Coastal life Archives

Filtvet and Tofte coastal villages

We introduce you to two different towns that are reached by the summer boat B21 to Filtvet, by car or by bike.

Filtvet is easily reached by boat during summer time and we start at the pier where we have great views over to Son and towards Filtvet Fyr. Follow Strandveien past the small houses towards Filtvet Lighthouse and the beautiful white beach where you can swim and sunbathe and enjoy a delicious meal at Vilma Sjøbad. On the other side of the lighthouse is a nice green area with benches.

Probably, Filtvet has been a port since the Middle Ages where loading and unloading of goods and exports of timber has been conducted. From the 1740s to the 1770s there were operations in three iron mines near Filtvet. These were owned by Moss ironworks, and were located on or near Husebykollen. Mining ceased and seamen settled in Filtvet. From the 1780s, Filtvet was also a customs office under Drøbak's customs district. But after Tofte Cellulosefabrikk was built in 1897, Tofte emerged as the largest urban area in the area.

Filtvet lighthouse is the region's only lighthouse and has been in operation since 1840 and was automated in 1985 and today is a coastal gallery with changing exhibitions throughout the summer. The garden and beach are open for for swimming and recreation. Various events such as exhibitions, concerts and lectures are also organized. It is possible to rent the lighthouse

If you have lunch at Vilma Sjøbad there is a real danger of not wanting to leave this beautiful white bay with a view to the lighthouse, and you do not need to as Vilma Sjøbad Boutique hotel offers overnight stay for guests.

……. but new experiences awaits……

Tour suggestions in Filtvet:

Follow the dirt road that goes on the upper side of Villa Malla and you will reach a nice wooden bridge and Ekrebukta and follow the coastal path further towards Tofte.

Tofte is located at the south tip of Hurum and is among the areas in the country with the highest average temperature. This leads to a lush plant and bird life on the islands and in the Sandbukta-Østnestangen nature reserve. It is said that the most beautiful part of the coastal path is the trip from Tofte to Rødangen via the nature reserve with the possibility of tenting along the way. Cozy trip with great views of the coast. There is abundant wildlife of seabirds and seals in the archipelago at Tofte. The area around Tofte has significant occurrences of the rare species of mistletoe and barberry.

Tofte center is elongated several beautiful sandy beaches and grassy areas for fun with good toilet facilities such as Apotekerstranda and Preisserstranda, as welas local eateries where Café Lasse is the local place to meet.

Tofte Cellulosefabrik AS and Hurum Fabriker AS, became the cornerstone companies that the entire Tofte community depended on for over a hundred years until the factory was closed down in 2013. A strong working-class culture grew on site and the population expanded. Today, the area has been transformed into a business park and Tofte has several well-preserved buildings that describe industrial history.

The polar ship Maud made for scientist and polar explorer Roald Amundsen is kept and on display in the harbor south of Tofte pending the construction of a museum. You may on selected dates be able to discover the local exhibition "Maudheim" from his exhibitions and with the replica of the plane "Kristine".

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Historic bathing towns in Asker

Humans have since the early 1900s believed that the salty air and a bath in the sea cures illnesses, and since then the Oslofjord has been a favorite place for bathing houses, gatherings, recreational activities and summer places for the distinguished families from "Christiania". For many years, the "Daddy boat" brought passengers to the the small towns on the weekends while mothers, grandparents and children stayed in the small towns throughout the summer.

No wonder that the area today has 6 of Norway's Blue Flag beaches in addition to summit hikes with fantastic views and a lot of unspoiled nature.

A road trip through Asker, to Hurumlandet takes you through different eras via charming summer gems such as Vollen, Sætre, Filtvet and Holmsbu. The area is best experienced by car but is also very popular to explore biking or by leisure boat. There is also a scheduled boat between Aker Brygge and Drøbak / Son with a few stops along the coast.

