7 EXCURSIONS NEAR OSLO YOU CAN'T MISS!
Oslo is a fantastic city, but why limit yourself to its urban core? If you have several days to enjoy the Norwegian capital, here are some nearby places that are worth visiting. Add them to your trip to discover true Nordic landscapes without having to travel long distances. They are ideal to maintain a first contact with the nature of Norway before embarking on big trips, taking into account the size of the country.
For family reasons, I travel frequently to Oslo and I always look for getaways, excursions or interesting places to visit near the city, less than 2 hours away. This is the post that I would have liked to find in my long hours of searching. I have visited all the places that I propose below and they are 100% recommendable if, like me, what you are looking for is to discover a little more of Norway without getting far from the capital.
1. SOGNSVANN
A few minutes from Oslo is Sognsvann, a beautiful lake in the middle of nature ideal for excursions through the forest, picnics or even taking a bath (you will find various areas and docks set up for this).
One of the most recommended excursions is the one that leads to Ullevålseter, a traditional Nordic hut. The 5.5-kilometer route is easy to follow and recommended for the whole family. Upon arrival at the cabin, you can enjoy a delicious cinnamon roll accompanied by a cup of chocolate.
How to get to Sognsvann by public transport
The easiest way to get to Sognsvann is by taking Line 5 in Oslo's city center and getting off at the last stop (Sognsvann). This journey is included in Zone 1 and lasts approximately 20 minutes.
2. DRØBAK
This small city on the shores of the Oslo Fjord holds the charm of a traditional Norwegian town. Visiting its colorful houses, craft shops and green areas is one of the best excursions that can be done from the capital.
Getting to Drøbak by public transport
There are several ways to get to Drøbak by public transport from Oslo:
Ferry B21 from Aker brygge: this is undoubtedly the best option if you travel with enough time (the journey takes about 1h and 30min) . The ferry sails through the fjord until it reaches Drøbak, a pleasant route that offers spectacular views of the landscape. So the journey is also a good option to get to know the famous Oslo fjord. It is important to note that the ferry ride is not included in the Oslo Pass.
Bus 500 from Oslo bussterminal: the journey is approximately 50 min, so this option is much faster than the Ferry . In addition, this option is included in the Oslo Pass.
Given the two options, it is best to make a journey with each of them. That is, combine both means of transport. We made the outward journey by ferry, in order to tour the Oslo fjord and enjoy the views. On the way back, since we were already more tired, we took the bus to be able to return earlier.
The main attraction of Drøbak is its famous Christmas shop, Julehuset, open all year round. Norwegian legend says that this is the holiday residence of Santa Claus.
Drøbak is also an ideal place from which to admire the Oscarsborg Fortress, built between 1643 and 1645 on a small island in front of the town.
When Hitler's Germany invaded Norway on April 9th, 1940, an impromptu cannon and torpedo attack was made on the German cruiser Blücher. The Germans had gathered key people and very important resources aboard this vessel. When it sank, the cruiser took about 900 people and Hitler's invasion was delayed. Thanks to this, the Norwegian Royal Family, the government, the parliament and the gold reserves of the Norwegian Bank could be evacuated from Oslo in time. The remains of the cruiser are still considered a war grave at the bottom of the Oslo Fjord, northeast of Oscarsborg Fortress. Only one of the anchorages of the Blücher was recovered, and today it is a monument in Badeparken in Drøbak.
Badeparken is the most charming place in Drøbak. The best thing to do is to tour the city from the port, passing through its landscaped streets and colored houses, until you reach this green area. This is the best place to enjoy the views of the fjord and the fortress, it also has several beaches and playgrounds. It is without a doubt a very pleasant walk.
3. BÆRUMS VERK
Bæerums Verk is a small market town situated in the surroundings of the old ironworks that had been the lifeblood of Bærum since the early 17th century. Each of the wooden houses (originally intended for the workers of the old ironworks) holds a local artisan. You will be able to find florists, galleries, cafeterias and glass and wood workshops, among others.
