Tour suggestions Archives

Coastal hike: Skiphelle beach to Ramme farm

Start the day with a swim at the family-friendly, shallow beach at Skiphelle before embarking on a family adventure along the coastal path to Edvard Munch's universe at Ramme. The trip, which takes about an hour and a half one way, is filled with both exciting history and beautiful nature experiences.

Bring a hammock and take a break at the secluded Kjeppestadbukta beach and set aside plenty of time to explore the cultural destination Ramme Gård, which includes a visitor farm, farm shop, café, and art museum.

On the way back, you can choose a different route that goes through a beautiful forest landscape.

Fjord and forest in one day!

Hiking facts:

How to get there: By car/bike to Skiphelle beach, south of Drøbak.

Hike length: 10 kilometers round trip

Local tip: Along the coastal path, several interesting information signs have been put up, including about the German cargo ship DS Donau. In 2024, there will also be a "pole hunt" along the coastal path, which can be a fun motivation for children.

Hvalstjern rundt

There are two route options: one is 9.4 km long and the shorter one is 7.9 km. The longer route is marked in green on the signs, and the shorter one is marked in red. On the signs, the routes are described as 10 km and 8 km respectively. This description covers the longer route. The shorter route is a good alternative if you prefer walking mostly on roads (a little bit easier hike)

From the Hvalstjern parking lot, the hike passes Hvalstjern beach and continues along a road for about 1.5 km. Then, turn right onto a trail—it is well signposted. Abbortjern is a picturesque pond along the trail. Near Tretysjøhytta, there is a small lean-to shelter. It is recommended to take a break here as the view over Breidsjøen and the surrounding area is beautiful.

Please note that about halfway through the hike, there is a short section where logging has taken place. It may be difficult to spot the trail here. If you are unsure of the path, it’s a good idea to use the GPS track available in the Ti på topp app to ensure you stay on the right trail.

The route goes through open forest and along the edges of marshlands. There are many wooden walkways (klopper) laid out to improve accessibility.

Kjærringtjern lies right next to the trail, as well as an old timber cabin named Skogheim. The trail then continues over Poståsen and back to Hvalstjern parking.

This is a varied and scenic loop with some sections involving steep climbs.

More hikes and information can be found on the website of Bedriftsidretten, who provided this hiking suggestion.

Fossils in Slemmestad

Octopuses, trilobites and 900 million years of history

Slemmestad is located in the middle of the Oslo field and is a treasure trove for anyone interested in rock and fossils. In the middle of Slemmestad you can see the history of geology from bedrock to volcanic rocks. The "team package" we see here is in the correct order with the oldest at the bottom and the newest at the top. This is especially because elsewhere the layers are folded or worn away.

The giant Oslo field stretches from Langesund in the south to Lake Mjøsa in the north and tells the earth's history through 900 million years. Here you see countless types of rocks, minerals and remains of prehistoric animals. The reason for this is that the entire Oslo field sank several hundred meters into a grave, while the surrounding areas were worn down to the bedrock by ice age, erosion and the ravages of time.

Fossil hunting

The fossils can be seen all over Slemmestad. It's just a matter of knowing what to look for! Learn more at our signposted geology locations. The Geology Center has made guide booklets with maps that supplement the information signs you find along the way. This can be downloaded from the Geology Center or viewed digitally at www.geologisenteret.no

It is first and foremost the exciting geology that exists, but we also recommend taking a trip into the Geology Center's Trilobox to look at exhibitions of the area's fossils, rocks and minerals.

The fossils are from the time periods Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian, from 540 to 420 million years ago. At that time, Slemmestad's seabed was in a relatively shallow sea. Animals and plants abounded here. Some are similar to those we know today, while others look completely foreign. You will find both graptolites, trilobites and spectacular octopuses.

Slemmestad is facing major changes in the future and will be developed from an industrial site to a vibrant coastal town. This is probably the largest site development project in the inner Oslofjord. Make your visit to Odden. A recreation area where you can swim, fish and eat your packed lunch while enjoying the fantastic view all the way to Oslo.

