Children/Family Archives

Tregaardens Christmas House

Did you know that all mail addressed to Santa Claus, Norway ends up in Drøbak? Letters to Babbo Natale, Hoteiosho, Papai Noel, Viejo Pascuero, Dun Che Lao Ren, Père Noël, Father Christmas, Weihnachtsmann or Pai Natal, wishing for anything from material gifts to a better world – all find their way to this tiny cozy little village, only 30 minutes south of Oslo.

In January 1988, Eva and Willy Johansen opened Tregaardens Christmas house, located on the main square of Drøbak. The media was rife with news about this great new building devoted to spark the Christmas spirit all year around.

Today it´s open year around and you can find all kinds of Christmas decorations, some also designed by Eva her self.

In this yellow wooden house you also find Santa’s Post Office, over the years the norwegian Santa Claus has received approximately 500 000 letters to his address, 1440 Drøbak.

Here, both young and old get the opportunity to post their own Christmas letter, stamped with an official Santa Claus mark.

”Christmas is not a trend, it is a tradition” says Eva Johansen. Throughout the years, she has maintained the job opening, reading and answering letters.

In walking distance from the square, you find Drøbak’s harbor where you can snap a picture in front of the famous Santa Sign outside the Tourist Office.

Drøbak is also a great place to go christmas shopping, eat traditional norwegian christmas food or just wander around through the cozy streets with characteristic wooden houses.

The little town of Drøbak offers a Christmas atmosphere all year round, but embraces the spirit full on as the season builds up towards the holidays.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Skulerud

The narrow-gauge railway "Tertitten" came in 1898 to Skulerud, which was the terminus. Skulerud became an important hub between railways, canals and eventually buses.

The railway's traffic base was mainly forestry and agricultural products. Timber was driven to Skulerud and from there floated to Halden. Interconnection with DS Turisten also became a popular tourist attraction such as "The Great Round Trip".

The track was closed in 1960. Long before the railway came to Skulerud, the place was an important junction between road and waterway. Together with agriculture and forestry, Skulerud was an industrial site with rafting, a steam saw, a tannery and a lathe. Work is now underway to re-establish the railway environment at Skulerud. This has been made possible through the National Antiquities' conservation program for technical and industrial heritage. In 2016, part of the railway line at Skulerud was fully renovated. The forge looks the same on the outside as before, but the inside is furnished as a coastal cabin. On the site is the museum "Isbingen" with over 100 objects from the floating period. The timber crane has been restored. There is a service center on site.

On today's Skulerud you can start your journey through the Haldenkanalen. There is a launch ramp, guest jetty, service house, and you can even spend the night at the coastal hut, Smia. There are also plenty of parking spaces here. Here you also have the option to empty the boat's sanitary system. In the "Station area" is Skulerud Grendehus, which can be rented for small and large events.

Geologi center

The Geology Center in Slemmestad has an exhibition in the Trilobox containging fossils, rocks and minerals. A model shows the bedrock of Slemmestad which has a unique geology that we find only 3 places in the world.

In the outdoors, you can find octopus fossils, trilobites and snails that lived over 400 million years ago.

Slemmestad is a central part of the Oslo field and has a particularly complex geology. Next to Kolsås, this is probably the place in Norway most used for geological studies. Here you will find in a small area rich deposits of fossils and a wide variety of rocks from the earth's ancient times.

The fossils, which are perhaps the most fascinating, are found almost everywhere. You just need to know what to look for! The fossils here in the area date from the Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods, a period from 541 million to 419 million years ago. At that time, Slemmestad's seabed was in a relatively shallow sea. Here it was teeming with animals and plants. Some are similar to those we know today, while others look completely foreign.

The most famous fossils from Slemmestad are squid and trilobites. The trilobites were very common arthropods related to shrimp and crayfish. Along with them lived octopuses, snails and sea lilies. Most notable in recent years are the "football pitch fossils" nedt to Slemmestad Ungdomsskole. It is a relatively new and unique discovery: a gigantic petrified seabed that contains thousands of octopus fossils. In retrospect, a smaller part of the same area has been uncovered behind the local gas station. Both surfaces are full of squid and are a fascinating sight.

We recommend going to Slemmestad to see unique world-class stones and fossils. Visit us at the geology center for tips on where to go.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Storedal Kultursenter (cultural site)

Storedal Cultural Center is a park and cultural facility located in scenic surroundings in Skjeberg outside of Sarpsborg. The initiator and founder was Erling Stordahl, 1923 – 1994.

