Asker is a historical city that has gradually become a suburb of Oslo. It stands about 12 miles west of the Norwegian capital on the shores of Oslo Fjord, about halfway to the city of Drammen along the E18 trunk road. If you hire a car in Asker you may find too soon that this is Norway's busiest road but there are lots of options for travellers here. Smaller, quieter roads, for example, run near the shore of the fjord. Asker has its own harbour and ferries leave regularly for the Oslo waterfront and there is a cycle path right around the edge of the fjord. Oslo's attractions are easily reached, including the Opera House, Royal Palace and Vigeland sculpture park.
The affluent area of Asker has many exclusive homes but also includes beaches, hills and woods. Crown Prince Haakon lives in Asker with his family in the Skaugum Estate and the area is popular with other Norwegian celebrities too.
If you do decide to hire car in Asker you can tour the highlights of the city, including the yacht marina at Vettre, the farm shop and café at Sondre Wettre, Heggedal art centre, and the waterfront at Hvalstrand, with its sandy beach, diving boards, slides and historic restaurant. The stony beach at Elnestangen meanwhile is often considered the best fishing spot in the whole fjord.