Treat yourself to quality time in a slower pace and feel the atmosphere visitors have come to experience through centuries. Rent rooms at one of the classic seaside hotels while exploring the coastal path, coastal galleries and other attractions in Asker and the Hurum Peninsula.

SPA at Holmen Fjordhotell

Holmen Fjordhotell is idyllically located by the water's with a view of the most beautiful part of the Oslo Fjord. The guest house Holmen Sommerhotell was started in 1924, and has today been expanded and converted into a modern conference hotel with a beautiful SPA in maritime style. Trygve Hegnar has collected some of his maritime antiques, old boats and cars that are on display in the hotel's public areas. Enjoy a good dinner and wrap up the evening with a game of shuffle board in the hotel bar.

Vollen

A stop in Vollen offers a whole day of experiences; unique shops with jewelery design and fashion, delicious Mediterranean lunch on the pier at Vito´s or the taste of Greece at Elea. Popular activities are renting a jet ski in the marina and sauna at Varm in Vollen. The Oslo Fjord Museum has changing exhibitions that tell about life on the fjord and the boat building traditions. The polar ship Maud was built here and is now for storage in Tofte, further south on the Hurum Peninsula. Nearby accommodation options: Quality Hotel Leangkollen , Ramton Camping and Holmen Fjordhotell

Sætre

Sætre is located at the exit of the Oslofjord tunnel south of Hurumlandet. Sætre Gård is a cultural monument and is idyllically located by the Oslo Fjord and is today a nice gallery and restaurant. The town has a nice city beach, beautiful hiking areas around Sandspollen and an active marina. Sætre is developing into an urban small town with nice restaurants and public services.

Filtvet

In charming Filtvet you can enjoy a lazy day by the beautiful white bay with a view to Filtvet Lighthouse. Stroll among the small houses, bathe from the rocks or enjoy a good meal at the esteemed Villa Malla. This is not just a restaurant, but a destination in itself. They have no menu, just buffet for both lunch and dinner. The buffet is full of homemade Mediterranean food such as salads, salsa, dips, countless vegetable dishes and hot dishes from the grill. In Gallery Malla, you will find exhibitions by artists from all over the world. Accommodation nearby: Villa Utsikten.

Holmsbu

Holmsbu is the most famous small town in Asker, beautifully situated by Drammensfjorden. This coastal gem is bustling with life from Easter to the autumn holidays, but is well worth a visit all year round. Spend the evening with delicious food at one of the city's restaurants and cafés, listening to live music in the backyard or on the hotel terrace. Enjoy a refreshing sea bath and sauna from the floating sauna, rent a canoe from the hotel and walk the coastal path towards Rødtangen.

The unique light and landscape at the southern tip of Hurum has been immortalized by many painters. Henrik Sørensen came to visit in 1913 and enjoyed the place so much that he lived in Holmsbu almost every summer for the rest of his life in company with several renowned painters, referred to as "Holmsbumalerne". They painted the beautiful decorations in Holmsbu church in the 1950s and 1960s. Holmsbu Bildemuseum-Henrik Sørensen's collections is nicely located along the coastal path in Støa and is open from June to September.

Make a hike to Holtnesdalen nature reserve with unique primeval forest, deciduous forest and carpets of wildflowers. The stream divides the valley into two parts and creates deep, dark valley depressions – with ferns and deciduous forest in the valley bottoms, and more coniferous forest at the height between them.

Experience the beautiful coast and find peace in the sunset breeze. Enjoy good company with close friends in one of the many beautiful places along the Asker coast.

Have a pleasant tour.

Bronnoya lime kiln

On Brønnøya we can today see remains of lime kilns and extraction of lime. Three lime kilns have been registered on the island, in addition to the fact that the area bears the mark of lime mill operations. The largest lime kiln can be seen in Sandbukta, where it rises majestically only five meters from the Oslo Fjord.

