Eastern Norway is full of amazing experiences. The region combines big city life and world class museums with a beautiful coast, mountain hikes and ski centres. Not to mention lots of fun family activities!
Eastern Norway lies south of the Dovre and Rørosvidda mountains and east of the Langfjella mountains. It's home to the broadest range of activities in the country.
Oslo is the heart of the region. The city is in constant flux, and there's always something new to see and do. The new world class Munch museum is just one example of the city's innovative architecture. Enjoy delicious restaurants and buzzing cultural life, and check out the trendiest bars. You can experience a lot on a short weekend break in the capital, from seaside strolls to street art, shopping, and floating saunas.
Just a short drive from the city, you'll find numerous quaint coastal towns lining the Oslo fjord, before continuing on to historic summer towns and the beautiful skerries in Østfold and Vestfold. It's not far from the smooth, warm rocks of the coast to high mountains, lush landscapes and valleys full of fun activities, like Hallingdal, Gudbrandsdalen and Østerdalen.
Eastern Norway is the country's most populous region, which is reflected in the many activities on offer. The region is the top destination for families, with a myriad of amusement parks, zoos and activity parks, visitor's farms and activity centres.
In winter, Eastern Norway is a paradise for downhill and cross country skiing, and most of the country's best ski resorts are located there. In summer, the slopes are perfect for mountain biking and other fun. A visit to the Kistefos museum at Hadeland, just an hour's drive from Oslo, is a must for art lovers.
The region also offers magnificent nature experiences if you wish to bike or hike. Explore both rugged and child-friendly trails in national parks like Jotunheimen and Rondane, or take a guided musk ox safari in the Dovrefjell mountains. In Telemark, you can even ride a funicular to Norway's best mountain top views on Gaustatoppen.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
OsloFrogner Park
The largest park in central parts of Oslo and a popular recreational area for people from all over the city. Inside the park you find Vigeland Sculpture Park, one of Oslo's most popular attractions. On a nice day the park is full of people; here you can go for a run, walk the dog, have a picnic or barbecue, play badminton or just enjoy the sun. Frogner Park has Norway's biggest collection of roses; a total of 14,000 plants of 150 different species. Frogner Stadium and Frognerbadet open-air pool are located in the corner of the park that faces Majorstua. In the corner near Frogner plass you can visit Frogner Manor House and the Museum of Oslo. The park has a café and a restaurant and children can play on Norway's biggest playground, located near the main entrance.
Gamle FredrikstadThe Old Town - Gamlebyen Fredrikstad
The star-shaped old town of Fredrikstad was founded in 1567 and is the best-preserved fortress town in Northern Europe. The town gives you a sense of history, but it is no museum – people live and work here. The quarter is home to many galleries, artisans and cosy shops, restaurants, and cafes.
HvitstenThe culture destination Ramme
Ramme is unique compared to anything else you've experienced, and the place is still a hidden gem half an hour south of Oslo. At Ramme, you can immerse yourself in art, culture and nature experiences that open up your horizons. In the middle in between the forest and the fjord, you will find the adventurous Havlystparken, Ramme picture gallery, Edvard Munch's villa, Ramme fjord hotel, and organic eating places such as Ramme kro and restaurant, cafe and farm shop.
Family activities
Eastern Norway has lots of activities for the whole family. Try some exciting climbing, rafting, mountain biking and canyoning, or check out some of the cool activities below
AlvdalHuset Aukrust
The Aukrust Center lies in the little town of Alvdal in one of Norway's many beautiful valleys. Its a museum built to house the life work of multi- artist Kjell Aukrust. Visit this beautiful building and experience Aukrust's drawings, paintings, the figures and humoristic imaginative invention.
VinterbroTusenFryd - Norway's largest amusement park
TusenFryd is Norway's largest amusement park, offering excitement, laughter and experiences for the whole family. Here you will find over 30 attractions, including some of Europe's most unique roller coasters. Our latest big news Storm is a unique roller coaster in a European context.
FlåBear Park
Get up close and personal with bears, elk, lynx and other exotic animals! In Bjørneparken our presenters will give free animal talks and escort you to animal encounters, every hour, every day. The animals include a variety of Norwegian predators and wild animals, as well as familiar domestic farm animals. We also have the largest crocodile exhibition in Norway, with 30 crocodiles, snakes and tortoises. Our animals are housed in large natural enclosures. You can watch the animals up close and learn about them from our dedicated presenters. We have loads for the kids to explore and do in our play areas, like obstacle courses, zip-line, rollercoaster, outdoor and indoor playgrounds, and several restaurants. Bjørneparken is full of unforgettable experiences for the whole family. Welcome to Bjørneparken! For more information: www.bjorneparken.no.
