Oslo is a fantastic base for exploring eastern Norway. Within one to two hours you can go from fjord islands to medieval fortresses, art museums in the woods, Viking burial mounds, and ski slopes. As a born and raised Norwegian who often shows friends around, I’ve learned which places feel special in a single day and which ones are better left for a longer stay. This guide gathers the best day trips from Oslo, with simple travel tips and a few local tricks to help you squeeze the most out of your time.
If you want quick answers: the most classic and easy day trips from Oslo are the Oslofjord islands, Drøbak and Oscarsborg Fortress, Fredrikstad Old Town, Kistefos Museum with Hadeland Glassverk, and Tønsberg with a detour to Verdens Ende. For nature lovers, Kolsåstoppen and Nordmarka are close and beautiful, while Lillehammer and Rjukan work well if you have the energy for a longer day. If you are short on time, pick one cultural stop and one light hike, and you will still get a full taste of eastern Norway.
Curious about ferries, trains, travel times, and what is actually worth it in a single day? Let’s take a deeper dive into the best day trips from Oslo.
Oslofjord Island Hopping
The closest adventure is right in the city’s front yard. From Aker Brygge, public ferries connect to the inner Oslofjord islands like Hovedøya, Gressholmen, Lindøya, and Langøyene. You can mix and match islands, swim in summer, and stroll car-free paths with city skyline views. Hovedøya has monastery ruins and sandy coves, while Gressholmen feels wild with birdsong and rock outcrops leading to quiet swimming spots.
Travel tip: The regular public transport ticket typically covers the inner islands. Pack layers even on warm days and bring a small picnic. I like to hop off early on Hovedøya for a slow loop, then spend the afternoon at Langøyene’s long beach before sailing back for dinner in Oslo.
Drøbak and Oscarsborg Fortress
South of the city sits the postcard town of Drøbak, known for its white wooden houses, cute cafes, art galleries, and a year-round Christmas shop. A short ferry ride from Drøbak takes you to Oscarsborg Fortress, which guards the fjord at its narrowest point. The island fort has paths, museums, and panoramic views, and if you enjoy history, you will appreciate how this location controlled access to the capital.
Getting there: Bus from Oslo Bus Terminal to Drøbak is straightforward. Once in town, walk the waterfront and catch the local ferry across to the fortress. Plan your return ferry first so you do not miss the last departures.
Fredrikstad Old Town
Fredrikstad’s Gamlebyen is a remarkably preserved star-fort town with cobblestone lanes, galleries, and inviting bakeries. It is one of my favorite easy day trips because you can stroll slowly and still feel you have seen it all. The ramparts make for pleasant loops, and the free ferry across the river adds a nice local touch. On weekends the small market and antique shops wake up, and the cafes are lively.
Getting there: The direct train from Oslo S to Fredrikstad takes about an hour. From the station, it is a short bus or a longer but scenic walk to the Old Town. If you like slow travel, consider renting a city bike and riding along the river.
Kistefos Museum and Hadeland Glassverk
Art in nature is a Norwegian specialty, and Kistefos is a standout. The sculpture park winds along the river with installations that play with light and water, and The Twist art gallery is a striking bridge-like building that is worth the trip on its own. Combine this with nearby Hadeland Glassverk at Jevnaker to watch glassblowing, shop Nordic design, and enjoy hearty lunches by the lakeside.
Timing notes: Kistefos is seasonal, usually open spring to autumn. Check opening months before you go and book tickets in advance on busy weekends. Driving is the easiest way to pair the two, but there are also bus options to Jevnaker from Oslo.
Tønsberg and Verdens Ende
Tønsberg is Norway’s oldest town, and the Viking heritage is everywhere. Visit the Slottsfjellet hill with its tower and ruins, then wander the waterfront for lunch. If you have time, continue to Verdens Ende on the island of Tjøme, where polished rocks meet the sea and a photogenic little lighthouse frames the horizon. On a sunny day, this is pure Norwegian summer.
Getting there: Trains to Tønsberg are frequent and take around 1 hour 15 minutes. From Tønsberg to Verdens Ende, take the local bus or a taxi if you are a small group. Start early so you have enough time for both the town and the coast.
Lillehammer and Maihaugen
A longer but rewarding day, Lillehammer sits by Lake Mjøsa and pairs sporty energy with classic wooden architecture. The open-air museum at Maihaugen is the highlight, with historic buildings set in rolling parkland. In winter, the Olympic sites and nearby ski areas keep things lively, while summer is ideal for lakefront walks and the museum.
