Are you looking for ideas for interesting day trips from Oslo? Here you can find suggestions for the best Oslo day trips and weekend trips from Oslo.
In the list of Oslo day trips below, you can find outdoor activities, gentle coastline walks, stunning views, rich history, and impressive buildings. I’ve really enjoyed my day trips from Oslo to these places, and I wanted to share them with you, too. You can find the map with locations of all the places at the bottom of the post.
Did you know how much this part of Norway can offer?
If you are interested in the panoramic views and trails for hiking in Oslo and around, head to the linked post. Remember to also check my post on where to stay in Oslo.
Are you looking for trips within Oslo? Here are some suggestions:
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OSLO
There are many options for day trips from Oslo, ranging from relaxed walks by the coast to adventure-filled hiking trips, to discovering the culture and history of Norway.
Planning a trip to Oslo? Check out my other Oslo posts:Oslo Day Trips Within 1 Hour Drive From Capital
In this part, I list places that you can visit within one hour drive from Oslo. I’ve covered the first few of the recommendations below in my hiking in Oslo post. However, they are not inside the city, you still need to travel a bit to get there and they make for nice Oslo day tours.
# King’s View (Kongens Utsikt)
The wonderful view, not bad, even for a king (hence the name). According to the story, the King has come here to look at the view below. You can also be to one to admire it after a short hike. Below, you can see the Tyrifjorden and the islands dotting the lake.
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# Mørkgonga
It’s probably my favourite hike in close proximity to Oslo, and not far from the King’s View. Mørkgonga is a crack in the lava plate, that now creates a deep gorge. From the top, you can see wonderful views down to the Hønefoss and the little islands on Tyrifjorden.
For a longer hike, you can continue to Gyrihaugen mountain.
QUICK PLANNING TIPS FOR TRAVEL IN OSLO AND NORWAY
- Save time and money with Oslo Pass
- Find the best flights to Norway with Skyscanner.net
- Book your accommodation with Booking.com, and find the cheapest and best Oslo hotels here
- Find the best car rental deals on Rentalcars
- Check the best-rated activities in Norway on Get your Guide and Viator
- Read Norway on a budget travel guide
# Tyrifjorden
Tyrifjorden is a lake, located around 40 kilometres northwest of Oslo. It’s Norway’s fifth-largest lake. The above two hikes overlook the lake, but it’s also worth going closer to the shore. You can find small beaches along the lake coast, swim or sunbathe. A lot of people also take their boats to relax on the lake.
View to Tyrifjorden, near Oslo, Norway# Utøya
Utøya is a small island on Tyrifjorden lake. It is owned by the youth group associated with a political party and has always been a place for political debates. The island got infamous after the mass shooting on 22nd July 2011, that left 69 people, mainly teenagers and kids, dead. Now, you can visit the island by the boat, or read about its history from the memorial board.
#Islands and Oslo fjord
The sea surrounding Oslo is full of little islands, some of them inhabited, some of them not. It’s a great idea for a day trip to just visit some of them. You can visit the islands within Oslo with a regular public transport ticket on the ferry (included in the price if you have Oslo Pass). Or, you can take one of the Oslo fjord sightseeing tours, such as Oslo island hopping, Sightseeing Cruise through Oslo’s Fjords or Oslo Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise, all with free cancellation.
# Kanada i Lier – Solbergfossen waterfall
Solbergfossen waterfall is a nice place for a short walk. Near the waterfall, there is a popular swimming area, and also on top of it, you can admire eroded potholes filled with water. The walk to the waterfall takes only 15 minutes, but the return way is a little steep.
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# Canyon in Drammen (Kjøsterudjuvet i Gamledammen)
Near Drammen, you can walk inside the deep canyon filled with water. It’s an adventurous hike, only for the brave ones who don’t mind getting wet and climbing some ladders.
Alternatively, you can also hike on top of the canyon and admire it from above. At the end of the hike, you reach a peaceful forest lake.