Popular hikes
Try some of the greatest hikes in Eastern Norway.
NoresundHøgevarde - 10 Iconic Walks
Norefjell is located less than 2 hours from Oslo, and from the top of Høgevarde, there is a view over large parts of Eastern Norway. There are marked trails to Quality Spa & Resort, so your trip can end with welldeserved rest and relaxation in the spa department. Distance: 13 km Duration: 4.5 hrs. Degree of difficulty: Average
Sør-fronSt. Olav Ways | The Pilgrim Path through Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen
The Pilgrims' Way through Gudbrandsdalen offers a varied cultural landscape rich in adventures and history. With Lillehammer as starting point, the route leads through the municipalities of Lillehammer, Øyer, Ringebu, Sør-Fron, Nord-Fron and Sel to Otta, and it then continues across Dovrefjell mountain.
Winter fun
From downhill and cross-country skiing to fun activities where skis aren't needed.
Book nowDagaliDagali Fjellpark - Skisenter
Dagali Fjellpark is a pleasant alpine center located in Dagali, between Geilo and Uvdal. Fjellparken has a T-hook lift and 5 long hills to suit both skiers and beginners. An intermediate lift on the elevator means that even the very freshest skiers can enjoy themselves in the big hills from the very first moment. Fjellparken also has a sheltered children's area with its own ski boot for the children.
GeiloAlpine skiing in Geilo
Geilo - winner of Norway´s Best Ski Resort 6 years in a row! Geilo is a classic winter sports resort, with a proud history as one of Scandinavia's leading and most popular alpine destinations. Geilo offers skiing pleasure for the whole family. Here you will find 20 lifts, 45 slopes, 4 children's areas, and 3 terrain parks. The slopes vary from children's slopes to black slopes, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced alpinists.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Book nowBrumunddalWood Hotel by Frich’s - Course and conference in Brumunddal
Conference and meeting facilities at Wood Hotel i Brumunddal Wood Hotel offers 6 conference rooms of which the largest has a 140-people capacity. All feature large windows with views of Mjøsa, and the very latest in technical equipment. Outside the four conference rooms on floor 2 is a spacious break area with breathtaking views. The smallest meeting rooms measure 50 – 71 m2, and the largest 142 m2. Two of the meeting rooms on floor 2 can be converted into one space of 121 m2. The largest conference room is located on floor 17, and has a glass wall facing Mjøsa – with spectacular views of the park surrounding the hotel! A “lounge” can be set up at each end, and the room can also be divided into two. This is the ideal venue for receptions and similar! All conference rooms at Wood Hotel in Brumunddal are versatile and can be used for meetings, functions with catering, and exhibitions. With their excellent, highly flexible solutions, these spaces lend themselves to a range of uses.
Spa hotels
Get ready for rest, recreation – and relaxed shoulders.
Book nowGeiloDr. Holms Hotel
Dr. Holms Hotel has been a source of recuperation, comfort and well-being since the beginning of the 20th century. Dr. Holms Hotel has 127 rooms: 11 single rooms (12 -20 m2), 11 family rooms (35 m2) , 3 suites (35 m2) and 100 double or twin rooms (20-25 m2). None of the rooms have king size or queen size bed. The rooms in Dr. Holms Hotel are uniquely appointed. If you prefer the romantic, English style, you would enjoy the classic atmosphere of the original section of the hotel. If you are attracted to the modern and minimalist style, enjoy the clean simplicity of our bright decorated rooms in the modern section. Dr. Holms is situated in the heart of the beautiful mountain scenery, and is a starting point for inspiring and exiting adventures. Geilo is a vibrant mountain village, situated 800 meters above sea level, between the main cities of Norway; Oslo and Bergen. North Europe largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda, sets the scene for great experiences of the Norwegian high mountain landscape. Great memories all year round: Winter - Geilo is Norway's most traditional skiresort, having been a touristdestination for more than a 100 years. Our long history and well organized infrastructure, benefits our guests greatly, and makes Geilo a unique place. Summer -The beautiful nature and the varied activities in Geilo offer excitement all year round! Exchange your skiis for hiking boots or a bicycle, bring a fishing rod and binoculars. And dont forget your camera! Experience beautiful scenery, wild animals, the colours of nature and frest air. Horses, tranquil canoeing or rafting on chirling rivers. The Geilolia Lift takes you to the top of Geilo - a fantastic starting point for hiking.