The coastal path to Vollen

After an exciting fossil hunt in Slemmestad, we recommend that you follow the marked coastal path north towards the idyllic town of Vollen. The coastal path takes you past several blue flag beaches, fossil points and through pleasant buildings and is accessible to all.

Vollen is characterized as the best-preserved beach resort in the inner Oslofjord. Here you will find several nice shops, galleries, restaurants, the Oslofjord Museum, Vollen Marina with activities such as diving and jet skis. Nice beach with frisbee golf and reuse library. There is a fast boat between Aker Brygge / Drøbak and Vollen and Slemmestad.

Access:

The summer boat B22 / B21 from Aker Brygge / Son during the school holidays and weekends during the summer. For timetables check www.ruter.no

Bus to Slemmestad. Disembarkation at Toern. www.ruter.no

Free parking at Slemmestad Commuter parking on Vaterlandsveien.

Chill out in nostalgic Holmsbu

«Chill out in nostalgic Holmsbu»

Holmsbu and Hurum have attracted bathing summer guests and famous painters since the 1870s and are today a favorite holiday resort with whitewashed houses.

Holmsbu village

From the early 18th century, Holmsbu has been a center for shipping and trade. Towards the end of the 19th century, steamships arrived daily with bathers, and in the 20th century, Holmsbu housed Norway's largest and most stable artist colony. Today, lively Holmsbu offers a variety of experiences and is the starting point for trips of many kinds. A perfect starting point for weekend trips and day trips where you can experience delicious food with views of the harbor, concerts, art, exploring the coastal path and walking in the primeval forest.

Find peace in the sunset breeze. At the floating sauna you can enjoy the revitalizing combination of steaming sauna and refreshing sea bath all year round! And Badehotellet provides a good bed and tasty meals.

The artist colony

The unique light and landscape at the southern tip of Hurum has been immortalized by many artists. It all started with Oluf Wold-Thorne renting a room in Holmsbustøa. His friend Henrik Sørensen came to visit in 1913, enjoyed himself so much and then lived in Holmsbu almost every summer for the rest of his life with several renowned painters, referred to as "the Holmsbu Painters". They painted beautiful decorations in Holmsbu church in the 1950s and 1960s.

Holmsbu Picture Gallery with Henrik Sørensen's collections is nicely located in nature in Støa. The building itself was built by people from Holmsbu in large stones of Hurum granite that have been found in ura on the site. The building's location and shape harmonize with the surrounding landscape and the art that was created there. It is open from June to September and Hurum art group also holds summer exhibitions in the small houses at the bottom of the road. Parking for car.

Medevial grave and early settlement

The country's oldest Medieval Grave can be found by continuing the road towards Rødtangen – at the top of the hill after the «spa hotel» you can see the sign for the Bronze Age tombs. A dolmen tomb is a tomb from the Neolithic (4500 – 1800 BC). The tomb is made up of large, standing stones that have formed the walls of a burial chamber. Above these has been a large stone that has served as a roof. Next to it are also burial mounds from the Bronze Age. In the older Bronze Age, the dead were placed in the coffin fully clothed and with various objects.

«Norway's most beautiful rainforest» in Holtnesdalen.

Holtnesdalen nature reserve is especially beautiful in the spring carpeted with whiteweed. Here is unique primeval forest, deciduous forest and carpets of wildflowers. Nature is magical with a deep and lush ravine, high sharp rock walls, narrow paths, and wild and beautiful rainforest. 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. You can start the trip from the Picture Gallery which is the shortest and easiest, or the more demanding route by following the road further towards Rødtangen, take Holtnesveien. Follow to Holtnes and turn right and follow along the fields inwards to the large wide oak. Follow the signs to Holtnesdalen nature reserve. This stretch leads to steep and rugged sections that can be avoided by starting at the image gallery.