Important: Currently, the hike at the bottom of the canyon is closed due to the rockfall. It is still possible to hike on the top of the canyon.
# Drammen
If you decide to visit Kjøsterudjuvet, I recommend stopping by Drammen. It’s not a big city and it has a small city center, but it’s nice for a gentle walk by the river and much quieter than Oslo.
#Kistefos Museum
Kistefos Museum is an outdoor sculpture park and an indoor art gallery set in the place of the old factory. The entrance fee is 150 NOK and opening hours 11-17 Tuesday-Sunday, in the season. The outdoor park is open 24 hours. It’s a great place for all art and architecture lovers, as well as people who like to spend active time outdoors. Moreover, it’s a perfect place for families with kids.
The Twist gallery in Kistefos Museum
Inside the Twist Gallery in Kistefos Museum
# Lakes and forests around Oslo
There are tons of lakes and forests around Oslo, including Østmarka, Finnemarka, or Nordmarka.
# Kolsåstoppen
The hike to Kolsåstoppen offers panoramic views towards the Oslo fjord and the nearby settlements of Baerum.
To do the whole loop, you need around 2-2,5 hours and you will be walking for around 7 kilometres in the varied terrain with a few steeper parts.
# Nesodden and Spro cave
A day trip from Oslo to the little coastal town of Nesodden with colourful boathouses makes for a perfect day in the sun.
From Nesodden, you can go to a very extraordinary place – Spro cave. Inside, you will find a partially collapsed dome that now opens to the sky. There is also a little lake inside the cave. However, what is the most fascinating is the mineral, muscovite, shining in the sun inside, like silver. Outside you can also see it on the beach called Diamond Beach.
You can read more about Spro cave here.
Nesodden boathouses, Oslo, Norway
Boathouses in Nesodden
Spro cave
# Drøbak
Famous for the beautiful sunsets, outdoor restaurants, and home to Santa Claus (Julehuset), Drøbak is a town that makes for a pleasant day trip from Oslo. Whether you visit Oslo in winter or in the summer. If you plan to spend the weekend in Drøbak you can stay in Reenskaug Hotel located just by the fjord. Check prices and availability here.
Drøbak
Ice cream in Drøbak (Drøbak is)
# Oscarsborg Fortress
From Drøbak, or directly by ferry from Oslo, you can get to the little Oslofjord island with a fort. Oscarsborg is a former 1850’s military fortress, that you can even sleep in! It makes for a great day trip from Oslo filled with history, culture, and nice views.
View from the Oscarsborg Fortress
Day Trips From Oslo With More Than 1 Hour Drive
Below are my suggestions for day trips from Oslo that are located more than one hour drive from the capital. If you have more time, you can turn them into the weekend trips.
# Rjukan and Gaustatoppen
The industrial town of Rjukan, a part of the UNESCO Heritage List, has a lot to offer. One of the numerous things to do in Rjukan is hiking up the Gaustatoppen, where you can admire 1/6 Norway from. In winter, make sure to try ice climbing. For an overnight stay in Rjukan, I can recommend cheap and nice Sandviken Camping with wooden cabins by the lake and a sauna. Check prices and availability here.
Gaustatoppen, Rjukan, Norway# Heddal Stavkirke
Heddal Stavkirke is the largest stave church in Norway, located on the way to Notodden and Rjukan. It dates back to 1200s and is still in use.
Heddal Stavkirke# Gardnos crater in Garnås
Gardnos crater is a huge Meteorite Impact Crater, located near Nesbyen. There is a visitor center that is open to the public during the summer months.
# Gygrestolen in Bø
Gygrestolen is a unique rock formation. You can see it from the distance at the bottom of the hill, but for the best view, you need to follow a trail up. The hike is quite steep and requires some effort. On top of the formation, you will be rewarded with a great view of Uvdal and Uvdalsgjernet.
