Vitenparken

When planning a trip to Norway, a university campus rarely tops the list. But just 20 minutes south of Oslo lies a hidden gem that surprises even locals: the spectacular Campus Ås at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU).

Program og billetter for åpne omvisninger våren–sommeren 2026 publiseres snart.

It's hard to know where to start. Is it the large park, with its botanical richness and thoughtful design, which can compete with Europe's best botanical gardens? The seasonal plant fields and precisely composed beds, tended by professionals trained in Norway's leading landscape and plant science environments - right here on campus? Or the neoclassical architecture, inspired by British universities, but uniquely interpreted by Norwegian architect Ole Sverre in the early 20th century?

Perhaps it is the whole: the research areas that extend across Ås, where almost every field and every forest can be part of a scientific project. NMBU hosts several of Norway's leading research institutions – such as NIBIO, NOFIMA and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute – with a focus on sustainability, food, the environment and animal welfare.

Walking into Campus Ås is impressive. The size, symmetry, history and aesthetics create a sense of both humility and inspiration. It may remind you of a film set – a bit Harry Potter, a bit Bridgerton, a bit Downton Abbey – but everything is real and alive, driven by groundbreaking research and forward thinking.

In the middle of this lies Vitenparken , a science center and experience place for sustainability, environment and culture. In collaboration with NMBU and a team of knowledgeable and engaging guides – many of them former researchers – we have developed a tour that truly brings this unique place to life.

The tours are suitable for all age groups, and are open to both Norwegian and international visitors.

Book a private group tour

Price: NOK 1,000 basic amount + NOK 100 per participant
Maximum number per group: 30 people
Larger groups? Get in touch – we will set up more guides if needed.
Language: Norwegian, English
Booking: booking@vitenparken.no

Join an open tour

From spring through early autumn, we also arrange open tours with ticket sales. Here you can join everything from general tours to individual bird walks, tree walks and plant tours.
Timings and tickets: vitenparken.no/event

Facts about Campus Ås

– Established in 1859 as Norway's first institution for higher agricultural education
- Five neoclassical buildings designed by Ole Sverre, all listed
– 700 acres of planned parkland with over 800 species of shrubs and trees
– Historic rosarium from 1965 and Korsmo's weed garden at NIBIO
– The park was designed in 1924 by Olaf Leif Moen, Norway's first professor of landscape architecture.
– The campus houses NMBU, NIBIO, NOFIMA and the Veterinary Institute – with over 10,000 students, researchers and employees
– More than 20 works of art integrated into the landscape through KORO's national art program

Open tours + lunch buffet 2025

Maks antall deltakere: 30

Summer 2025
Bird song tour with Solve Sæbø: June 8th at 8:00 AM–10:00 AM
Botanical park walk with Filip Ihrsen : 5 July at 10:00–12:00
Historical tour with Tove Blytt Holmen: July 27th at 10:00–12:00
Historical tour with Tove Blytt Holmen: August 7th at 10:00–12:00

Fall 2025
Tree walk with Jeroen Scheepsmaker: 21 August at 12:00–14:00
Tree tour with Jeroen Scheepsmaker: September 6th at 12:00–14:00

More autumn tours will be published soon.
Follow us on vitenparken.no/event and our social media.

Datoer for 2026 kommer 30. april.
Pris: 289,- per person. Inkuderer omvisning og bufffet.