. The county therefore contains a visible record of changing military strategies, from medieval castle power to coastal artillery.

The Constitution at Eidsvoll, 1814

Eidsvoll is central to Norway’s modern political history. In spring 1814, representatives gathered at Eidsvollsbygningen, the home of ironmaster Carsten Anker, to draft and adopt the Norwegian Constitution on 17 May. The assembly followed the upheavals of the Napoleonic period and the transfer of Norway from Danish to Swedish rule, and it established principles that remain fundamental to the Norwegian state. The preserved building and grounds in Eidsvoll provide an unusually direct connection with the country’s constitutional foundation.

Timber Floating and Industrial Change

The Glomma and its tributaries supported a major timber economy for centuries. Logs from inland forests were floated downstream to sawmills and ports, and Fetsund became an important transfer point where timber was sorted and handled. Fetsund Lenser preserves this working landscape with its floating timber booms, buildings and equipment. Railways, improved roads and industrial processing later changed the movement of goods, while agriculture and manufacturing expanded around settlements such as Lillestrøm. The legacy of forestry remains visible in both the landscape and local museums.

Railways, Suburban Growth and the Modern County

Railway construction from the nineteenth century transformed Akershus by linking agricultural and industrial communities with Christiania, now Oslo, and with inland Norway. Lillestrøm grew as a significant junction and industrial centre, while stations across Romerike and Follo encouraged new settlements and commuting patterns. During the twentieth century, improved roads, housing development and the expansion of Oslo’s metropolitan economy brought substantial suburban growth to Bærum, Asker and other districts. Modern Akershus is consequently both a rural county with deep agricultural roots and an integrated part of Norway’s largest urban region.

Akershus in Photos

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Evendo: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Akershus

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Welcome to Akershus, Norway - a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With Evendo, your trip will be seamless and unforgettable. Our app offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Akershus. Imagine exploring the majestic Akershus Fortress, wandering through the picturesque streets of Drøbak, or visiting the stunning Eidsvoll 1814. Whether you're dining at the exquisite Frognerseteren restaurant or enjoying a night out at Lillestrøm's vibrant bars, Evendo provides all the details you need, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.

Plan and organize your trip effortlessly with Evendo. Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. No more searching for what to see and do - Evendo has it all in one place. With features like detailed history of Akershus, essential travel information, curated local tips, and easy navigation, you'll experience the region like a local. Use the 'Near me' feature to discover attractions and amenities around you in real-time. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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