Erling Storedal inherited Storedal farm from his father in 1957. Erling was blind and wanted to do something else than farming. 800 years earlier King Magnus The Blind was born at Storedal. With this in mind, the idea of of making Storedal a park and a cultural center came up. Storedal center is created by artists, scientists and garden architects and is truly a great experience and worth a visit. The sculpture "Ode til lyset" ("Ode to the light") by Arnold Haukeland, music by Arne Nordheim, is 19,5 meters tall and one of the big attraction on the site. An outdoor amfi theatre and a garden with 250 different kind of plants are two other attractions. It is easy to see why the cultural center is located here.

Many archeological findings reveal early settlement here. Nearby there are also prehistoric rock carvings. In the center of the park replicas of rock carvings are seen, the carvings translated into Braille. The site has facilities for meetings and other events for rent all year round, and it is open to the public during summer. Sarpsborg is the municipality with the most registered prehistoric rock carvings in Norway. These carvings are from the Bronze Age (1800 – 500 B.C.). They are to be found, stretching from Onsøy in the north to Gothenburg (Sweden) in the south (roughly 400 kilometres apart). It is uncertain what kind of role these carvings have played. It is possible that they have had some mythological purpose. Another theory is that they could have been made to show a person's rank/position regarding rights or political issues. The motives are mainly ships, human beings and symbols of the sun.

Prøysenhuset – A Place of Storytelling and Culture

Welcome to Prøysenhuset – A Place of Storytelling and Culture

This summer, step into the world of Alf Prøysen, one of Norway’s most beloved cultural figures. Prøysenhuset, the Prøysen Museum, invites visitors of all ages to experience his enchanting stories, music, and legacy in a setting filled with warmth and nostalgia. Whether you're traveling with family, your partner, or exploring on your own, there’s something exciting waiting for you.

Alf Prøysen
Alf Prøysen (23 July 1914 – 23 November 1970) was a Norwegian author, poet, playwright, songwriter and musician. Prøysen was one of the most important Norwegian cultural personalities in the second half of the 20th century. He was born in Ringsaker and is known for his series of books featuring Mrs.Pepperpot. The house where he was born and raised and its surroundings have now become the Prøysen museum, 'Prøysenhuset'

Experience the Prøysen Museum
The Prøysen Museum is a national cultural centre built to remember, honour, and spread knowledge of Alf Prøysen's work. Through a guided tour of the Prøysen Cottage and the exhibition "Livets runde", visitors get an insight into Alf Prøysen's upbringing, life, and work. There are events throughout the year, but there are two main seasons during which the Prøysen Museum is particularly busy. "Christmas at Prøysen” and “Summer at Prøysen” offer a tight-packed program with experiences and together-time through activities, theatre performances, and concerts all generations can enjoy.
– See upcoming events at the Prøysen Museum

The experiences are lined up all year round, with two main seasons where Prøysenhuset really comes to life: "Christmas in Prøysen" and "Summer in Prøysen". These seasons offer theater performances, concerts and interactive activities that create great moments for the whole family.

In addition to the main seasons, Prøysenhuset offers a number of cultural experiences throughout the year. The weekend program includes presentations, storytelling and musical performances in Café Julie, where you can also enjoy homemade food in pleasant surroundings. Families with children can explore activity rooms, play in Mikkelikskiskogen and participate in "Bolla's picture hunt". For companies and groups, tailor-made programs are offered, including guided tours, storytelling and specially adapted catering in Café Julie.

See the full program here

Opening hours
Monday – Wednesday: Open on request for groups
Thursday – Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 – 17:00

Kafé Julie
Welcome to Kafé Julie! Named after Alf's mother, the café offers good, homemade food made from scratch. Here you can enjoy generous portions at pleasant prices, whether you want a delicious lunch or just a cup of coffee with freshly baked cake. Singing with the food is not uncommon! The café follows the house's opening hours, and for groups and events, serving and catering are offered on request.
Read more about the offer at Kafé Julie here

Other events in Prøysen
Prøysenhuset organizes a number of family and cultural events throughout the year.
Follow Prøysenhuset on Facebook to stay up to date with what's happening and read more at proysenhuset.no

Learn about Alf Prøysen
The exhibition "The Circle of Life"
Our knowledge of Alf Prøysen is constantly evolving. His writings are constantly gaining new depth and interpretations, which in turn open doors in step with the times we live in. In the digitized exhibition "The Circle of Life" you can immerse yourself in Prøysen, and discover the relevance and genius of his word art.

