A getaway west of Oslo

Not to mention all the different farm shops in the area, where you'll find high-quality homemade products and be met by the smell of freshly baked buns. This area may seem like a hidden gem, but it's no secret among Norwegians. In fact, it's a popular summer holiday destination and a perfect place to bring the entire family! Spring comes early to this part of Norway and the summer feeling can last from May until autumn. The Vestfold area is known for its mild climate.

Experience a delightful mix of culture, nature, and delectable local food! Choose from luxurious spa resorts, historic hotels, and plenty of campsites if you enjoy lazy days by the sea, and a stunning coastal path.

If you fancy a swim, there are plenty of great beaches to choose from, too.

A seaside escape

Drive for about two hours from Oslo to Helgeroa, on the Brunlanes Peninsula. This cosy little village is right by the sea and is a great place to start a round trip. We'll begin on the western side of the peninsula before driving south and across to the eastern side, but you can do the opposite route as well.

Helgeroa is known for its laid-back atmosphere and rich maritime history. Try some fresh seafood, go island hopping, or start walking along the 35-kilometre-long coastal path that leads all the way to Stavern. It's also possible to walk along smaller sections of the path.

A five-minute drive from Helgeroa will take you to Lillavendel, a farm shop and café that's definitely worth a visit!

A camping paradise by the coast

There are plenty of great campsites and places to park a motorhome along the coastline. This area is popular with holidaying Norwegians and is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy relaxing days on one of its many beaches.

Set up camp at Blokkebukta Camping, Solplassen Camping, Ula Camping, or Stolpestad Camping. You can also park your motorhome at Solsiden Bobilpark and Stavern Folkehøyskole.

Family friendly

Let the kids run around and enjoy playgrounds, the surrounding nature, and the beach. With so many family-friendly activities in the area, a camp site is a good base.

How about a day trip to Foldvik Family Park? It's the perfect place to spend a day or two with the kids, with more than 40 activities. Meet cute farm animals, explore slides, ziplines, playgrounds and climbing towers, experience the inclusive sensory forest, splash around in warm water at the water park, and much more.

Coastal wellness

From Nerdrum Museum it only takes around 10 minutes by car to reach another coastal town, Larvik. Did you know that this is where the Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl was born? You can even visit his childhood home!

Larvik is also great if you enjoy swimming and relaxation, as it's the home of the renowned Farris Bad spa! This architecturally impressive spa has the largest and most comprehensive spa department in Scandinavia. Indulge in some self-care with tailored treatments, a staircase that takes you directly from the spa into the sea, a subterranean grotto from which fresh spring water bubbles up, and delicious, nourishing food.

The spa is right next to Batteristranda beach. It can be accessed directly from Farris Bad, but it's also free to use if you're not staying at the spa.

For more nature and fresh air, swap the coastline for Bøkeskogen, Norway's largest and the world's northernmost beech tree forest, right behind the spa. Follow the trails and enjoy the views of the town below! If you start to feel a bit peckish, you can stop by the Bøkekroa café.

More adventures

You could head back to Oslo now, but we encourage you to stop at some of the other gems in Vestfold. More seaside towns await, like Tønsberg with its colourful pier. Tønsberg is Norway's oldest town and there's plenty of fascinating Viking history here. At the end of the pier, you'll find a Viking ship replica called Saga Oseberg, and you can even book a trip and try rowing!

Walk up to Tønsberg's famous landmark Slottsfjelltårnet. The castle rock tower was completed in 1888 and stands 17 metres high. The view from the top is fantastic! There's also a museum at the foot of the hill if you want to learn more about its history and see the remains of a real Viking ship, known as the Klåstad Ship.

For even more Viking history, make Borre your next stop. This is where you'll find the Midgard Viking Centre, with its reconstruction of a Viking hall called Gildehallen. It's also close to Northern Europe's largest burial mounds from the Iron Age.

If art and art history is your thing, then be sure to stop by Åsgårdstrand. This idyllic little town attracts artists from all over. Norwegian painter Edvard Munch spent summers here, and it inspired several paintings, including The Girls on the Bridge. You can visit his little yellow house, which is now a museum, and learn more about his life.

The coastal town Horten is great for cultural experiences. Visit the historic Karljohansvern, formerly a naval base, now home to the Naval Museum and the Preus Museum with photography and visual art exhibits.

You can also explore this area and the Oslofjord on two wheels instead of four. Read more about biking around the Oslofjord!