Ås Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Ås, Norway with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, top activities to do, where to stay, and more.


The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ås, Norway

Are you planning a trip to Norway and looking for a hidden gem to explore? Look no further than Ås, a charming town nestled in the Oslo region of East Norway. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and a variety of outdoor activities, Ås has something to offer for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide to Ås, we’ll explore the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Ås

Located just 30 minutes south of Oslo, Ås is a small town in the Akershus county of Norway. The name Ås means “ridge” in Norwegian, and the town is surrounded by hills and forests, making it an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures. The town is home to around 20,000 residents, and is best known for its agricultural research and education institutions, including the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

List of Places to Visit in Ås

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, Ås has plenty of attractions to keep you engaged and informed. The town has a rich history that dates back to the Viking Age, and there are several museums and historical sites that showcase the region’s past. Some must-see attractions include:

  • The Museum of Cultural History: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Norway, and features exhibits on the Viking Age, medieval times, and modern Norway.
  • Ole-Johan Dahls hus: This building serves as the main building for the Department of Informatics at the University of Oslo. It is named after Ole-Johan Dahl a Norwegian mathematician and computer scientist. The building is a façade to modern and unique Norwegian architecture, and a must-visit attraction.
  • Klatreparken i Ås: This is a popular climbing park with aerial forest obstacle courses suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Natural Attractions of Ås: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ås is a paradise. The town is surrounded by forests and hills, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the outdoors. Some of the top natural attractions in Ås include:

  • Ås ravine: A deep cut through the rock offers a unique opportunity to see geological formations. You can take a hike through the ravine and learn about its geological history.
  • Stegavik Viewing Tower: Climb up the 42-meter tall tower for a breathtaking view of the Oslofjord and the surrounding fjords and islands.
  • Tusenfryd: One of the largest amusement parks in Norway, Tusenfryd offers a wide variety of rides, activities, and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ås

If you’re looking for a way to explore the natural landscapes of Ås, the town has plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Some of the top routes include:

  • Nordbytjernet: This trail takes you around the beautiful lake of Nordbytjernet and offers a chance to see local birds and other wildlife.
  • Østmarka: This biking trail is a popular spot for mountain biking and offers a variety of terrain and difficulty levels for all skill levels.
  • Sørmarka Rundt: A 20-kilometer trail that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Sørmarka forest.

Best Things to Do in Ås: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities and tours to enjoy in Ås. Some of the top things to do include:

  • Farm stays: Experience Norwegian countryside and immerse in the local agricultural life by staying on a farm for the night. You’ll have the chance to learn about traditional farming practices and enjoy locally produced food.
  • Norwegian Cooking Class: Learn about traditional Norwegian cuisine and how to prepare typical Norwegian dishes like Fårikål, Kjøttkaker, and Lutefisk from an experienced local chef.
  • Skiing in winter: If you’re visiting Ås in the winter months, skiing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. The town has several ski resorts, including Varingskollen and Kjekstadmarka, that offer a variety of trails for all skill levels.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ås

If you have a week to spend in Ås, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

Day Activity
1 Explore the town center and visit the Museum of Cultural History.
2 Take a hike through the beautiful Ås ravine and enjoy the scenic views.
3 Take a Norwegian cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Norwegian dishes.
4 Visit the Tusenfryd amusement park and enjoy the rides and attractions.
5 Spend the day skiing at one of the local ski resorts, Varingskollen or Kjekstadmarka.
6 Take a farm stay and experience the local agricultural life.
7 Hike the Sørmarka Rundt trail and enjoy the scenic beauty of the forest.

Food and Drink Scene of Ås

Norway is known for its unique cuisine and Ås is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample during your visit:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fårikål: A traditional Norwegian dish made with lamb, cabbage, and potatoes.
  • Kjøttkaker: Meatballs made with a mix of beef and pork, served with mashed potatoes, peas, and lingonberry sauce.
  • Lutefisk: Dried cod that has been soaked in lye, served with boiled potatoes and bacon.

