Planning to visit the Norwegian capital? You’re Welcome! Oslo is beautiful in winter when skiing and sledding are just minutes away from downtown, and the National Theatre opens the Christmas market. However, the city really comes alive in the summer, when the many green areas around it become a mecca for BBQ grills and outdoor activities. Also, the city is perfect for day trips, because you will find many places to go and things to see in the area. Here are 5 Outstanding Day Trips to Enjoy in Oslo.
Yes, Oslo is a great starting point for leisure outings. We bring you five outstanding trip ideas. All you need to turn them into reality is a good mood and a hire car at hand. You can pick up a car hire Oslo Airport right after your arrival, which will be the best way to hit the road. To start with, consider the following destinations within driving distance of the Norwegian capital.
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Oslomarka
With an area of 1,700 square kilometers, Oslomarka is an impressive forested area that stretches around Oslo. It’s only 20 minutes drive from the city centre, making it a favorite getaway for locals and tourists alike.
In the summer, you can have picnics, bike rides, and book small cottages for the weekend. By the way, there’s almost no tourist infrastructure in the forest park zone, except for small cafes and restaurants. Therefore, you can enjoy wildlife at every turn.
Oslomarka is home to beaver, roe deer, moose, and even lynx. Also, you will find more than 500 lakes with excellent fishing and swimming opportunities in the area.
Sognsvann Lake
Sognsvann Lake is a perfect choice for those who want to relax closer to nature and away from the bustle of the city, but at the same time not go far from Oslo. The lake is just three kilometers north of the capital, and getting to it by car is not difficult.
Lake Sognsvann has plenty to do all year round. In summer, visit the well-equipped beaches, which even have special places for the disabled. In winter, go spearfishing. Also, the lake turns into a large skating rink during the cold season.
Nearby, you will find a grocery store with everything you need for a snack, picnic, or barbecue. Parking is also not a problem, as free spaces are available in several places around the lake.
Holidays on Sognsvann Lake offer a perfect opportunity to get out into nature and admire the famous views in Norway! Artists, writers, and simply all those who want to take a break from city life love to spend their days there.
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Bærum Verk
This small village near Oslo has a rich history. Bærums Verk was founded at the very beginning of the 17th century and developed thanks to the steel industry. Numerous workshops and forges, factories, and other industrial buildings, which now also house shops and residential premises – everything reminds us of the past.
Today, Bærums Verk doesn’t look like an industrial centre at all. Instead, it’s a cozy village surrounded by fantastic natural beauty. The reason for such popularity was the surprisingly successful combination of excellent cuisine and the peace and tranquility of a small picturesque village. The central streets of the village offer many private shops where you can buy unique souvenirs from Norway.
The trip to Bærums Verk by car will last about half an hour. Please note that entry into the centre is prohibited – almost all streets are pedestrian zones. However, the village is small and you can easily get around all the local sights on foot.
Drøbak
Drøbak is one of the few places where any visitor feels like in a fairy tale. This small town is in danger of becoming one of your favorite destinations not only in Norway but in the world.
It would seem that Drøbak’s small houses were created not for people, but for fairy-tale characters. Building in the city centre is prohibited by law, so all the houses look the same as they did a century ago. So, you won’t find houses more than three stories in height. Also, the locals paid a lot of attention to details – flower pots on the windows, carved signs, and small figurines adorn the facades of houses.
Drøbak is also famous for its natural beauty as it stands on the banks of the Oslo Fjord. In summer, a convenient free beach opens on the shore of the city. This is a great place for swimming and relaxing.
The most successful day of the week for a trip to Drøbak is Saturday when a fair appears on the main street of the city. Locals sell handicrafts there, from clothes and shoes to wicker baskets.
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Drammen
Immersed in green forests, the city is located at the confluence of the Dramsfjord and the Dramselva River. Many tourists come there exactly to admire a picturesque area.
Drammen is the birthplace of the Vikings – from here they set off on their famous campaigns. Later, merchants from Holland settled in the city and organized the production of ships and the timber trade. Also, they founded the city in 1811.
Today, Drammen is a major port with plenty of interesting places. The main attractions include Mount Bragernes with a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings, Bragernes Kirke, Marienlyst Manor, surrounded by a picturesque park, and Kjosterdjuve Canyon.
In general, visiting sights outside the city is a great way to dilute your trip to the Norwegian capital with new impressions. We have covered the most popular spots, but you can find many other attractions within driving distance of Oslo. The main condition is to have a hire car at hand.
5 Outstanding Day Trips to Enjoy in Oslo is a promotional article from Rental24h
Feature image (on top): Photo by Oscar Daniel Rangel on Unsplash