Things To Do
in Ås
Ås is a small, green university town in the Follo district south of Oslo, best known as the home of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). The town combines agricultural surroundings, research institutions and easy access to the Oslofjord coastline. Its compact center, parks and lakes make it an ideal base for nature walks, cycling and short cultural visits.
Ås offers a calm, local atmosphere with quick rail or road links to Norway's capital for day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ås and settle into your accommodation, taking time to refresh after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling Norwegian pastries and coffee. Once energized, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of Ås to soak in the charming architecture.
Visit the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and explore its beautiful campus and botanical garden. Take part in a guided tour to learn about the university's research and sustainability initiatives. Enjoy a lunch at the campus cafeteria, which often features locally sourced ingredients.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in Ås and try some traditional Norwegian dishes, such as fresh fish or reindeer. As the sun sets, take a walk around the serene surrounding areas to appreciate the tranquility of the Norwegian countryside. Wind down with a nightcap at a local pub, savoring the friendly atmosphere.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then prepare for a hiking trip to the nearby Åsmarka forest. The morning air is crisp, providing an invigorating backdrop as you explore various trails. Look out for local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
After a fulfilling hike, have a picnic lunch at one of the scenic viewpoints in the forest. Spend the afternoon relaxing in nature, taking in the calming sounds of birds and rustling leaves. If time allows, grab a walking stick and wander through the additional trails nearby.
Return to Ås in the evening and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Indulge in a culinary experience highlighting seasonal ingredients at a farm-to-table restaurant. Cap off the night with a visit to a local event or theater for some cultural insight.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer at a pub | $7-10 |
| 🚆Single train/bus ticket (local) | $4-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to nature: lakes, forests and the Oslofjord are nearby
- Quiet, safe town with strong agricultural and academic character
- Easy rail links to Oslo for day trips and broader services
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with a large city
- Public transport can be less frequent outside commuter hours
- Weather can be changeable and winters are dark and cold
- "Hei" - Hi / Hello
- "Takk" - Thank you
- "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Hvor er toget til Oslo?" - Where is the train to Oslo?
- "Snakker du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Ås
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic trees, landscaped grounds and unique greenhouse architecture provide excellent portrait and detail photography opportunities.
A small lake with reflective water, reed beds and walking paths — great for sunrise/sunset reflections and birdlife shots.
Rocky shoreline, small beaches and open sea views offer dramatic coastal landscapes and long-exposure wave photography.
Wide agricultural vistas, seasonal crops and farmsteads make for classic rural Norwegian landscapes, especially at golden hour.
Quaint streets, small shops and wooden architecture provide charming street photography subjects.
Food in Ås
Ås Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Norwegian smoked salmon is a staple; find it at local markets and cafés, often served on open sandwiches (smørbrød) or with fresh bread.
Must-Try!
Hearty, homestyle meat patties served with potatoes, gravy and lingonberry — common on restaurant lunch menus and at canteens.
Dairy from nearby farms appears in cheese platters and simple desserts; visit farm shops or markets for tasting.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farms and producers sell vegetables, berries, cheeses and smoked fish — great for picking up picnic ingredients in summer and autumn.
During term times you’ll find food stalls and student-run events on the NMBU campus offering sandwiches, waffles and coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for meetings and social appointments; arrive promptly for tours, trains and restaurant reservations.
Norwegians value personal space and relative quiet in public — keep voices moderate and respect privacy.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering private homes; host will usually indicate — you may be offered indoor slippers.
Recycling and environmental care are common; follow local waste sorting rules and avoid littering.
Safety
Tipping in Ås
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Norway is discretionary and modest; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not required, as service charges are generally included.
Cards are widely accepted (chip and contactless), and mobile payments (Vipps) are popular; cash is increasingly uncommon but handy for small purchases at some markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest, sunniest months (June–August) with long daylight hours and many outdoor activities; ideal for coastal walks, swimming and markets. Expect temperatures typically between 15–23°C (60–75°F).
Crisp weather and colourful foliage make it a lovely time for hiking and photography; rain increases and daylight shortens — bring layers and waterproofs.
Cold, dark months with potential snow and ice; temperatures often around -5 to 3°C (23–37°F). Cross-country skiing is possible in nearby forests; roads and paths can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
Melting snow, budding trees and early flowers — a quieter shoulder season ideal for birdwatching and visiting farms; weather can be changeable, with cool mornings and milder afternoons.
Ås at Night
Hiking in Ås
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short and accessible trail around a small lake close to town and the university — suitable for all ages and easy photography.
Coastal walking trail along parts of the Oslofjord with rocky shores, beaches and scenic viewpoints; ideal for day walks and picnics.
Larger network of forest trails east of Ås offering longer hikes, varied terrain and opportunities for cross-country skiing in winter.
Airports
How to reach Ås by plane.
Primary international airport serving Oslo and the region; reachable by train and road — typically around 1–1.5 hours from Ås depending on connections.
Secondary airport used by some low-cost carriers; further away but an option for certain flights (approx. 1.5 hours by car).
Historically served the region with low-cost flights but has limited commercial traffic; check current schedules if considering as an option.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local community is connected to NMBU — students, researchers and university staff — giving Ås a youthful and international element.
Long-standing residents engaged in agriculture, small businesses and local services make up the town’s traditional base.
Professionals who live in Ås for a quieter lifestyle while commuting to jobs in Oslo or nearby towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed at amateur and youth levels; local clubs and pitches are common.
A national pastime in winter when snow permits — nearby trails and open areas are used for skiing.
The Oslofjord encourages boating activities; kayaking and small-boat sailing are popular in summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ås.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in cafés and restaurants; menus increasingly list vegetable-forward dishes and salads, but confirm use of fish or meat-based broths.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited than in larger cities; bring snacks if you rely on vegan foods and ask cafés in advance about dairy-free milk and vegan cakes.
Most cafés can accommodate gluten-free requests (bread/cake alternatives) if asked; packaged gluten-free products are available at grocery stores.