Hølen
Son and Drøbak are two idyllic white-painted towns along the Oslofjord with a long history as customs offices for the export of wood and blocks of ice. Along the way, you will also see picturesque Hvitsten and Ramme Gård, where Edvard Munch had his summer residence. The tour goes over rugged cliffs and in varied forest terrain past great swimming spots and viewpoints.
There is a train to Sonsveien station and from there it is just over 3 km to Son and the coastal path. Follow the pedestrian and cycle path, path and small roads to Son SPA and Hotel. Continue along the rocky slopes to the north or take the walking path past the tennis court, past Sonstranda and cozy small roads with white-painted houses further towards the centre. The Dørnberger house in Strandgata dates back to the 17th century and the eccentric painter Carl Dørnberger lived here in the period 1896-1940. Son was an artists' town at the beginning of the 20th century. In the center there is a large guest harbour, summer boat from Oslo, brewery life and restaurants. Son Kystkultursenter is also located here. Son was an important timber port during the Dutch era in the 16th century. Timber and lumber were exported to the Dutch states, and Dutch goods were imported.
Over the bridge at the marina, the tour continues on pavement along Kolåsveien, but soon turns off towards the golf course and eventually onto a gravel road towards Kjøvangen pier and beach. Several beaches await; Hulvik beach, Krokstrand free area and Emmerstad Bay. Along the way, the path goes up to the viewpoint Stjernåsen. There are several signs with information about alternative routes. At the heart of Emmerstad bay, the path continues at the water's edge, so here there can be challenges if there is high tide. The stairs above Okseryggen are steep, but with a nice view, before it continues through the cabin area.
Hvitsten is a small, cozy place with a wharf, a beautiful wooden church and ship history. Many of the figureheads of Fred. Olsen's shipping company is on display in the parks. Close by is Nedre Ramme, which was Edvard Munch's villa from 1910. Here you can follow the cultural trail "In Munch's footsteps" and see the remains of the Cairns from the Bronze Age. The beautiful Ramme Gård today contains a baroque garden, gallery, café and concert stage. Here it is possible to stay overnight at Ramme Fjordhotell. Sagakollen nearby also offers accommodation in self-service cabins.
Between Kjeppestadbukta and Skiphelle there are several options. Closest to the water's edge, the route runs along rocky beaches, rocky outcrops and small woodlands. Some parts can be slippery and a bit demanding. Another option is along cottage roads with some path further up the hill. Just before Skiphellebukta, there is a commemorative plaque for the D/S Donau - a German ship that was sunk by, among others, Max Manus during World War II. From the bay, you can follow Skiphelleveien/Elleveien or continue along the rock cliffs if there is no high tide. At Torkildstranda is Galleri Finsrud with art by Reidar Finsrud. The gallery is located in an old ceramics factory. Finsrud is behind the bronze sculptures "Mermaids" and "Neptune" in Drøbak harbour.
The last section towards Drøbak is on cozy small roads. The streets are narrow, the houses are white and the roses smell of summer. Here, the Oslofjord is at its narrowest and the ferrywoman Jacobine, who in the 19th century rowed people across the fjord in all kinds of weather, is honored with a statue and a separate historical walking route; Jacobin route. In the beginning, Drøbak was a modest beach town with fishermen's huts before, at the beginning of the 18th century, it grew in population and wealth through the export of "Dutch beams" (timber) and blocks of ice. Eventually, the city became well known as a resort and seaside resort and attracted many of the country's most famous painters who frequented the Reenskaug Hotel.
The Christmas house is open all year round and the Drøbak Aquarium shows the wildlife of the Oslofjord. In the square there are several cozy cafes and in Badeparken there are grasslands, jetties and a beach. In the summer there is a boat between Oslo and Drøbak. Oscarsborg fortress is a short boat ride away from the Sund pier.
To geth here. Check entur.no or ruter.no :
Train: Train to Sonsveien and local bus to Kleiva (Son).
Bus: Bus from Drøbak.
Boat: Route boat B21/B22 from March - October from Aker Brygge - Son. stops in Son and Drøbak.
CLICK ON OUR INTERACTIVE MAP BELOW TO SEE THE WHOLE ROUTE AND POINTS OF INTEREST:
Source: Visit Greater Oslo