The lime kiln at Sandbukta was built in 1874. It is square, built of stone and built with lime. The oven is in good condition, although the individual places are slightly cracked. The lime kiln is only five meters from the sea. Today, both the kiln construction and the associated ramp on the slope behind are protected.

Drøbak Aquarium

Welcome to Drøbak Aquarium

Drøbak Aquarium gives you an up-close look at the rich wildlife of the Oslofjord. Inside the aquarium, you’ll find 50 aquariums, 2 large tanks, and a touch pool with various types of sea creatures.

The aquarium showcases many exciting species. Among others, you’ll get up close to the fearsome grin of Hugo the wolffish. You'll find everything from adorable scallops to ghostly tadpole cods. Some of the tanks even have sharks! We also display various echinoderms and starfish in their dazzling colors.

In June 2025, Drøbak Aquarium will also open a brand-new freshwater section.

Coastal gems along the Oslofjord west coast

Throughout history, the west side of Oslo has attracted artists, bathers and Christiania's nobility to gather in the small towns during the summer months. No wonder the area today has 6 of Norway's Blue Flag beaches in addition to top hikes with stunning views and plenty of unspoilt nature.

A road trip through Bærum and Asker and Hurumlandet, takes you through various eras via charming summer gems such as Vollen, Sætre and Holmsbu. The area is best experienced by car but is also very popular to explore from the bike seat or by leisure boat. There is also a scheduled boat between Aker Brygge and Drøbak / Son with stops along the coast.

From industry and shipbuilding to small town charm
You can get close to Oslo and the region's cultural highlights by staying at Fornebu with sea views and bathing opportunities right outside your door. At Scandic Fornebu everything is ready for a lovely dinner, a game of shuffleboard in the bar. Explore the Fornebu peninsula with its art installations, exciting architecture, Nansenparken and magnificent coastal nature. Art lovers should also visit the Henie Onstad Art Center or Sjøholmen near Sandvika before the tour continues.

Take a tour of the old ironworks at Bærums Verk for a gallery tour and shopping, today a shopping center with over 40 shops and restaurants. The place is idyllically situated along the river Lomma. The sculpture park shows the country's foremost collection of Norwegian sculptors. Fill up the basket of delicacies for the drive from Smelters Mathus and crafts from the unique shops.

A stop in Vollen offers a whole day of experiences; unique shops with jewelery design and fashion, delicious Mediterranean lunch by the water at Vito´s or the taste of Greece at Elea. A popular activity is renting Jet Ski in the marina for a ride to the coastal pearl Konglungen and Middagsbukta, followed by sauna and sea bath at Varm in Vollen. On the other side of the bay, the Oslofjord Museum has changing exhibitions that tell about life on the fjord and boat building traditions. The Polar ship Maud was built here and is now for storage in Tofte, further south on the Hurum Peninsula.
In pleasant Filtvedt there is real danger of staying here in the beautiful white bay with a view to the lighthouse ……. but new experiences are worth the detachment.

World-class geology
You get the feeling of being in Southern Norway all the way along the long coast with small coves and beaches, maritime walks and white seahouses. Explore the unique geology where you see fossils of snails and squid in the stone urns in Slemmestad. The outfield is full of mushrooms throughout the fall, small undisturbed lakes for a dip are nice hiking destinations and you really get away from the hectic everyday life.

The painter town of Holmsbu
Rødangen and Holmsbu were early favorites among the elite of artists, known for their beautiful light. Here the coast is at some of its most beautiful where the fjord opens, the seals colonies reside on the islets and the many nature reserves manage wildlife and plant life. Rent a nice cabin and stay near this coastal pearl that oozes of life from Easter to the autumn holidays, but is well worth a year-round visit. Spend the evening with fine dining at one of the city's restaurants and cafes, listening to live music in the backyard or on the hotel's terrace before the small talk continues into the late morning.

When the morning light comes on, why not start the day in the robes before exploring the area either by renting a canoe, cycling or discovering the galleries for which the place is so famous. The hotel serves a good breakfast with sea views. Just below the hotel there is the possibility to rent the floating sauna and combine the sea bath, togetherness and sauna.