Local Beverages

  • Aquavit: A traditional Scandinavian spirit infused with herbs and spices.
  • Craft beer: Ås has a thriving craft beer scene, with several local breweries offering a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Where to Stay in Ås: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ås has plenty of options for accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Depending on your budget and preferences, here are some of the top options to consider:

  • Thon Hotel Åsgårdstrand: A cozy hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
  • Ås Guesthouse: This modern guesthouse offers comfortable accommodations and is located just a short walk from the town center.
  • OSI Cabins: If you’re looking for more rustic accommodations, OSI Cabins offer simple rooms and shared facilities in a beautiful natural setting.

What to Buy in Ås: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to take back home, Ås has plenty to offer. Here are some top recommendations:

  • Handmade artisanal goods: Visit the Ad Libitum art and crafts store, where you can find a wide variety of handmade goods from local artisans.
  • Local specialty foods: Take home some traditional Norwegian food products, such as brunost (brown cheese), flatbrød (crispbread), and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge).

Local Culture and Customs of Ås

Norway has a unique culture and customs, and Ås is no exception. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting:

  • Norwegians value personal space and privacy, so avoid standing too close to others or asking personal questions unless you’ve established a close relationship.
  • Tipping is not expected in Norway, as service charges are included in the price of goods and services.
  • Norwegians are environmentally conscious, so it’s important to dispose of waste properly and respect the natural surroundings.

Best Time to Visit Ås

The best time to visit Ås depends on your interests and preferences. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures and hiking, the summer months (June-August) are ideal. If you’re interested in skiing or winter sports, the winter months (December-February) are the best time to visit. Keep in mind that Norway experiences long daylight hours in the summer and short daylight hours in the winter, which may affect your travel plans and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ås

It’s important to be aware of local customs and etiquette when visiting Norway. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in Norway.
  • Respect the natural surroundings and dispose of waste properly.
  • Learn a few Norwegian phrases and try to speak the language.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in public spaces.
  • Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.
  • Don’t assume that all Norwegians speak English fluently.

Safety and Health

Norway is a safe and healthy country, with a high standard of living and quality healthcare. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions when traveling. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Ås

  • Norway has a low crime rate, but it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions like locking doors and windows and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Ås

  • Norway has a high standard of healthcare, and hospitals and clinics are located throughout the country.
  • Make sure you have adequate travel insurance, as medical expenses can be high in Norway.

Getting to Ås: Transportation Options and Logistics

Despite being a small town, Ås is easily accessible by public transportation. Here are some ways to get to Ås:

Airports Near Ås

  • The closest major airport is Oslo Airport Gardermoen, located approximately 50 kilometers from Ås. From there, you can take a train or bus to Ås.

Bus Stations Near Ås

  • The main bus station in Ås is located in the town center, with frequent connections to Oslo and other nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • You can also rent a car and drive to Ås, or take a taxi or private transfer from Oslo.

How to Get Around in Ås

The town center of Ås is small and easily walkable, but if you need to travel further afield, there are several options for getting around:

  • Bus: There are several bus routes that run through Ås, with regular connections to nearby towns and cities.
  • Train: The train station in Ås is located in the town center and offers connections to Oslo and other parts of Norway.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available throughout Ås, and can be a convenient option for short trips or late at night.

Where to Go Next from Ås: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time to explore after visiting Ås, there are plenty of other destinations and excursions to consider. Here are some top recommendations:

  • Oslo: Just 30 minutes away by train or bus, Oslo is Norway’s vibrant capital city and offers a wide variety of attractions and activities.
  • Drøbak: Located on the Oslofjord, this charming coastal town is known for its picturesque harbor and historic wooden houses.
  • Asker: A picturesque town located just a short drive from Ås, Asker is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

Ås may be a small town, but it’s packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the woods, exploring local museums, or simply relaxing in the peaceful countryside, Ås has something to offer for everyone. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Ås, and discover the hidden gems and unique charms of this magical destination.