Welcome to Asker – a coastal town by the Oslofjord, just southwest of Oslo. Here, family-friendly beaches and hiking trails meet cultural attractions and a lively town centre. With its blend of history, art and outdoor experiences, Asker offers an easy and refreshing escape close to the capital.

Shopping, culture and heritage

In Asker, shopping blends naturally with cultural and historical experiences. Trekanten Storsenter is the town’s main shopping destination, offering a wide range of stores under one roof. Not far away lies Asker Museum, where you can explore the artist homes of Tilla and Otto Valstad and authors Hulda and Arne Garborg, surrounded by a historical garden with sculptures by Anne Grimdalen. Down by the fjord in Vollen, the Oslofjord Museum tells the story of coastal life and shipbuilding – including Maud, the polar ship built for the explorer Roald Amundsen. Asker Church, one of the area’s oldest landmarks with Iron Age burial mounds nearby, and Asker kulturhus, which hosts concerts, theatre and cinema, complete the picture of a town where shopping, culture and history meet.

Nature and outdoor experiences

Asker’s location by the Oslofjord makes it easy to enjoy outdoor life all year round. In summer you can swim at Hvalstrand or Sjøstrand, or follow stretches of the coastal trail, Kyststien, with its fjord views and coves. Popular hikes include Skaugumsåsen, where the summit rewards you with wide views across the fjord, while Semsvannet is a protected nature area with paths for walking and cycling. In winter, locals head to Vardåsen skisenter for downhill skiing or use the cross-country trails in the surrounding forests.

Restaurants & conferences

Asker offers a variety of restaurants and cosy cafés in and around the centre, while Oslo’s wider dining scene is just a short train ride away. Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Asker also serves as a practical hub for meetings and conferences, with venues suited to both smaller gatherings and larger events.

Nearby destinations

Oslo
Drammen