Book nowGeiloVestlia Resort
The hotel for good experiences. Lovely SPA, food and interiors. Idyllic location by Geilolia, golf course and Ustedalsfjorden. Vestlia Resort is a ski in/out hotel too alpine and cross-country Vestlia Resort is the perfect base for exploring the mountains that surround Geilo. Both cross-country trails and ski slopes are right outside the door. The hotel is the perfect starting point for hiking in the surrounding mountains. The staff are happy to help finding the acitivity that suits your needs. The beautiful and award-winning spa facility of 1000 sqm is the perfect place to pamper yourself. The treatments are arranged to suit you with an active lifestyle. The spa therapists undergo continuous training to maintain the high level that you deserve. Vestlia Resort also takes care of the children. For the kids there is a separate activity pool and the mountain's largest indoor playground. Vestlia Resort is a good option for active holidays. You can do dog sledding and sleigh rides in winter, downhill biking, tree top walking or canoeing in the summer. Vestlia Resort will help you tailor ta activity package to suit you, your family, colleagues or friends best. Vestlia Resort has 134 rooms in various categories. You can stay in newly renovated cabins, or you can live easily in the Ski-wing. You can stay in comfortable rooms and suites decorated by renowned interior designer Helene Hennie. Or you can stay in the largest penthouse suites with elevator with direct access to the spa facility. The choice is yours, the experience is unique!
Food and drink
In Eastern Norway you will find everything from traditional eateries to modern restaurants. Here are some of the most highly rated on TripAdvisor.
GeiloHallingstuene
Restaurant Hallingstuene, located right in the center of Geilo and is run by the famous chef Frode Aga and his wife Berit Kongsvik. The restaurant is decorated like three old living rooms with a fireplace, and rose painted walls. You can get local specialties and exquisite a la carte. Hallingstuene specializes in game dishes such as grouse, moose and deer. They also have their own gourmet menu. The restaurant also has a great wine cellar with over 900 different wines on the wine list. They have received an award in the American wine magazines Wine Spectator. Welcome to a nice experience at Restaurant Hallingstuene.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on the official web pages for
the different destinations in Eastern Norway. Plan your trip with Entur.
By plane
Oslo Airport is the regional airport in Eastern Norway, and Norway’s main airport. Many destinations, both domestic and international, have daily departures to Oslo.
You can also travel by plane to Torp Sandefjord Airport.
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By car
A major network of motorways connects Eastern Norway to the rest of the country and beyond. If you are driving to Eastern Norway from the North-West or Trøndelag, you will first reach Gudbrandsdalen. If you are driving from Southern Norway, follow the coast towards Vestfold and the Oslofjord, from which mountains and valleys throughout the region are easily accessible.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
By ferry
There are ferries to Oslo from Copenhagen in Denmark (DFDS) and Kiel in Germany (Color Line).
You can also travel by ferry to Larvik and Langesund from Hirtshals in Denmark, and to Sandefjord from Strömstad in Sweden.
By train
Trains from Oslo to Bergen, Trondheim, and Kristiansand serve many locations in Eastern Norway. You can also travel to the Norwegian capital by train from Stockholm and Gothenburg, in Sweden.
By bus
There are several daily bus departures from many regions to multiple destinations in Eastern Norway.
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Plan your trip and buy tickets for public transportation with Entur, Norway's national travel planner.
Destinations in Eastern Norway
More travel ideas
Explore winter in Eastern Norway!
