Local tips from harbor master at Oscarsborg Berit Fredheim
Berit Fredheim is a photographer and harbor master at Oscarsborg Guest Harbor. As a mother, she also has many tips for families visiting Drøbak and Oscarsborg.
You are the harbor master at Oscarsborg Guest Harbor, what can guests expect when visiting Oscarsborg?
Our guest harbor is a family-friendly and pleasant harbor located at the beautiful Oscarsborg Fortress. Here, you won't find the hustle and bustle of the city, so it feels like staying in an outport, but with all the facilities you would expect from a guest harbor. There are kilometers of hiking trails to explore, plenty of fascinating history, and a playground for the kids. We are a family-owned business that strives to provide excellent service to our guests, and we do our best to solve any challenges our guests may have.
What does a perfect day at Oscarsborg look like to you?
Lots of boats in the harbor, a line to buy ice cream at the harbor cafe, happy people, and an evening swim at the Commander's Bathhouse. When I'm on duty at the harbor, my husband and children join me and stay in our cabin at Oscarsborg. They have a great time and have made several new friends among the children who often visit us. I've been working at the guest harbor since 2009, so I've made a bunch of new friends among our guests, and there's always someone to have a chat with.
You live in Frogn yourself, what do you think is the best thing about living in Drøbak?
Having everything I need within a couple of kilometers. I don't miss the big city now that I have young children, and I enjoy the relaxed pace of our town. We can go to cafes, galleries, and pubs, as well as having the forest and the fjord so close by.
What are your top tips for a summer day in Drøbak?
Take the kids to the Follo Museum to play in the fantastic playground and enjoy delicious waffles. Paddle to Sandspollen with a stop at Oscarsborg, and have dinner at Torget. Spending time with friends in Badeparken is the perfect way to end the day!
Do you have any tips for visitors to Drøbak with children?
The Aquarium is absolutely magical! The kids love it and never get tired of seeing all the exciting things there. Skiphelle is our favorite beach. There's shade under the trees on the lawn, and it has a shallow sandy beach, which is great when the little ones want to go into the water.
Would you like to share any hidden gems?
Kommandantens Badehus, located at the northern end of Nordre Kaholmen, is my favorite place to spend the evenings after a long day at work in the harbor. We bring pizza from the harbor café and swimsuits to enjoy the sunset. And we often stop by Solfrid's kiosk in Båthavna to buy ice cream or a hot dog in a waffle.