The Hurum Peninsula

Further on, you’ll pass Klokkarstua, close to where you can take Norway’s shortest ferry trip across to Svelvik – it only takes 5 minutes!

Michelin-star vegetables

Before driving to Holmsbu, make sure to visit Bergsmyrene farm. When you arrive, you might meet farmer and owner Severin Romer Iversen, who, with the help of his team, grows between 50 and 60 types of organic biodynamic vegetables, as well as edible flowers, berries and herbs. The products are delivered to some of Norway’s top restaurants, including several Michelin-starred ones, and to shops and locals.

“In biodynamic farming, it’s not just about removing pesticides. We do a number of extra things to try to make our produce as good and nutritious as possible. We focus on soil biology – that the soil is alive, which helps the plants absorb more nutrients and flavour compounds, and you can taste it. We also try to make the farm work like a circle, as a self-sustaining unit,” says Severin.

Cosy Holmsbu

You might have a bag of veggies or two now. If you’re hungry for more local food, Grønnsletta Farm Shop and Biffgården Farm Shop are nearby.

Then drive around 5 minutes to the coastal village of Holmsbu.

This picturesque village sits on the outer part of the Drammensfjord, with small white wooden houses, a harbour with boats, shops, restaurants and an art museum. Holmsbu became popular among wealthy tourists from Oslo in the late 1800s, when visitors flocked here to bathe in the sea in idyllic surroundings. In the early 1900s, painters and authors arrived, inspired by the landscape and the light, and established the Holmsbu artist colony. Today it’s a popular spot for holidays and relaxing.

Sink your teeth into a pizza or the famous prawn sandwich at the local café and pub Café Juno, or go to Schulestedet, set in one of the village’s oldest buildings, for a lovely meal made with produce from close suppliers. Grab a coffee to go at Holmsbu Handel and browse the small shops in Storgaten.

Admire the artwork of Henrik Sørensen and the other Holmsbu painters at the Holmsbu Art Museum, or stop by Holmsbu church to see the magnificent paintings by local painters.

Keep in mind that the art museum and some of the restaurants may be closed in the autumn and winter. Check opening hours before you go.

While you’re in the village centre, rent a bike from the tourist office (open in the summer) and explore Holmsbu and the surrounding area.

Head out to Rødtangen at the outer tip of the peninsula, which has several great beaches and offers walks along the coastal path (Kyststien).

Nearby, campsites such as Rødtangen Camping and Knatvoldstranda Camping are lined up like pearls on a string along the coast.

A sweet ending in Vollen

After tasting some Norwegian apple juice, it’s probably time to move on to the last stop on the route, the village of Vollen in Asker, a 30-minute drive north of Sætre. Here you’ll find cool shops, restaurants, bakeries, galleries and a local marina.

The first must-see is the Oslofjord Museum and the museum harbour. Learn about coastal culture and boat history in the Oslofjord. Did you know that the famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen’s polar ship Maud was built here in 1917? Pretty cool.

Check out leisure boats, old wooden boats and outboard engines at the museum. Little ones can build rubber band-powered boats and test them in the indoor pool!

Right outside the museum, you can relax in the floating sauna Varm i Vollen before taking a plunge in the sea.

Make sure to pop into the local shops and galleries, before heading to Vollen Marina. Satisfy your sweet tooth with an apple cake at Penny Lane By Villa, then wander along the marina promenade among the boats and take in the views. End the day at Bukta Matbar, indulging in seafood or pizza while looking out over the water – the perfect spot to soak in all the experiences from your getaway on the Hurum Peninsula and Vollen.

Psst! Note that some of the restaurants and the Oslofjord Museum may be closed or have limited opening hours during the colder months, from autumn to spring.