Fornebu: Art, Culture and Nature

Fornebu brings together a range of attractions for a stay: contemporary art and cultural offerings, the history of the former airport, a nature reserve, waterside paths and a beach. In snowy winters, groomed cross-country ski trails are also available in Nansenparken. When choosing accommodation, you can decide whether art and history, nature, the beach or a seasonal winter activity is most important for your trip.

Art, Culture and History

Bærum Kunsthall, on the Flytårnet site in Fornebu, presents national and international contemporary art. Flytårnet Fornebu is a cultural venue with a varied programme and activities throughout the year; individual events may vary. K-FO also runs art-related courses, professional evenings, workshops and lectures at Flytårnet, for members and anyone interested. If you have a particular date in mind, check the current programme.

The Fornebuhistorisk museum traces Fornebu’s development from the start of construction work on the airport through to its closure. It does so by displaying pictures and posters in chronological order. The Fornebu Bilmuseum is also located on the Flytårnet site. Another museum in Fornebu is the unique Roller Museum, housed together with Kultur på Hjul.

Art is also present in other parts of the local landscape: modern architecture and art can be found in parks, between buildings, and on the Telenor and Equinor buildings. Magne Furuholmen’s artwork “Imprints” is installed outside the Aker building. These different locations give you several options to explore if you want art and architecture to shape your stay.

Nature, Paths and the Beach

Storøykilen is one of the most species-rich natural areas in Bærum. A path runs through the nature reserve and remains open to walkers. If you plan to visit, take local conditions into account, as they may change.

The Kyststien Forneburunden trail runs from Lysaker station around the Fornebu peninsula and back to Lysaker. Lysaker is therefore both the starting point and the return point of the route. Along the smaller paths, walkers may see seaplanes moored at the jetties; which planes are there can vary. This description gives you both a point of reference for choosing a route and an idea of one of the trail’s distinctive features.

Storøyodden beach lies at the far end of Storøya in Fornebu and has been awarded Blue Flag status. The certification may be renewed, so check its current status when making specific plans. The best way to get to the beach is by bicycle. You can also take the bus and walk a short distance; the nearest stop is Fornebu vest. As routes and stops may change, it is advisable to check current connections before travelling.

There is a specific seasonal qualification for winter: cross-country ski trails are groomed in Nansenparken in snowy winters. Grooming depends on snow conditions. If cross-country skiing is important to your travel plans, check current conditions rather than assuming the trails are available year-round.

Bærum as a Broader Cultural Setting

In the wider destination of Bærum, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is located at Høvikodden and is an important institution for international contemporary art. The site is surrounded by a large sculpture park. This regional addition is distinct from the art venues in Fornebu: it broadens the cultural setting for a stay in Bærum without making Høvikodden part of Fornebu.

Discover more destinations: Sandvika, Stabekk, Høvik, Lysaker, Haslum.

View the broader travel guide: Bærum.