Best Day Trips from Oslo: Nature and Nearby Cities
Oslo’s location makes it unusually well-suited for day trips. Within one to two hours, travellers can reach forests, coastline, historic towns, and smaller cities, often using public transport. Day trips from Oslo are therefore less about major attractions and more about variety, contrast, and accessibility.
This guide outlines the best realistic day trips from Oslo, based on distance, travel time, and what each destination offers.
Drøbak
Drøbak is a small coastal town south of Oslo, best known for its harbour and compact centre.
Why visit
Walkable town centre
Coastal scenery along the Oslofjord
Cafés and small shops
Drøbak is particularly suitable for a relaxed half-day or full-day trip and is easy to combine with a ferry journey in summer.
Travel Time from Oslo
Around 45 minutes–1 hour.
How to Get There
Car: Around 40–50 minutes via the E6/E134.
Public Transport: Direct bus connections from the Oslo Bus Terminal, usually taking just under an hour.
Fredrikstad Old Town (Gamlebyen)
Fredrikstad’s old town is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Northern Europe.
What makes it worth visiting
Historic ramparts and canals
Cobblestone streets
Small galleries and cafés
Gamlebyen is compact and easily explored on foot, making it well-suited to a slow-paced day trip.
Travel Time from Oslo
Around 1–1.5 hours.
How to Get There
Car: About 1 hour via the E6.
Public Transport: Frequent trains from Oslo S to Fredrikstad (about 1 hour), followed by a short local bus or a small ferry across the river to the Old Town.
Hadeland Glassverk
Located north of Oslo, Hadeland Glassverk combines traditional craft with a small visitor complex.
What to expect
Glassblowing workshops
Small shops and exhibitions
Cafés and riverside walks
This destination works best for travellers interested in Norwegian craft traditions rather than sightseeing.
Travel Time from Oslo
Around 1 hour.
How to Get There
Car: About 1 hour via the E16.
Public Transport: Possible but less convenient, usually involving bus connections rather than train services.
The Oslo Forests (Nordmarka)
Nordmarka begins directly at the edge of the city and is accessible by metro.
Why it stands out
Extensive trail network
Lakes, forests, and cabins
Year-round accessibility
Nordmarka offers one of the easiest ways to experience Norwegian nature without leaving Oslo’s public transport system.
Travel Time from Central Oslo
20–45 minutes, depending on where you go.
How to Get There
Public Transport: Metro (T-Bane) lines run directly into the forested areas. Popular starting points include Frognerseteren, Sognsvann, and Holmenkollen.
Car: Possible, but public transport is often easier.
The Bygdøy Peninsula
Bygdøy is technically part of Oslo but feels separate due to its green spaces and shoreline.
Highlights
Museums (Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum)
Beaches and coastal paths
Seasonal ferry access
Bygdøy works well as a flexible day trip that can be adapted to the weather and interests.
Travel Time from Central Oslo
15–30 minutes.
How to Get There
Public Transport: Bus connections run year-round.
Ferry: A seasonal ferry operates from Oslo city centre in spring and summer.
Car: Short drive with limited parking at peak times
Kongsberg
Kongsberg is a former mining town west of Oslo, with a strong historical identity.
Why visit
Norwegian Mining Museum
Historic town centre
Cable car access to viewpoints
It offers a different perspective on Norwegian industrial history and works well as a full-day trip.
Travel Time from Oslo
Around 1.5 hours.
How to Get There
Car: Around 1 hour 20 minutes via the E134.
Public Transport: Direct trains run from Oslo S to Kongsberg in roughly the same time.
Moss
Moss is a coastal town south of Oslo, often overlooked by visitors.
What it offers
Coastal walks
Beaches and swimming areas in summer
A quieter alternative to more popular destinations
Moss suits travellers who prefer low-key exploration over landmarks.
Travel Time from Oslo
Around 40–50 minutes.
How to Get There
Car: About 45 minutes via the E6.
Public Transport: Frequent trains from Oslo S take roughly the same time.
How to Choose the Right Day Trip
When planning a day trip from Oslo, consider:
Travel time rather than distance
Seasonal daylight
Weather conditions
Your interest in nature versus urban environments
Many destinations are best experienced without a strict itinerary.
Are Day Trips from Oslo Worth It?
Day trips from Oslo are less about ticking off sights and more about understanding how Norwegians use the landscape around them. For travellers who value accessibility, simplicity, and contrast, Oslo offers some of the best day-trip options in Scandinavia.