Travel time: About 2 hours by train from Oslo S. Bring comfortable shoes for the museum grounds and plan a mid-afternoon coffee on Storgata, the main street, before your return.
Horten and the Viking Age at Borre
For Viking history in a peaceful coastal setting, head to Borre National Park near Horten. The park’s burial mounds are some of the largest in Scandinavia, and the Midgard Viking Center adds context with engaging exhibits. The seafront paths and beech forest make this day trip as much about atmosphere as facts.
How to go: Train to Skoppum, then a short bus or taxi to Horten and the park. If you are renting a car, pair Borre with a seaside stop in Åsgårdstrand, the painters’ village loved by Edvard Munch. Go on a weekday for fewer people and easier parking.
Kongsberg and the Silver Mines
Kongsberg rises from river and forest, and the old silver mines bring the region’s story to life. In summer, a mine train takes you deep underground with guides explaining how the industry shaped the town. Back above ground, the Baroque Kongsberg Church and riverside paths make the rest of the day.
Practicalities: Trains take about 1 hour 20 minutes. Dress warmly for the mine tour no matter the weather topside. Check seasonal hours, as the deep tours are limited outside summer.
Rjukan and Gaustatoppen
If you are up for a big day, Rjukan delivers mountain drama. The town sits in a steep valley, and the industrial heritage is fascinating, but the star is Gaustatoppen. On a clear day, views from the summit reach far across southern Norway. You can hike the classic route in summer or take the Gaustabanen funicular inside the mountain to save time and energy.
Reality check: This is a long day, roughly 3 hours each way by car. Start very early, pack for mountain weather, and watch the forecast. If visibility is poor at the top, spend more time exploring Rjukan’s history and the Vemork museum instead.
Halden and Fredriksten Fortress
Near the Swedish border, Halden is a pleasant riverside town crowned by Fredriksten Fortress. The fortifications offer big views and plenty of walking routes, and the atmosphere changes beautifully with the seasons. In summer there are occasional concerts and events, while winter light makes the stone walls feel cinematic.
Getting there: Around 1 hour 50 minutes by direct train from Oslo S. Bring a windproof layer for the ramparts and plan lunch down in town along the river.
Kolsåstoppen or Nordmarka for a Half Day in Nature
If you want nature without losing a full day, Kolsåstoppen is a local favorite. The twin peaks rise above Bærum with cliffside views back to the Oslofjord. Trails are well marked and the climb is short but steep in places. Closer still is Nordmarka, the big forest north of Oslo, with lakeside paths, classic cabins serving waffles, and an easy feeling of escape.
Getting there: For Kolsåstoppen, take the metro to Kolsås and follow trail signs. For Nordmarka, take the metro to Sognsvann or Frognerseteren and walk from there. In shoulder seasons, bring microspikes if trails are icy.
Practical Planning Tips
Oslo’s public transport network is reliable and integrates metro, tram, bus, and local ferries. For regional trains, you will usually depart from Oslo S. Buy tickets in advance for the best prices on longer routes and try to travel outside rush hours if you can. Rental cars give flexibility for places like Kistefos, Hadeland Glassverk, Verdens Ende, and Rjukan, but parking can be tight on sunny weekends. In summer, bring swimwear almost everywhere. In winter, add wool base layers and a thermos. Many museums and mines are seasonal, so always check opening months and last entry times when planning your day.
How To Choose The Right Day Trip For You
If you want maximum scenery with minimal logistics, go to the Oslofjord islands or Kolsåstoppen. For history in compact packages, choose Fredrikstad Old Town or Drøbak with Oscarsborg. Art lovers should aim for Kistefos and combine it with glassblowing at Hadeland. For a seafront feeling and Viking flavor, Tønsberg with Verdens Ende hits both notes. If you have the stamina for a longer day, Lillehammer is easy and rewarding by train, while Rjukan and Gaustatoppen are a bold choice when the weather cooperates.
With a little planning, you can leave Oslo after breakfast and be back in time for dinner, having stood on a fortress wall, wandered a sculpture park, or breathed pine-scented air on a quiet trail. That, to me, is the beauty of basing yourself in the capital. Norway’s variety starts right at the city limits, and most of it fits neatly into a single day.