Askim is undergoing rapid development and is changing year after year.

The town was granted city status in 1996, and like most cities, it has a lot to offer. The town center has 14,651 inhabitants as of January 1, 2022. It is easily connected to Oslo by train and bus. Norway's longest river, the Glomma, forms a natural municipal boundary in the west, and waterfalls have been used for power generation for over a hundred years. But Askim is so much more than just power - you can really unfold yourself here. There's a wide range of activities, outdoor life, a shopping center, nightlife and much more.

A natural shopping center

Askim is a natural shopping center in Indre Østfold. The town has a complete center with small cozy shops and shopping centers hand in hand. Here you'll find everything from small cozy shops and cafés in the pedestrian street to larger stores in Askim Storhandel and Askim Torget shopping center. Askimbyen AS is an organization for everyone who runs a business in the city and arranges many pleasant activities during the year for the enjoyment and benefit of the public and business community.

Treats at cafés and restaurants

The city can tempt you with many tasty treats, as well as pleasant cafés and restaurants. They serve Norwegian cuisine, but also many other exciting dishes from other parts of the world.

What's happening in Askim

As mentioned, Askimbyen is good at creating good activities in the town that are suitable for young and old. They have many great partners with them, so that you as a resident or visitor will feel welcome and enjoy a few days in Askim city center. Check out what you can see at Askim Kulturhus.

Active in Askim

Are you looking to explore beautiful nature experiences and exciting activities? Here you have the opportunity to be active in a variety of ways - whether you prefer to enjoy nature or try something new and fun. In Askim, you can take part in free experiences such as forest walks, cycle paths and great bike rides. Our town is located in the middle of nature, so just pack your sneakers or bike and join us for a walk!

The green lungs - nature on your doorstep

Askim has a town center that offers both peace and activity. Right by the train station you'll find a great playground, perfect for young and old. A little further away, you can head to the parc - Folkeparken, a popular place for both sporting and relaxing activities. Here you can enjoy football matches in the summer and ice skating in the winter. The city's sports hall is also located in the area, and here you'll find a gathering point for anyone who wants to relax with family or friends - whether it's a dog walk or a cozy moment with your loved ones.

Bathing areas

When the sun is shining, nothing beats a lovely day at one of Askim's swimming spots. Østfoldbadet offers a large and beautiful facility with both an outdoor area and a pool, so you can enjoy a refreshing dip all year round. At Solbergfoss you'll find a large, well-equipped bathing area with a green lawn, perfect for both sunbathing and picnics.

Organized activities - For adventurous souls

If you're looking for organized activities, Askim has a lot to offer. Østfoldbadet is known as one of Norway's best bathing facilities, and for something extra fun, head to Sprett for trampoline, bowling, mini playland and even Norway's only mini golf glow. If you're looking for excitement, you can take a climb in Norway's only open-cast nickel mine from 1866 - Romsåsen Gruver. There they also have a sip line.

Askim - An exciting place for everyone!

Where to stay

There's plenty to do in Askim. Feel free to stay a few days and explore the town and the surrounding area. There are limited accommodation options in the city center, but you'll find nice places to spend the night in the surrounding areas.

Clean power and energy

We can't resist talking a little more about the three major power stations in Askim - Solbergfoss, Kykkelsrud and Vamma. Solbergfoss in particular is a popular hiking spot. There's a swimming area, a picnic area and people come from near and far to look at the huge buildings, especially during the spring flood. When the water rushes past. Every year, the Kraftfestivalen cultural festival brings together participants from far and wide for a concert in the old turbine halls of the power station at Kykkelsrud.

The stories are many

Before around 1400, the village was called Eid. This word denoted, among other things, the land along a river that is not navigable by boat, so people had to walk. Through Askim, people pulled boats between Øyeren and Glomma below Vamma waterfalls. In times of war, the river Glomma has served as a natural line of defense. During the many wars with Sweden. Swedish King Karl XII crossed the Glomma river at Onstadsundet in May 1716 after abandoning an unsuccessful siege of Akershus Fortress with 6,000 men and 3,000 horses. Askim was the site of the last major battle between Norwegian and Swedish forces in 1814: The Battle of Langnes Skanse. This was the last time thousands of men from Scandinavian countries faced each other with weapons in hand. The battle marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars in Scandinavia, and the beginning of the era of union, where Norway and Sweden were united.

The first industrial activity in Askim was Rom Nikkelverk. Nickel was extracted here in 1876-1876. A total of 100 men worked in the mines at most, and a small community was formed around the mines. Here you'll also find the very special kulenorite stone or potato stone as it's called. And the bats have also found their way here, where there are the most wintering bats in Norway.

Transport

Train

- It is easy to get to Askim from Oslo. There are trains every hour, check vy for times.

Bus

- If you would like to take the bus from Oslo or elsewhere, check Østfold Kollektivtrafikk or call 177 for assistance in finding your way.

Find timetables

- Search for a stop, address or area in the travel planner to find timetables. Use entur.no or vybuss.no.

Taxi

- Call +47 2137