Local taste experiences

Hurum is home to farms known for their good products. Many sell goods straight from the farm in season. In Holmsbu you can get the farmer's vegetables from Bergsmyrene Gård, the steak from Biffgården or Grønnsletta and edible flowers and cut flowers at FioriBlomster.

Dagstur i Follo – kyststi og kulturvandring i Hvitsten

Welcome to a day trip in Follo from Ramme Fjordhotell.

Ramme farm by Hvitsten is a cultural destination that must be experienced! 40 minutes by car from Oslo is not only the magnificent garden in Havlystparken with sculptures, fountains, and walkways, but also the brand new Ramme Fjordhotell. Own organic farm products tempt in the café and restaurant – and invite to long lunches throughout the spring and summer.

The new cultural trail "In Munch's footsteps" attracts many curious, or how about seeing Edvard Munch's home that opens by the sea in 2021? The picture gallery has his works on the walls together with art by Christian Krohg, Frits Thaulow and Theodor Kittelsen.

From Ramme it is a short walk to picturesque Hvitsten.

After 1.5 km on the coastal path, you will discover 37 interesting galleon figures from the shipping company Fred Olsen Lines around the terrain. Maybe you find everyone, or just take a fun selfie?

Then you can continue on the coastal path to Son Spa. The 18 kilometers go in nice and varied terrain – with magnificent views of the Oslo Fjord. Stairs and sherpas make the steepest mountain slopes easily accessible.

Well ahead, it is wellness and wonderful spa treatments that apply.

Polar expeditions and coastal history

The Hurum Peninsula had a central position when ships were the link between both sides of the Oslo Fjord. Today it consists of beautiful untouched coastal landscape and charming villages.

Amundsen – first man to the South Pole

Roald Amundsen secretly planned the South Pole expedition when he built the ship "Fram" and the members of the expedition became the first in history to reach the South Pole point on December 4, 1911 ahead of the Scott expedition.

Roald Amundsen's polar ship "Maud" which he used on his second expedition to the Arctic was built at Anker & Jensen's shipyard in Vollen. The boat was launched in June 1917 and christened by Amundsen himself with a lump of ice.

Amundsen's next expedition across the Arctic Ocean is planned and in the summer of 1918 "Maud" finally sails from Oslo towards the northeast passage. Attempts were made to drift across the Arctic Ocean without success, and attempts were made to reach the North Pole by plane. The boat remained behind in the ice when the crew returned. In 1990, Asker municipality bought the boat from HBC for 1 dollar. After 80 years on the seabed in the northwest passage, the ship was transported home to Vollen in August 2018.

We start the tour at the Oslofjord Museum in Vollen. Vollen has a long and rich boatbuilding tradition. At the museum you can experience recreational boat collection and activities related to the recreational use of the Oslo Fjord. The kids can build boats with rubber engine and test them in the pool.

The trip continues to Tofte to Sagene Boat Harbor where Maud is stored. Discover the polar ship, see the fascinating construction technique and take part in the proud Norwegian polar history. Here is also a small collection of items found at the boat as well as a copy of the plane «Kristine». These have limited opening hours. The boat can be viewed around the clock, all year round.

Watch the film about the story of MS Maud HERE

Local history

Tofte Cellulosefabrikk was built in 1897 and became a cornerstone company locally. Tofte grew up as the largest town in the area with a strong working class culture and has several buildings that describe industrial history. Filtvet has been a port since the Middle Ages where goods have been unloaded and timber and ice exported to the major cities in Europe. There were once three iron mines here and after the mining ceased, Filtvet became a customs post for shipping in the 1780s. Filtvet consists of charming small houses, rose gardens, Filtvet Lighthouse with art exhibition in summer and the iconic Villa Malla with the white sand bay. Here there is rental of water activities in the summer.