Royal scenery and farm visits
There is something soothing about the presence of the animals, sweaters knit from the finest alpaca wool and to touch the soft fur. Enjoy a day at Bergvang Gård, get close to the beautiful alpacas and ride into the forest on horseback. The Icelandic horse is fun to ride, it is small and strong. The tours take place in the beautiful area at Semsvann in Asker, in the backyard of the Crown Prince´s residence.

Wellbeeing and togetherness
Visit Holmen Fjordhotell to get care of stiff muscles and quality time. Enjoy the afternoon in the hotel's SPA with pool, steam room and jaccuzi. The evening should end with a delicious sea view meal, wine from the house's beautiful wine cellar and a game of shuffleboard.

** Have a good trip**

Son – by the sunny shores of the Oslofjord

Just 40 minutes south of Oslo you will find the idyllic coastal town of Son, located on the sunny side of the Oslofjord.

Son is known for its old city center with wooden houses and narrow alleyways often associate with cities along the southernmost coast of Norway.

Son offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants as well as small niche boutiques. Only 10 minutes away You will find Oslo Fashion Outlet in Vestby, a good place to visit in combination with Son.

During the summer season there is a boat connection from Oslo during the weekend.

Enjoy the good life in Son. Enjoy a restful time at Son SPA or rent a kayak and explore the surrounding area.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Vollen Marina activities

Situated in the centre of Vollen in Asker, a great place for a day of adventure. You may rent boat and SUP, take diving lessons and discover the lofal museum across the bay. Vollen Marina has easy acces to some of the most beautiful and popular spots by the Oslo fjord such as theh popular inlets. At the Marina you find moorings, boat dealerships, boat services, a gas station, kiosk, diving centre, water sport rental, sauna, bar, a popular café and a seaside restaurant.

BUKTA MATBAR

Our restaurant has great sea food, light dishes and thin-crusted pizzas . Enjoy a drink or a meal in beautiful, relaxing surroundings at the port in the middle of Vollen.

Read more at http://www.vollen-marina.no/

Member of Visit Greater Oslo

Ice production in Holmsbu

The market was large in Europe, especially in England. There, the breweries also needed large amounts of ice to cool down the light beers they produced. Since the conditions were right with cold winters in Norway, this became a market for farmers who owned ponds and ponds, including here in Holtnesskogen. For the owners, the profits could be good – it was said that ice cream had a higher price per kilo than sugar in England.

It was hard work. When the water had frozen, all the snow had to be shoveled away. Then the workers cut blocks off the ice with special saws. Each block measured 60 centimetres in all directions, and weighed around 160 kilograms. The ice blocks then had to be lifted into a chute of wood, and were sent down to the harbor where they were loaded onto a waiting ship. Sawdust was often used between the blocks to ensure that they did not melt during the long transport.

Strict quality requirements were set. The ice had to be completely transparent, and it was forbidden to spit tobacco that could stain the ice.

Accidents at work could easily occur while handling the heavy ice blocks. However, the major accident here in Holtnesskogen was due to something else, and happened after ice production had ended. Mass had been taken out from the bottom of the dam, which led to a dam break, and the water gushed downwards with a crash that could be heard to Holmestrand. The road to Rødtangen was destroyed – and at the bottom of the pond they found a lot of alcohol cans that had been thrown here during the prohibition era.

While the owners of the dams had good income from exports, the workers were poorly paid for the job. They were mostly paid on piecework, and in 1890 received around 2.5 øre per block they handled. The hourly wage could often end up at around 20 øre.

The market for Norwegian ice cream gradually declined. New ice machines made it possible to produce ice without natural winter cold, and quite early in the 1900s it became less profitable for the owners to export ice.

The idyllic ponds with water lilies and reeds we can enjoy the sight of were once workplaces for many people.