Visit Prøysenstua
Get to know the person and author Alf Prøysen. Our facilitators will take you on a storytelling session in Prøysenstua, where Alf Prøysen grew up. Here you will hear about his childhood and upbringing on the Prøysen farmstead. The storytelling session also includes singing or reading a stub.

Whether you want to learn more about Prøysen's life and work, enjoy a concert or let your children explore the adventurous surroundings, Prøysenhuset is a destination that offers memorable experiences all year round.
Tickets are purchased at Prøysenhuset upon arrival.

Prices
Adult: 155 kr
Child: 80 kr
Student: 115 kr
Honorary: 115 kr
Family: 350 kr

For groups of more than 10 people, separate prices apply. Café Julie and the shop can be visited without an entrance ticket. Separate ticket prices apply during the events "Summer in Prøysen" and "Christmas in Prøysen".

Kongsvinger Fortress

The fortress's outdoor area is open and accessible all year round free of charge.

Kongsvinger Fortress was built in the 1680s to defend Norway against Sweden. It was built on the remains of a former fortress, Vingersundet skanse, on the River Glomma and was designed to protect the interior against attacks from the east. The fortress has played an important role in several wars and has been central to the defense of Norway. Today, the fortress is a landmark and is used for cultural activities and recreation, as well as housing a museum and a hotel.

The fortress was built in the 1680s to protect Norway from Sweden.It was placed by the Glomma river and the traffic routes through Vinger to prevent the advance towards Christiania (Oslo). The fortress has been central to several wars, especially against Sweden, and was headquarters for the invasion of Sweden in 1719 and during the planned invasion in 1788.

The fortress was decommissioned as an active defense in 1823, but has been reopened on several occasions, including during the dissolution of the union in 1905. After the Second World War, the fortress was used for the internment of traitors and as a home for various military units.

Kongsvinger Fortress is a popular tourist destination, with a museum, hotel, and events as part of the town's cultural offering. The fortress has been of great importance to the town of Kongsvinger, both as a defense and as an important part of the town's identity.

You may book accomodation on the castle here

At the castle you will also find the Fortress Museum, which shows the history of defence from the Viking Age to the present day. In 2002, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon opened the exhibition "The Good Helpers". During the last war, there was extensive cross-border cargo and courier traffic across the border with Sweden. The exhibition shows how the war affected the local community along the border. There is also a short video about the history of the fortress.

The picture gallery on the museum's third floor is "Fra Grændsevagten" – a photographic exhibition about the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905. The photographs depict the life, excitement and drama in and around Kongsvinger Fortress.

The museum is open 11.00-16.00 Saturday/Sunday in April and September. Exceptions are Palm Saturday/Sunday, Easter Eve, Easter Monday, 17 May and the first Saturday in June.

The ordinary opening period is from 1 May to 31 August every day between 11:00 and 16:00.
Out of season we are open by appointment.

You may book a guided tour of the castle here.

Eidsvoll 1814 – Norwegian Center for Constitution

Welcome to Eidsvoll 1814 – the cradle of Norwegian democracy

As the place where the Norwegian Constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814, Eidsvollsbygningen (Eidsvoll Manor House) is one of Norway’s most important national symbols.

Today, the museum encompasses the house itself, along with ancillary buildings and surrounding park, the Democracy Centre Wergeland’s House, ticket sales and souvenir shop, the museum shop, Kafé Standpunkt with al fresco seating, and outdoor exhibitions.

As the place where the Norwegian Constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814, Eidsvollsbygningen is one of Norway’s most important national symbols. The Constituent Assembly was made up of 112 delegates, who gathered here from 10 April to 20 May 1814. The Assembly declared Norway an independent nation, after more than 400 years of union with Denmark, gave the country a constitution and elected a king. The Constitution is dated 17 May 1814, which is celebrated as Norway’s national day.

In 1814 Eidsvoll Manor House was a private home belonging to the owner of Eidsvoll Ironworks. It is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, whose design draws inspiration from the ideals of antiquity, and it is unparalleled in Norway. Eidsvoll Manor House’s architectural qualities are obvious both inside and out.

Guided tours in english every opening day at 12:30

Check opening hours and guided tours here

Wergelands Hus – Our visitors centre contains the exhibit “Citizens in a Living democracy”, emphasizing past and present stories of people committed to a cause, as well as other smaller changing exhibits inside and outside the house. The centre is located only 50 m from the main building with nice outdoor surroundings.