Tour suggestion: Round trip along the coastal path to Sandbukta. 7.5 km

Trip in varied terrain with fantastic views. Follow the coastal path south to Østnestangen and Sandbukta. Enjoy the beautiful sea view from the lighthouse and see one of the country's oldest Viking tombs. The trip back goes via the forest along the tractor road back to the starting point. This stretch is described as the Oslo Fjord's most beautiful coastal path stretch with rich fauna and wildlife. The trip is sometimes very hilly and demanding.

The Pilgrim’s Route through Bærum

The pilgrim path from Oslo through Bærum to Hønefoss is the first stage of the western route to the historic Gudbrandsdalsleden, which was the main road to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in the Middle Ages.

The trail starts in Oslo's Old Town at the ruins of St. Hallvard's Cathedral, where the first milestone stands.

The trip goes west through the Vigeland Park and residential areas to the Lysaker river near Lilleaker. Follow the Lysaker river on a path past waterfalls and lush landscape and through residential areas to Haslum medieval church, where the Tunsbergleden from Vestfold meets Gudbrandsdalsleden.

At Øverland, you walk into the forest in the direction of the tourist cabin Nygård. Along the way, you can spend the night at Sæteren farm, which is owned by DNT, and has the status of a pilgrim hostel. The road ahead goes on a path over Skrivarberget and down to Lommedalen. The trip goes over the golf course, crosses Lommedalsveien and you follow the forest road, the old King's Road over Krokskogen to Kleivstua Hotel. There are nice information signs along the way about life and keel burning at Kroksskogen and quite steep the first stretch with beautiful nature and forest terrain. Several nice picnic areas along the way and a small wooden lavvu.

After crossing Krokskogen, the route goes down to Sundvolden, through Hole and towards Bønsnes church and Norderhov church before arriving at Hønefoss and the Jevnaker area.

For more information and detailed map about Pilegrimsleden: https://www.pilegrimsleden.no/en/

Pilegrim accommodation at Sæteren Gard:

E-mail: seterengard@dntoslo.no Phone: 67 58 18 50 / 94 82 77 99 Adr: Murenveien 151, 1356 Bekkestua.

Drøbak Around for Kids – In Santa’s Footsteps

Drøbak is one of the country's most idyllic coastal towns, with small, charming wooden houses of great heritage value and plenty for children to experience.

Start the day in Badeparken, either with a swim or a visit to the architect-designed playground. Velhaven, located by the Bankløkka parking lot, also has a very nice playground in the town's little oasis.

Drøbak is also the town where the Norwegian Santa Claus has his official post address, so a visit to Tregaardens Christmas House is a highlight.

In Drøbak harbor, you'll find Drøbak Aquarium, which showcases the rich marine life of the Oslo Fjord up close. Here, you'll see everything from small baby sharks to Hugo the wolffish.

You can also ask to borrow crab fishing equipment from the Tourist Information if you want to try that. When you get hungry, there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from, and for dessert, the ice cream at Café Drøbak is very popular.

Tour facts:

How to get there: Bus or car to Drøbak center

Hike length: Optional

Local tip: Visit the only saltwater aquarium in Eastern Norway and explore the exciting underwater life of the Oslo Fjord. The Christmas House is also a popular stop for children!

Art and Galleries around the Asker coast

Welcome to art experiences around the Asker Peninsula. On this tour you will find everything from classic works to the next generation's expressions.

Artist colonies

Asker's cultural center 100 years back in time was in Hvalstad and was called Kunstnerdalen. A sociable artist community thrived and today the homes of Hulda and Arne Garborg and Tilla and Otto Valstad are part of the exhibition at Asker Museum. The museum has a lush, baroque-inspired garden with animal sculptures by Anne Grimdalen, a large and diverse collection of houses and objects as well as permanent and changing exhibitions in the museum. Free entrance.

The trip continues to the Yellow House (Det gule huset) on Holmen, and further along the coast via the small towns Vollen, Slemmestad, Sætre, Filtvet, Tofte and to Holmsbu where the "Holmsbum painters" found inspiration throughout the 50s and 60s. Henriks Sørensen was amongst them and his art is to be found in the church and Holmsbu Art Museum by Støa. (Henrik Sørensen has painted one of the big murals seen in the Oslo City Hall)

Filtvet – the iconic light house:

A curiosity on your way to Filtvet, make a stop at Galleri Gallera in Storsand.

