Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslofjord. A dynamic Scandinavian capital blending Viking heritage with state-of-the-art architecture, Oslo offers world-class museums, a vibrant waterfront, lush forests, and some of Europe's finest dining.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Bergen
Norway's second city and the 'Gateway to the Fjords' is one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys away. The Bergen Railway crosses the Hardangervidda plateau at 1,222m, passing through extraordinary mountain and fjord scenery. Bergen itself offers the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, a vibrant fish market, and Norway's finest seafood restaurants.
Highlights: Bryggen UNESCO wharf houses · Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget) · Fløibanen funicular to Fløyen viewpoint · Bergenhus Fortress
Flåm and the Flåm Railway
The Flåmsbana is one of the world's most dramatic railway journeys, descending 865m through waterfalls, mountains, and tunnels in 20km. The tiny village of Flåm sits at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage arm of the Sognefjord. A full day requires an overnight or very early start from Oslo.
Highlights: Flåmsbana rail journey · Aurlandsfjord views · Kjosfossen waterfall · Flåm village and harbour
Drøbak
A picturesque white wooden fjord village on the western shore of the Oslofjord, just 40km south of Oslo. Drøbak is famous as the place where Norwegian gunners aboard the fortress of Oscarsborg sank the German cruiser Blücher on April 9, 1940, buying time for the Norwegian government and royal family to escape. The Christmas House (Julenissen) is open year-round.
Highlights: Colourful wooden townhouses along the waterfront · Oscarsborg Fortress (boat trip) · Tregaardens Julenisse Christmas House · Fresh seafood at local restaurants · Fjord swimming at nearby beaches
Fredrikstad
Scandinavia's best-preserved fortified city, with a remarkably intact old town (Gamlebyen) of 17th-century red and yellow buildings enclosed within star-shaped earthwork ramparts. Founded by Frederick II in 1567, the old town is a living museum. The modern city across the river has excellent cafes and a vibrant arts scene.
Highlights: Gamlebyen (Old Town) ramparts · 17th-century fortified old town streets · Fredrikstad Cathedral · Kongsten Fort · Local craft shops and galleries
Lillehammer
The host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics, situated at the northern end of Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. Lillehammer features the spectacular Lysgårdsbakkene ski jump (venue of the 1994 Games), the Norwegian Olympic Museum, the famous Maihaugen open-air folk museum, and a picturesque historic town centre.
Highlights: Lysgårdsbakkene Olympic Ski Jump · Norwegian Olympic Museum · Maihaugen Open-Air Folk Museum · Lillehammer historic town centre · Lake Mjøsa views
Hadeland Glassverk
Norway's oldest glassworks, dating from 1762, located in Jevnaker, 60km northwest of Oslo. A fascinating working glass factory where visitors can watch master glassblowers at work and try glass-blowing themselves. The surrounding Hadeland area is beautiful Norwegian farmland.
Highlights: Live glass-blowing demonstrations · Try glass-blowing yourself · Glass and craft shops · Historic factory buildings · Norwegian farmland scenery
Oscarsborg Fortress
A dramatic 19th-century fortress on an island in the Oslofjord, famous for sinking the German warship Blücher on April 9, 1940. Today it is accessible by ferry from Drøbak and offers guided tours, a hotel, restaurant, and fascinating WWII history.
Highlights: Fortress guided tour · WWII Blücher history · Fjord island setting · Restaurant and café
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.
Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.
Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.