View from the top of Gygrestolen, Bø, Norway
View to Gygrestolen, Bø# Blefjell
Blefjell is a mountain area with multiple lakes and hikes. The highest point of Blefjell is Bletoppen at 1342 meters above sea level. The area lies at the border between Buskerud and Telemark.
# Skrimfjella, Sauheradfjella and Kongsberg
Mountain area south from Kongsberg offers hiking, fishing and camping opportunities. The most famous mountain is Styggeman at 872 meters above sea level. The legend says that the hill is home to a troll, who hated people walking on the mountain, so he lied on top of it to scare everyone away. Near the summit of Styggmann, there’s a tiny mountain cottage Styggemannshytta.
# Lifjell
Lifjell is a mountain plateau with numerous hiking trails in the summer and skiing trails in winter. Snow stays there for longer than in other areas, so if you already miss winter at the beginning of spring, Lifjell is the place to go. The hiking area in the park is almost 200 km2, and you can find there more than 20 summits over 1000 meters above sea level.
Skiing in Lifjell in winter# Tønsberg
Tønsberg is the oldest town in Norway, founded during the Viking Period. It houses several of the important sites, including the world-famous Oseberg ship, which copy can be seen in the Tønsberg harbour. Or Mount Slottsfjell, the Scandinavia’s largest ruin site, with a fortress from the 13th century.
# Verdens Ende and Færder National Park
Verdens Ende, which means “The World’s End” is a part of the Færder National Park, located just outside of Tønsberg. The area is famous for the vast horizon views and a Vippefyret (bascule light or tipping lantern), built in 1932.
Verdens Ende, Norway
Færder National Park, Norway# Fredrikstad
Fredrikstad is famous for its old town, Gamlebyen. This is Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortified town. Today it’s full of picturesque wooden houses, charming cafes and good restaurants. You can stay in the middle of the old town in stylish Gamlebyen Hotell.
Fredrikstad Gamlebyen
Fredrikstad old town, Norway# Ytre Hvaler National Park
Corals in Norway? Yes! In Ytre Hvaler National Park you can find a rich underwater ecosystem including corals and kelp forest. On the coast, you can walk along the smooth rocks shaped by the sea waves and ice. The coastal woodland is home to various plants and animals, including many protected species.
The national park is a perfect place to wind down, get closer to nature, feel salty air on your skin and watch the vast sea horizon.
Ytre Hvaler National Park
Sculptures in Ytre Hvaler National Park
# Mærrapanna naturreservat
Similarly to Ytre Hvaler National Park, and located not far from it, Mærrapanna naturreservat offers rocky coastal paths with varied plants and animals. The nature reserve and recreation area is located north of Fredrikstad municipality.
# Hankø island
Located not far from Fredrikstad, Hankø island is a perfect place for a relaxing Oslo day trip. The island has been a recreational spot since the 1870s. Even King Olav bought his holiday home there. Today it belongs to Norwegian Princess Martha and her family.
# The Ancient Trail
The Ancient Trail along the highway 110, is Norway’s most concentrated collection of historical and cultural monuments dating back to the Bronze and Iron age.
Along the trail, you can find many of these monuments, including burial mounds, rock rings, rock carvings and more. We stopped in a few of them and they are quite easy to find.
Rock paintings along the Ancient Trail
# Iskjørkja – “The Ice Church”
This one is a bit further from Oslo, you need to count at least a 3-hour drive one way. But it’s still possible to count it as a day trip, and it’s definitely worth it. Iskjørkja (from Norwegian: “Ice church”) is a spectacular natural ice formation located in southern Norway, in Tromsa valley. The magical cave, straight from the movie “Frozen”, exists only for a few weeks, up to a few months of the year, between January to March. Check out more details of Ice Church Iskjørkja here.
Map of Oslo Day Trips
Here, you can find a map of the locations described above. Click on the photo to open the interactive Google Map.
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Have you tried any of the day trips from Oslo? Maybe you have your favourite Oslo day trips? Let me know in the comments!
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