Discover Røyken: church, local history and active experiences

Røyken combines medieval architecture and local history with activities for an active holiday. The stone Røyken Church, a museum in the Kornmagasinet and the Røykenbadet swimming centre appeal to different interests. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether you would prefer to focus on culture, activity or a mixture of both.

Medieval details at Røyken Church

Røyken Church is a medieval stone long church, built from locally sourced red granite. It is one of the oldest churches in the Asker deanery. Its surviving furnishings span different periods: the medieval collection includes a 13th-century soapstone baptismal font and wall paintings. Two medieval consecration crosses are set into the north and south walls of the choir.

A later chapter is represented by the Baroque altarpiece from the late 17th century. Its acanthus-leaf scrollwork is richly carved. Anyone interested in church architecture and historical design will find more than a single style here: the long church and granite construction, medieval furnishings and Baroque carvings can be viewed as different aspects of the same place.

Local history at the Kornmagasinet

A local history museum is located on the second floor of the Kornmagasinet. The building houses an extensive collection of old objects from the local area. It offers another way to explore Røyken’s history: while the church brings together architectural and religious evidence, the museum focuses on objects from local everyday life and the past. Culture enthusiasts can give these two subjects different priorities when choosing their outings.

Swimming and climbing at Røykenbadet

For an active holiday, Røykenbadet has an indoor swimming pool with five different pools and a 60-metre water slide. There is also a 13-metre climbing wall and a dedicated bouldering area. This offers swimming and climbing as different options. If you are travelling with children, you can take into account whether swimming, sliding or climbing is of shared interest when planning your day; choosing among these activities does not require any particular suitability or skill level.

Getting here and finding your way around

Røyken Station is on the Spikkestad Line. Trains run from there towards Oslo, Lillestrøm and Spikkestad. The station opened in 1872.

There are a few practical details to note when visiting Røyken Church: water is available from taps in the cemetery. A public toilet by the church is open during normal working hours when cemetery staff are on site. Outside the chapel, a pilgrim stamp is located on a post next to the car park. These details may be useful if you include the church in your explorations.

A walking event with historical connections

The Oldtidsmarsjen is a walking event between the fjords. In 2022, it was held for the 32nd time. The route followed the Oldtidsveien from Gullaug in Lier to Slemmestad; Røyken Church was one possible starting point. These details describe the 2022 event and give an impression of its connection to the places along the route.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Røyken, the mix of these themes may be the deciding factor: are you mainly interested in historic architecture and local history, swimming and climbing, or both? Røyken offers different ways to explore these interests, without implying a particular location for your accommodation.

More places to discover: Nærsnes, Smokstad, Hyggen, Båtstø, Åros.

Go to the main travel overview: Røyken.