Filtvet lighthouse stands iconically on the pier and has for decades ensured safe traffic in and out of the Inner Oslo Fjord. Today there is a gallery during the summer months. Here in the white bay is also Vilma Sjøbad which serves italian food. Make time for a walk between the charming cottages and smell the rose gardens.

The south part of Asker has been the painters' favorite since the last century, especially due to the light and the view.The light in the early morning or in the evening hours are amazing, so well worth making time for an overnight stay.

Painters town Holmsbu

Throughout his adult life, Henrik Sørensen lived in Holmsbu during the summer and he brought with him his artist friends known as "Holmsbumalerne". They have decorated the church inside and his work can be experienced in Holmsbu Kunstmuseum at Støa. The building itself is also fascinating and worth the trip.The sculpture "On the way to the beach" by Skule Waksvik decorates the beach in the center.

Holmsbu is the place to stay. At Badehotellet. Concerts are held regularly at the local pubs and eateries. Find peace with beautiful walks along the coastal path towards Rødtangen and through primeval forest in Holtnesdalen. Nice swimming opportunities from the rocks and nearby beaches.

Dikemark

On the way back, we stop by Kunsthall Dikemark – here mental health is at the center along with art, and they work to highlight patient art from the old hospital and remove the stigma associated with mental health. Changing exhibitions throughout the summer. Beautiful surrondings for a walk lakeside and among the buildings all year.

NOTE: The galleries have different opening hours throughout the year. Some are open all year, others only during the summer with limited opening hours.

Access:

Municipal parking in each small town and along the main road. In Holmsbu, I recommend parking at the church and own parking at Støa. There are also buses from Asker, Sætre and Drammen. The summer boat B21 / B22 stops in Vollen, Slemmestad and Filtvet before continuing across the fjord to Drøbak. It is nice to combine the boat with a bike ride to Drammen and the train back. For timetable see Ruter.no

The Pilgrim’s Route to and from Oslo

The Pilgrim Paths in Akershus is one part of the St Olav Way which takes you to Trondheim. In mediaeval time this was the main goal for pilgrimages in the Nordic area with the cathedral Nidarosdomen and St. Olav’s relics.

The Pilgrim Paths in Oslo and Akershus can be reached when arriving in Oslo with boat from either Kiel in Germany or from Denmark, or by air to one of the airports; Oslo Airport, Gardermoen. You can go straight from the ferry or the plane and start your walk.

When in Oslo you have the choice of an eastern or western path. Are you arriving from the south you will meet the path from the south through Follo at the boarder of county Østfold. It takes you to Gamlebyen in Oslo.

Heading east from Oslo you will soon leave the suburbs and meet the rolling cultivated landscape in Romerike. At the river Nitelva was once the site of the battle between Olav Haraldsson and the local tribe in the petty kingdom of Romerike. The path later takes you past Raknehaugen. This burial mound is the largest barrow in Northern Europe. On your way you will pass many beautiful old churches. In Eidsvoll you have the option of taking the paddle steamer Skibladner to cross Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. Accommodation options along the way are in hotels, hostels and in farms.

If you chose the western route from Oslo you will pass the only remaining mediaeval church in Oslo, Gamle Aker church. Here you’ll also find the Oslo Pilgrim Center where you can get advice for your pilgrimage.

The path takes you through the Vigeland Park with all its sculptures. Leaving the urban Oslo you walk through an older residential area on your way to Bærum and the mediaeval Haslum Church. From here you can follow paths through the forest. In Bærum you can stay in cottages at Sæteren gård and later continue across Krokskogen to Bønsnes, where Olav Haraldsson spent his childhood years according to the legend.

Information from Visit Greater Oslo and Pilegrimsleden.no