The east side of the Oslo fjord
Treat yourself and your loved ones
Make space for quality time with your girlfriends, the boyfriend or simply “me” time. Several of the country's most beautiful SPA facilities are located here. There is therapy in being surrounded by water, joy in good company and peace in beautiful surroundings.
The Well is the Nordic region's largest wellness facility offering massage, many pools and spa treatments from around the world. Spend the whole day here or travel a bit more south to the seaside resort Son SPA to enjoy good food, terrace view and nice wellness facilities indoor and outside.
If you fancy more meditative surroundings, then the newly renovated Rømskog Spa & Resort is the spot for you with its beautiful SPA facilities idyllically located in nature by Lake Vortungen, splendid for hiking and kayaking. Enjoy the tranquility of the forest and good service here.
Not far from Oslo Airport you will also find Hurdalsjøen Hotell with its newly opened spa department with therapy bath, various indoor and outdoor saunas, hydromassage and various showers. The nature of Hurdalsjøen offers many great hiking opportunities.
In ocotober opens the brand new Miklard Hotel! An invaluable escape from hectic everyday life—in a setting created for nurturing your senses, relaxing, and being in the moment - just 10 minutes from the airport!
Photo: Rømskog Spa
Charming coastal villages
Several picturesque villages are located by the east side of the Oslo Fjord. Treat yourself to a weekend at some of the country's best spa hotels and experience why the coast has become a favorite recreation area for boating and outdoor life spiced with cultural highlights such as the sculpture park at Hvitsten and the newly opened Ramme Fjordhotell. The Follo coast is well accessible by bus and daily boat from Rådhusbryggen but also a great for cycling through historic surroundings.
We suggest a start in Drøbak, a town characteristic by narrow streets and wooden houses. Seek new inspiration for the Christmas decorations Tregaarden's Christmas house, touch a ray fish in Drøbak Aquarium and go shopping for art, interior design and fashion. Rare brands not sold in many places are available here. And remember, most shops and galleries are open on Sunday.
Hop on the ferry across the strait for lunch and a tour of the exciting Oscarsborg. Here at Kaholmen are the Cannon Batteries that sank the German ship Blücher at the beginning of second world war.
Photo: Havlystparken Ramme
Cultural gems
Hvitsten is a unique cultural destination where the Kristiania bohemians and Edvard Munch lived in inspiring surroundings. Ramme Fjordhotell opens to the public in autumn 2020 and will offer the most luxurious accommodation along the Oslo fjord. Stroll in Havlystparken decorated with mythological and modern sculptures, exotic plants and enjoy a delicious organic meal with home grown ingredients.
Hvitsten, an idyllic place with narrow streets and white houses, has a beautiful sculpture park of 37 galleon figures from the Fred Olsen ships and scenic hiking tracks along the coastal path.
The Sunday town of Drøbak and Son both have a selection of museums, galleries with changing exhibitions and artisan workshops. Art often pushes established boundaries and expands our senses. In Galleri Finsrud's two galleries, you will get to know the creative world of the multi-artist, painter, sculptor Reidar Finnsrud, who now enjoys recognition around the world for his work.
At the open-air museum Follomuseet and at Son Coastal Center, the history of the Oslo Fjord's cultural heritage is presented and significant work is being done to properly restore old buildings. Stroll around the exhibition of historic buildings, leisure boats and explore the fisherman's home. The children can make their own tin soldiers supervised by the blacksmith.
The home of the polar explorer Roald Amundsen is still as he left it on his last expedition and is located at Svartskog. Guided tours of the villa provide a good insight into the life of one of the country's foremost polar researchers.
Photo: Uranienborg - Polar explorer Roald Amundsen's home
Active in Follo
Enjoy the tranquility on countless beaches and rocks along the entire coast while the sun shines in the blue-green water. But if you want a trip on the water, RIB trips include both quiet nature experiences near the habitat of both sea eagles and seals and a good deal of adrenaline when the boat hits 80 knots. CampSoon rents out kayaks for all levels. It is nice with some exercise and a great way to see the coast from a new point of view and you build up an healthy appetite for lunch in one of the restaurants on the pier afterwards.
Both the Coastal Path through Vestby which includes Ramme, Hvitsten and Son, and the Pilgrim Trail from Moss to Son are located in old cultural landscape. Enjoy great views and mindfulness.
TusenFryd, Norway's largest amusement park has activities for all ages and levels, whether you like roller coasters, radio cars or big splashes in the water parks. Feel the atmosphere of happy visitors and taste freshly popped popcorn and cotton candy. Nearby, hiking to the lookout tower Hjellsåstårnet and you can see all the way to Holmenkollen and Norefjell if good weather.
Photo: Kayaking in the archapelego in Greater Oslo