Ås is a municipality in Viken county (formerly Akershus), Norway, part of the traditional Follo region. Established on January 1, 1838, it serves as an administrative center with the village of Ås as its hub. Known for its rapid growth, agricultural prominence, and educational institutions, Ås hosts the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and the Tusenfryd amusement park. With a population of 22,344 as of 2025, it ranks as a dynamic commuter suburb to Oslo, blending rural charm with modern development. The municipality's name derives from Old Norse "Áss," meaning ridge or hill, reflecting its landscape.
Ås is located at coordinates 59°39′37″N 10°47′1″E, covering 103 square kilometers, of which 101.3 are land, making it the 383rd largest municipality by area in Norway. It features fertile agricultural lands (39 square kilometers farmed) and extensive forests (46 square kilometers), with a temperate climate averaging 6.4°C annually and 885.3 mm of precipitation from 1994–2023. Situated about 30 kilometers south of Oslo, it borders Frogn and Nesodden to the north, Oslo to the northeast, Indre Østfold to the south and east, and Ski to the west. The terrain includes ridges and valleys, supporting diverse flora in areas like the NMBU park, which spans 600 acres with 800 shrub and tree varieties.
Ås's history ties to its Norse roots, with the name referencing the ridge where the first church was built around the medieval period. Spelled "Aas" until 1921, it was formalized as a municipality in 1838. Archaeological findings, symbolized by the coat-of-arms (three silver diamonds on green, granted in 1982), include ancient axes from the parishes of Ås, Kroer, and Nordby. The area has been agriculturally significant, evolving into a hub for education and research in the 20th century with NMBU's establishment. Notable events include the construction of the Leonardo da Vinci Bridge in 2001, a modern recreation of a 1502 design, highlighting artistic innovation.
Ås has a population of 22,344 in 2025, with a density of 220.6 per square kilometer and an annual growth rate of 1.8% from 2020 to 2025. Earlier figures show 20,652 residents in 2020, up 17.5% over the prior decade, indicating steady expansion. The urban village of Ås had 10,962 inhabitants as of 2024, while Togrenda had 2,783. Immigrant communities are diverse, with notable groups from Poland (521), Sweden (244), and Lithuania (214), contributing to a multicultural fabric.
Agriculture dominates Ås's economy, positioning it as Akershus's largest agricultural municipality, producing grain, vegetables, and dairy for the Oslo region. The presence of NMBU drives research in biosciences, veterinary medicine, and sustainability, fostering innovation in green industries. Tourism from Tusenfryd amusement park adds revenue, while commuting to Oslo supports a service-oriented workforce. Broader Norwegian influences, like renewable energy and shipping, indirectly benefit the area, though local focus remains on farming and education.
Ås is connected via Ås Station, opened in 1879, on the Østfold Line's R21 Oslo Commuter Rail, with frequent Vy services to Oslo. Major routes include European E6 and E18 highways, with the iconic 108-meter Leonardo da Vinci Bridge providing a pedestrian crossing over E18. This laminated wood structure, opened in 2001, accommodates cyclists and walkers, enhancing local mobility. Proximity to Oslo (30 minutes) makes it commuter-friendly.
Cultural life in Ås revolves around historical and artistic landmarks, such as the Leonardo da Vinci Bridge, which garnered global attention from outlets like CNN and The New York Times for its innovative design. The NMBU park serves as a cultural space with labeled plants for public education. Community events tie into Norway's broader traditions, including festivals and outdoor activities, while twinning with international cities promotes cultural exchange.
Education is a cornerstone of Ås, anchored by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), a public institution with around 7,700 students focusing on biosciences, environment, and sustainable development. NMBU offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields like aquaculture, biotechnology, and economics, with English as the primary language for many courses. The university's 600-acre park doubles as a teaching resource, featuring a rosarium and diverse plant species. Ås also has primary and secondary schools, benefiting from the academic environment.
Recreational options abound in Ås's natural settings, with the NMBU park offering trails for hiking and outdoor learning. Tusenfryd amusement park provides thrill rides and family entertainment. Local forests support activities like cycling and skiing in winter, while community sports clubs engage residents in football and other pursuits.
Ås features several attractions, including Vitenparken Campus Ås, an interactive science center; Nordskogen Arboretum for botanical exploration; the Leonardo da Vinci Bridge for its architectural uniqueness; Ås Church, a historic site; Kroer Church; and Gnist Sauna for relaxation. Tusenfryd amusement park draws visitors with rides, while the NMBU park offers serene walks amid neoclassical landscapes and plant collections.
Ås has produced influential figures, including Christian Magnus Falsen (1782–1830), a key architect of Norway's constitution who lived in Ås from 1808; Ragnar Skancke (1890–1948), a politician and academic; Berit Ås (born 1928), a feminist politician and social psychologist; and Sverre Fehn (1924–2009), a renowned architect. Other notables include explorer Thor Heyerdahl (associated with the region) and modern academics linked to NMBU.