Oslo, the dynamic capital of Norway, offers more than meets the eye. While the city is bursting with cutting-edge architecture, historical landmarks, and verdant parks, it’s the areas that lie beyond the city limits that also beg exploration.
Top 10 Day Trips From Oslo
Whether your interests lie in nature, history, or culture, this list of the top 10 day trips from Oslo promises to be your comprehensive guide to destinations that are as spellbinding as they are diverse.
1. Bergen: Norway’s Second City
Bergen isn’t just Norway’s second-largest city; it’s a destination filled with maritime history, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. Reachable via a seven-hour scenic train journey from Oslo, you’ll find colorful houses and fish markets that ooze coastal charm.
The Fløibanen Funicular, which takes you to Mount Fløyen, offers panoramic views of the city that are unmatched, making the long day trip well worth the time and effort.
2. Fredrikstad: Step Back in Time
Fredrikstad, located about a 1.5-hour drive away from Oslo, is like taking a step back in time. The highlight of this city is the Old Town (Gamlebyen), an immaculately preserved fortress town from the 17th century. With cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and multiple museums, it provides a perfect setting for history buffs to immerse themselves in a bygone era.
3. Drøbak: A Seaside Retreat
Drøbak is only a 35-km drive from Oslo, but the feeling it provides is worlds apart. This small seaside town offers tranquil beaches, an atmospheric marina, and the Drøbak Aquarium. Add the Christmas House, which celebrates Christmas all year round, and you have a destination that’s both relaxing and whimsical.
4. Lillehammer: The Olympic Town
Famed for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, Lillehammer is a winter sports haven located about two hours away from Oslo. While the Olympic facilities themselves are a tourist attraction, the region offers fabulous hiking, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities depending on the season. You could also visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum while you’re there.
5. The Telemark Canal: Norway’s Engineering Marvel
This 105-km waterway is no ordinary canal. Featuring 18 locks and taking about 8-10 hours to complete, the Telemark Canal that starts from Skien is an engineering marvel dating back to 1892.
You can take a day cruise to experience this incredible feat and appreciate both the ingenuity and the stunning natural scenery that accompanies it.
6. Vettakollen: The Best View of Oslo
Vettakollen is barely a stone’s throw away from downtown Oslo, accessible via a quick metro ride. Once there, a moderately challenging hike will reward you with arguably the best views of Oslo and its surrounding fjord. It’s a hotspot for both casual tourists and photography enthusiasts, offering spectacular sunset vistas.
7. Jevnaker: For Art and Glasswork
An hour’s drive from Oslo will bring you to Jevnaker, home to the Hadeland Glassworks factory. You can watch artisans at work blowing glass into intricate designs, and perhaps purchase some exquisite glassware. The town also houses the Kistefos Museum, which displays a fascinating collection of contemporary art.
8. Tønsberg: Norway’s Oldest Town
Tønsberg is just a 1.5-hour drive away from Oslo and offers a historical experience you won’t want to miss. As Norway’s oldest town, it provides plenty of historical sites to explore, like the Slottsfjell Museum and Tower. Climb the tower for views that will take you back to the Viking Age.
9. Drammen: City of Bridges and Rivers
Drammen is a mere 30-minute train journey from Oslo and offers an entirely different urban experience. Known for its bridges and rivers, Drammen is rich in natural beauty. Visit the two-tiered Spiral Tunnel or the beautiful Union Scene for a variety of cultural performances.
10. TusenFryd: For the Young at Heart
TusenFryd is not just another amusement park; it’s a realm of endless fun and adventure. Situated a mere 20-minute drive from Oslo, the park features everything from thrilling roller coasters to family-friendly water rides. It’s an easy but fulfilling day trip that offers something for everyone, from kids to thrill-seeking adults.
Conclusion
From the picturesque landscapes of Bergen to the historical allure of Fredrikstad and the adrenaline rush at TusenFryd, these top 10 day trips from Oslo serve up an array of experiences to satisfy every kind of traveler.
With destinations that offer history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, Oslo is more than just a capital city; it’s a gateway to a wider world of Norwegian adventures. So pack your bags and extend your itinerary beyond Oslo’s borders for a trip that promises to be unforgettable.