Best holiday offers in Eastern Norway
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4+ Days ・ All yearBook nowOslo, Bergen & fjord experience
Oslo, Flåm & BergenExperience the amazing Norwegian fjords. Travel by train on the Bergen & Flåm Railways, spend the night in beautiful Flåm, and join a cruise on the Nærøyfjord. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 6 745 NOK
8 Days ・ May - SeptemberBook nowBeautiful Norway
Touring Fjord Norway on our premium mini-coachIndependent tour from Oslo to Bergen using our premium mini-coach to explore 'off the beaten track' fjord locations. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 23 875 NOK
5 Days ・ June - SeptemberBook nowHike on historic ground
Cross Dovrefjell mountain on the St. Olav’s WaysDo you want to combine mountain hiking with culture? A hike in one of Norway's most majestic mountain landscapes. Varied and easy highland terrain. Hike on your own without a guide. The package includes luggage transport, overnight accommodation, and meals. / Discover NorwayPrice From 8 850 NOK
13 Days ・ April - OctoberBook nowNorwegian folklore
Road-trip through entrancing landscapesExperience the same landscapes that have entranced Norway's most famous artists for centuries while travelling through mountains, fjords and coastal landscapes, and from cities to villages. / Up NorwayPrice From 67 100 NOK
7 Days ・ June - AugustBook nowMountains and valleys in Gudbrandsdalen
Discover the Gudbrandsdalen valleySelf-guided bicycle tour in the mountains north of Lillehammer. Ride through ancient cultural landscapes in the kingdom of Peer Gynt, with incredible views of some of the tallest mountains in Norway. / Discover NorwayPrice From 13 850 NOK
9+ Days ・ June - SeptemberBook nowThe golden route
Oslo, Geiranger, Ålesund and Bergen.Explore Oslo, Geiranger, Ålesund, and Bergen on an independent rail tour. Travel with the impressive Rauma and Bergen Railway lines and enjoy a cruise with Hurtigruten on the Geirangerfjord. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 19 945 NOK
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Oslo, Bergen, downhill biking & fjord safari.Norway activity tour including Oslo, the Norwegian fjord region, Voss, and Bergen. Experience activities like cycling, fjord safaris by RIB boat, and spectacular train journeys. / Authentic ScandinaviaPrice From 12 510 NOK
3 Hours ・ All yearBook nowOslo dinner cruise
3-course meal cruise on the OslofjordEnjoy your dinner while cruising silently past the stunning skyline of Oslo with its modern and historic landmarks. A visit to Oslo is not complete without experiencing the Oslo fjord & the city from the water. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 1 490 NOK
2 Hours ・ All yearBook nowSilent Oslo fjord cruise
Sail with us past the iconic landmarks of Oslo while you learn more about the history and the culture of the city and discover the wonders and mysteries of the ocean we float on. / Brim ExplorerPrice From 650 NOK
4 Days ・ February - MarchBook nowExpedition course in Jotunheimen
Learn all about ski expeditionsThis long weekend features ski-expedition training for safer adventures. Learn route planning, gear selection, camp routines and risk management. Stay at Bygdin, have a 2-course dinner, then two nights in a tent. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 8 500 NOK
8 Days ・ June - AugustBook nowFrom mountains to fjords
Jotunheimen and AurlandOn this adventure, you can hike the historical route through mountainous Jotunheimen National Park towards the beautiful fjords in the west. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 26 000 NOK
3 Days ・ All yearBook nowCity break in style – Oslo
Historic hotel and fjord cruise in OsloGo on a harbour sightseeing cruise, explore the Oslo city centre and choose a stay at one of our iconic hotels in Oslo. Dinner and breakfast is included for both days. / De HistoriskePrice From 3 800 NOK
2 Days ・ July - AugustBook nowManor farm holiday by Mjøsa
Rural luxury by lake MjøsaEnjoy a stay at the charming Hoel Manor with 3-course dinner and breakfast included. Explore Norways’ biggest lake with a cruise on the historical DS Skibladner. / De HistoriskePrice From 2 960 NOK
3 Days ・ July - AugustBook nowManor hotel stays near Oslo
Historic farm and estate hotelsStay at the charming Losby Gods, close to Oslo, and Hoel Gård, in Norway’s Tuscany’, with 3-course dinner included. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mjøsa lake. / De HistoriskePrice From 4 490 NOK
3 Days ・ May - SeptemberBook nowArt break with a Twist
A cultural road trip to Ringerike and HadelandVisit world-renowned art at Kistefos and The Twist, watch glassblowers in action at Hadeland Glassverk and enjoy a stay at Sundvolden Hotel and Granavolden Gjæstgiveri with 4-course dinner each night. / De HistoriskePrice From 4 100 NOK
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Discover Eastern Norway with CampcationExperience city life, charming coastal gems, lush valleys, and world-class culture. Eastern Norway has it all. Create memories that last a lifetime!Price From 100 NOK
7 Days ・ June - AugustBook nowLocal Secrets by Rail
The Rauma Railway, fjords and farm visitsA scenic journey from Oslo to Ålesund, including a stay in the Gudbrandsdalen valley, a guided e-bike ride to Trollstigen, views of the Sunnmøre Alps in Ålesund, and more. / 50 Degrees North NordicPrice From 34 705 NOK
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Including Norway in a Nutshell®A 5-day self-guided tour, that includes travel to Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, some of the world’s most scenic railways, cruises on UNESCO fjords, and breathtaking coastal landscapes. / Fjord ToursPrice From 11 803 NOK