However, the most special thing about Bærums Ver is its privileged location. The little town is immersed in the middle of nature on the banks of the Lommedalselva river, with places worthy of a postcard. In addition, it has a collection of sculptures integrated into the landscape. These are made by renowned Norwegian artists and expanded with a new sculpture every year.
Getting to Bærums Verk by public transport
The fastest way to get to Bæerums Verk is by taking the Bus 150 from Oslo bussterminal. The journey takes approximately 40 min.
4. DUSANFOSSEN
Dusanfossen is a beautiful and remote waterfall largely unknown to tourists. It is located near Lake Bolkesjø, 109 km from Oslo (approximately 1h 30min by car).
Of the places I propose in this post, this is the best option for those who want to take an easy excursion and get inmersed into nature and the Nordic forest. This was our intention and it exceeded our expectations. It is a little-known place that I discovered on the European Waterfalls site.
Driving from Jondalen to Granherad on highway 37 there is a small open area where the soil road begins. You must leave your car there to start the excursion to the waterfall. The path, approximately 1km long, runs through a beautiful humid forest and crosses several streams. There are no signs along the way, but it is easy to orient yourself by following the path and listening to the waterfall. Upon arrival you will discover a beautiful waterfall on two levels, followed by rapids and the Kvitaa river.
It is undoubtedly an easy excursion to do, ideal for discovering with your family the secret corner in which Dusanfossen is hidden.
5. TØNSBERG
Tønsberg, in the Vestfold region, is the oldest city in Norway, dating back to the Viking Age. It is located 103 km from Oslo (approximately 1h 15min by car). Its Viking heritage is present in the main attractions of the city, among which are the Slottsfjell mountain and the Tønsberg pier with its Viking ships.
Tønsberg's port has been the main spot of the city for more than a thousand years. Formerly the epicenter of maritime trade in the region, today the colorful houses (built in the 19th century) hold a lively area of bars and restaurants.
Moored in one of the dock areas, you will find a full-scale replica of the Saga Oseberg ship, built to original specifications and using only tools available during the viking era. You will also find other viking-style ships and an area where they are restored.
Moun Slottsfjell rises above the city, where the ruins of an old church and fortress (part of the former Royal Residence) from the 12th century remain, together with the famous stone tower. This was built at the end of the 19th century to celebrate the city's thousand years of history.
6. STOVNERTÅRNET
This spiral-shaped viewpoint, located in the Stovner district, combines nature, design and spectacular views. From the top, you can enjoy panoramas that include the Nordmarka Forest and, on clear days, the Oslo Fjord.
Stovnertårnet has a modern and striking structure, designed as a spiral ramp that rises gently to the top. This ramp makes it easy and accessible for everyone, but also adds a touch of fun. Going up and down its curves is an entertaining experience, where with each turn you discover a different view of the landscape.
How to get to Stovnertårnet by public transport
The easiest way to get to Stovnertårnet from Oslo is with Metro 5, from the city center (Jernbanetorget) to Stovner. The journey lasts approximately 25 minutes and is included in zone 1.
From Stovner metro station, the trail to the viewpoint is easy and well signposted, making it ideal for visitors of all ages. The 15-minute walk takes you through a quiet forest with picnic areas and playgrounds for children.
7. EIDSFOSS
Eidsfoss is located in a picturesque setting between the Bergsvannet and Eikeren lakes, north of Vestfold (78 km from Oslo, approx. 1h drive). It is an old local community with great historical importance. Nowadays, culture has replaced industry as the main activity of the town.
I recommend you visit the website https://visiteidsfoss.no to learn about the community's rich industrial history. In addition, you will find a map with a detailed route that may be useful to you.
Here I share this map, where you can find all the places mentioned. Many of them can be easily reached by public transport; however, for some, it is necessary to travel by car.
In our case, we opted to rent a small car for a few hours through the app GetAround, which offered us a much cheaper and more flexible alternative to traditional renting. I recommend you consider this option if you plan to travel near Oslo.
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