DRØBAK AND FOLLO
The good life by the Oslofjord
One of the most dramatic events in Norwegian history took place on this idyllic island.
The rumble of guns. Loud explosions.
On April 9, 1940, Norwegian forces sank the German warship Blücher here in the Drøbak Sound.
Today, the Oscarsborg fortress is a symbol of Norway's freedom, full of fascinating exhibits (free entry!) for families and history buffs to discover.
There is a year round ferry service to the island.
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In Drøbak you can swim, visit galleries, shop, or relax on a lazy Sunday.
Stroll through narrow lanes lined with cosy, traditional white wooden houses from the 1700s.
Visit the Drøbak Aquarium, where you can get a close look at the scary-looking wolffish Hugo, among other things.
Wait a minute ... Does Santa Claus live in the summer town Drøbak?
At Tregaardens Julehus in Drøbak, it's Christmas 365 days a year. Letters from all over the world addressed to Santa Claus have ended up in the letterbox here for over 30 years. Don't forget to send your own letter from Drøbak with an official Santa stamp!
Am I dreaming? Am I still in Norway?
It's true, just 40 minutes south of Drøbak you'll find Hvitsten and this amazing place, the Havlystparken gardens, part of the cultural destination Ramme.
Walk in artist Edvard Munch's footsteps along the culture trail, visit an organic farm restaurant and shop, or enjoy a concert in beautiful surroundings.
Ramme is a very unique place - why not stay the night at Ramme fjordhotell?
Right nearby, in Hvitsten, you'll also find a unique collection of 37 ship figureheads, which adorned Norwegian shipping company Fred. Olsen's ships in the period 1938-1976.
Follo also offers several other coastal gems that are a must.
Visit the town of Son, with architecture from the so-called "Dutch era" and a lovely coastal small town atmosphere.
Here, you can visit quaint niche shops ...
... or hire a kayak and experience Follo's coastline.
Water sports and sea activities abound.
Nothing beats the taste of a delicious meal afterwards.
Enjoy a harbour-side meal in Son, or at the Sjøstjernen restaurant in Drøbak, which offers some of the best views in the Oslofjord.
Do you dare to taste one of the region's unique dishes: Drøbak sea urchin?
The best way to reach the coastal gems is to take a cosy ferry ride when the temperatures start to rise in the city.
During the summer, there are several daily services from Aker Brygge in Oslo all the way down to Oscarsborg Fortress, Drøbak, and Son.
10,500 square metres of pure wellness – pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and steam baths, indoors and outdoors.
The Well, the biggest spa and spa hotel in the Nordic countries is located at Kolbotn, just 15 minutes from downtown Oslo. Bathing suits are mandatory on Tuesdays - and optional during the rest of the week.
If you've brought the kids along, it might be more fun to ...
... take a detour to Ås and seek some serious thrills at Norway's biggest amusement park, TusenFryd!
Which family member is the bravest?
Check out the SpeedMonster, SpinSpider or the log flume Tømmerstupet ... the names alone are enough to make your stomach drop!
Fill up your shopping bags with new clothes! Oslo Fashion Outlet in Vestby is the place to go for the best deals.
With its 55 brand name shops and restaurants, the outlet is the biggest in Norway.
Bring along the whole family and enjoy the good life in Drøbak and Follo!