Kafé Standpunkt – is a modern coffeehouse inspired by the coffeehouse traditions that were established in Europe during the 17thcentury. In Madame Juels coffeehouse in Copenhagen the early thoughts of Norwegian independence were born, leading on to the events in 1814. Our coffeehouse offers tasty pastries, lunch and coffee in a modern interior which includes a small bookshop.

The coffeehouse is located in our visitors centre with a nice view to Eidsvollsbygningen as well as the river Andelva. Seats app 60 pax in side and 25 pax outside.

Museums shop- Roomers say it’s one of the most pretty museum shops in Norway, with a charming athmosphere and helpful staff. Planning the shop we wanted to bring the experience from the main building into the shop and its interiors as well as range of products. No trolls here..

Public Tranportation

From Oslo central station there is a train to Eidsvoll Verk every half hour, and the trip takes approx. 30 minutes. From here it is a great walk of about 20 minutes if you feel like walking – if not, you can take the corresponding bus that is included in the bus ticket directly to Eidsvoll 1814.

Welcome!

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

The science park

Vitenparken (The Science Park) in the campus park of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) in Ås. It has be upgraded and rebuilt intermittently in 2013, paving the way for a more dynamic museum with circulating, themed exhibitions. We offer an auditorium for up to 50 people as well as a conference room with every technical facility. Guided tours in the UMB park and Meierimuseet (The Dairy Museum) can be arranged.

See www.vitenparken.no or contact us to arrange tours of the park, book conference rooms or get updates on opening hours.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

The Plus at Magnor

The Plus – the world's most eco-friendly factory and a hot destination

The Plus is a tribute to the public, and the area around the factory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to spectacular architecture that blends beautifully with nature, you'll find Forest Camp with universally designed trails that take you on forest walks that are accessible for both prams and wheelchairs, a pink picnic table with room for about 100 people and several different activities for young and old. You can ride Norway's highest slide, enjoy the tranquillity of the forest at a wide range of social meeting places, experience a unique factory roof or hike along the Børli poetry trail. On the green roof, you will experience how this functions as an urban piazza in the middle of the forest with its furnished concrete floor, surrounded by the forest's high treetops. You can also familiarise yourself with Vestre and The Plus on one of our three information screens on the factory walls.

Designed by Danish architects BIG, The Plus is a tribute to the great outdoors. That's why Forest Camp (the area around The Plus) is a 300-acre area that is open to everyone. Through 2,000 square metres of windows in the factory, you can see the production process from outside, or you can book a guided tour inside the factory. In Forest Camp you'll find various social meeting places with benches of different kinds, including a pink long table in the forest with room for about 100 people.

Vestre will bring something new to Forest Camp every year, giving you a reason to come back year after year.

Guided tours and group visits
It's possible to visit the factory and learn more about Norwegian furniture production. Experience the spectacular architecture of The Plus – designed by world-renowned BIG Bjarke Ingels Group – from the inside. On the tour, you'll learn more about Vestre's history from the start in 1947, how architecture, technology, people and nature are united in The Plus, and how we work with both social and environmental sustainability.

If you would like a tour inside the factory with one of our guides, you must purchase a ticket. The tour follows the products' journey in the factory, and you'll get to see our robots Margot and Randi powder coating, and experience how nature, light and aesthetics affect us humans.

– Individuals and small groups can book tours online
– Contact us to book a guided tour for more than 15 people.

Enjoy your packed lunch in the sunshine
With everything you can experience at The Plus, it's a good idea to bring a packed lunch. We recommend enjoying your packed lunch outdoors on the seats in the forest area or on the factory roof. There are also great opportunities to bring a picnic blanket and find a peaceful spot to yourself.

If you don't have a snack in your bag, Ingelsrud patisserie is only a 3-minute drive away. You can also ask for food and drinks to be delivered at an agreed time at The Plus.

We ask you to always show consideration for nature so that those who come next also have an equally good experience.
– Please dispose of your rubbish in the bins we have provided.
– Please note that it can be very dry in the forest at times. We therefore discourage smoking and bonfires in these areas.

SAS Museum

The SAS Museum, officially opened in 2003. The majority of the staff is SAS pensioners.

In the museum you can follow the history of SAS since its start in 1946. The consortium was the first of its kind in the world of aviation. The exhibits comprise models of all SAS-owned aircrafts. One section of the museum includes a complete collection of SAS uniforms. In the library you can find more than 700 volumes of aviation literature, complete magazines and much more. The museum has a comprehensive archive containing documents, manuals and printed material available for study and research purposes.

The opening hours for the museum is usual Tuesdag from 10-15 and Sunday from 12-16 – but please chech the website for updates

Member of Visit Greater Oslo