Travel in Eastern Norway
Explore more places close by Oslo.









Strolling through towns with cosy wooden houses, enjoying fresh air in sculpture parks and eating tasty treats. Oh, what a beautiful day!
Around the Oslofjord in Eastern Norway, you’ll find one idyllic coastal town and village after the other. And it doesn’t have to be summer for you to have a wonderful visit.
Enjoy a day trip from Oslo by car or public transport. Just an hour or less will get you to several of these lovely spots.
Follo
Wait. What? Christmas decorations in the middle of summer?
That’s right! At the Christmas shop Tregaardens Julehus in Drøbak, the jolly season never ends.
Other highlights include prawns on the dock, galleries, traditional wooden houses, and the only saltwater aquarium along the Oslofjord.
Last but not least, you can’t visit this area and not take the ferry to …
… Oscarsborg, one of Norway’s oldest fortresses.
Learn about the battle that sunk the German warship Blücher during the Second World War and take part in a guided tour of the tunnels underneath the castle (popular with the kids!).
Concerts are also held in its courtyard throughout the year.
Enjoy lunch or dinner at the cosy restaurant or spend a night at the fortress’s own hotel! In summer, you can take a ferry to Oscarsborg all the way from Oslo.
Follo
From Drøbak, a short journey takes you to the calm and serene atmosphere of the Oslo Region’s most enchanting park, Havlystparken, at the culture destination Ramme gård outside Hvitsten.
Since the 1800s, this village has been a popular destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Here, you’ll find sandy beaches, smooth rocks perfect for sunbathing, and more than 30 figureheads on display around town!
Follo
A paddling session followed by ice cream? Yes, please!
In Son, a relaxing atmosphere meets a venerable history.
Go for a walk between the wooden houses dating back to the period between the late 1500s and the mid-1700s, which the natives call “Hollendertiden”. Your stroll will eventually bring you to the harbour, where you can round off your day with a delicious dinner.
Feel like spoiling yourself? Check in to Son Spa, one of Norway’s most exclusive hotels, located right by the water.
Moss
Discover the scenic Jeløy peninsula just outside of the town of Moss. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing walk or bike ride, with scenic stops along the way, such as the elegant Refsnes Gods.
This historic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1767, and several renowned artists, including Edvard Munch, have stayed here. Stroll through the beautiful garden and savour locally sourced ingredients at their restaurant, fittingly named Munch.
Check out Gallery F15, one of Norway’s oldest and most respected contemporary art institutions. It's situated in a historic country house on the charming Alby farm. Be sure to try the café’s famous Albykringlen pastry, best enjoyed in the lush garden surroundings.
It's also a perfect starting point for several easy walking trails in the woods, some of which lead to a cosy beach area.
Or explore some beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 18th century at Røed Farm.
Østfold
In the southeastern part of the Oslofjord, just south of Fredrikstad, you can go island hopping on more than 500 islands.
The Hvalerfergene ferries take you from one island to the other quickly and conveniently, and many of them are car-free. On your trip, you can go for a swim, stroll through the beautiful cultural landscape, visit potholes, and meet cute alpacas.
Vestfold
Travel to the end of the world!
In Tjøme, the outermost point of the Oslofjord, you’ll find a famous tipping lantern, smooth coastal rocks, and idyllic spots like Sandøysund at Hvasser.
Remember to bring sunscreen, as Tjøme is one of the places along the coast that has the most sunny days a year.
One of Norway’s most beautiful paddling routes runs through this area, too.
Horten in Vestfold
Walk in the footsteps of Edvard Munch!
In Åsgårdstrand you can pose for an Instagram photo on the bridge from Munch’s famous artwork The Girls on the Bridge, one of several paintings he was inspired to create here. You can even visit his former summer house.
This coastal town with its traditional white wooden houses still appeals to artisans, so there are always exciting exhibitions on.
Why not treat yourself to a delicious dinner and a stay at Grand Hotel while you’re here?
The Hurumlandet peninsula in Asker
One – two – three – splash!
Lovely Holmsbu offers plenty of swimming spots and a swimming hotel. And yes, you can jump into the ocean all year long. The floating sauna KOK makes it easy to warm up after a refreshing dip, even in winter!
Plenty of artists have been inspired by this place and its beautiful surroundings. Complete your visit with a trip to a gallery and a meal at one of its tasty restaurants.
From Holmsbu, consider visiting …
… the nearby village of Rødtangen, with beaches by shallow waters and a beautiful coastal path.
The Hurumlandet peninsula in Asker
Palm trees and a sandy beach. A lighthouse filled with art.
In Filtvet, pure summer vibes await. Jump on a ferry in Oslo and see it for yourself!
Further south on the peninsula lies the town of Tofte. Pop by the local shops or explore the beaches along the coastal path and in its nature reserve.
This is also where you'll find idyllic Villa Utsikten with its unique rooms and homemade food.
Asker
Cosy Vollen offers fun coastal vibes for the entire family.
The town is an old trading post, with lots of shops, galleries, cafés and eateries, as well as a guest harbour.
Visit the Oslofjord Museum in Maudbukta bay, where you’ll find exhibitions, a collection of traditional wooden boats, and activities for the kids.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Fritznerstranden beach, one of the Norwegian beaches that have received the Blue Flag certification.
Ride through historic towns and cosy coastal communities, beautiful beaches, and fjord landscapes,
with some al fresco dining along the way.
Explore more places close by Oslo.

Go island hopping along the Helgeland coast (Træna is pictured here) and discover more charming seaside towns in the south.
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