Discover Bærum: Fjord, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Fjord, wetlands, art and industrial history give you different reasons to stay in Bærum. Destinations in Bærum offer a range of themes, from birdlife and beaches to contemporary art and local heritage.

Beaches, birdlife and trails

Fornebu is surrounded by fjord and beaches and has exceptional biodiversity. At the very end of Storøya on Fornebu lies Storøyodden beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag. Certification can change; if it matters for your visit, check the current status. Storøykilen on Fornebu offers a different natural highlight: this especially biodiverse wetland is one of the last remaining in the inner Oslofjord. Rare birds live there, and during migration the area serves as a resting place for many bird species.

Cycling is a good way to explore Fornebu. You can use your own bike or a rental bike from Tier, provided by Bærum Municipality; rental bike services may change, so check availability in advance. Also located on Fornebu is the Engineerium, an interactive science centre with free admission. Visitors can explore natural phenomena and various energy sources there. Opening details can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

Other places offer their own outdoor recreation highlights. Kalvøya has beaches and is a popular area for walks. Kadettangen combines a beach, a park and a recreational facility. The bathing cove makes swimming easier for people with physical disabilities or who feel unsure in the water. If this feature is important to your plans, check the condition of the facility on site.

For longer walks, the Kyststien in Bærum offers a clear route: it is 23 kilometres long and runs from Bjørnsvika to Lysaker. The Gudbrandsdalsleden and Tunsbergleden pilgrimage routes pass through Bærum and meet just northwest of Øverland. The trail to Kolsåstoppen passes through the Kolsås-Dælivann Landscape Protection Area and the Kolsåsstupene Nature Reserve. Trail conditions can change seasonally; take this into account when planning.

Along Kalkstien, signs explain the limestone bedrock in Bærum and the hard manual labour involved in quarrying limestone, both before and after gunpowder was introduced in the 18th century. The trail thus combines a look at the landscape with an insight into local working history.

Art, history and notable places

The Henie Onstad Kunstsenter at Høvikodden is an important venue for international contemporary art. Its location is surrounded by a large sculpture park. Høvikodden Park includes a swimming area with sculptures, toilet facilities and a barbecue. The condition of public facilities can depend on maintenance; check before visiting if you rely on particular amenities.

At the Grini Museum in Eiksmarka, the history of Grini prison camp is presented through film footage, photographs, audio recordings, artefacts and digital technology. The exhibitions may change. A visit therefore offers a historical focus that is clearly distinct from art venues and natural areas.

Bærums Verk is a marketplace in the authentic historic setting of an ironworks that has shaped Bærum since the early 17th century. The trading centre comprises around 50 shops, craft businesses, workshops, galleries and places to eat. The Bærums Verk Sculpture Park features 28 sculptures by Norwegian artists; the collection has grown through the addition of one new sculpture each year.

Lommedalsbanen is another historic attraction: it was established in 1978 as Norway’s first narrow-gauge museum railway. Together with Bærums Verk and the Grini Museum, it offers a glimpse into different aspects of Bærum’s history, from industry and transport to the history of the prison camp.

Planning your visit

If Bærums Verk is on your itinerary, you can reach it by direct bus 150 from central Oslo or bus 210 from Sandvika. Routes and timetables may change, so check the connection for your travel date. Your planned activities can help you choose a hotel: decide whether you would most like to explore Bærum through its coast and nature, its art and history, or selected trails.

Discover more destinations: Lysaker, Sandvika, Haslum, Høvik, Stabekk, Fornebu, Snarøya, Nesodden.

Return to the main travel overview: Akershus.