Bike the Oslo Fjord route

Cycle through historic towns and rustic coastal communities along the Oslo Fjord. Enjoy wining and dining by canals and harbours. Explore ancient monuments and rock carvings, and see Viking ships being built. Discover the artistic legacy of Edvard Munch at the Munch Museum in Oslo and visit his summer residence in Ramme. Walk in his footsteps in Jeløya and Fredrikstad, and see his best-preserved home in Åsgårdstrand.

The details, prices and dates for this package are not set for 2025. We hope to update the information by October – November 2024.

As you cycle along the gentle fjord landscapes and beaches, you’ll pass through rich agricultural lands on small, low-traffic roads. The fjord presents exciting coastal culture, and there are many attractions and sights to explore. Some of the ancient monuments tell of settlements that date back 8000 years. The tour also takes you to some of the most significant Viking sites in Norway. In Tønsberg, the country’s oldest town, you can witness a Viking ship being built and see a replica of the famous Oseberg ship at Tønsberg harbour.

One of the highlights of the trip is the ferry journey from Sandefjord to Strömstad in Sweden, where the fjord meets the ocean, to the east side of the fjord. Along the way, you’ll pass by idyllic islands and lighthouses, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

For art lovers, the trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the artistic legacy of Norway’s most famous painter, Edvard Munch. Munch had a lifelong love for nature, especially for the coast and the Oslo Fjord. In Oslo, you can discover his works at the Munch Museum, which is dedicated entirely to his art. At Ramme in the community of Hvitsten, you can see Munch’s summer residence and walk along the cultural trail that inspired many of his works. Munch spent several years at Jeløya in Moss, where he found great inspiration from the surroundings. In Fredrikstad, you can wander in his footsteps, visiting six places that he had a special connection to. The small, yellow wooden house right by the sea in Åsgårdstrand is the best-preserved of Munch’s homes that still stands to this day. Here, you can take a walk on the jetty where “The girls on the bridge” caught his eye, an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Day 1 - Oslo, the Capitol of Norway

hotelThon Hotel Opera, Oslo

Photo: Guttorm Stilen Johansen, Munchmuseet

During your stay in Oslo, you will be situated in the city center, conveniently close to the railway station. The neighborhood where you will be staying is a recently developed area in the city.

While in Oslo, there are several activities that you can enjoy. For example, you can take a walk on the roof of the Opera House or visit popular attractions such as the Munch Museum and the new National Library. In addition, there are plenty of shopping options, trendy bars, and high-end restaurants all within easy walking distance.

If you're interested in exploring more of Oslo's cultural offerings, you can also take a bicycle tour to famous museums and sights outside the city center. This will give you the opportunity to see more of the city and its surrounding areas, while also getting some exercise and fresh air.

Day 2 - Train to Drammen. Bike from Drammen to Horten

hotelThon Partner Hotel, Horten

restaurantBreakfast and self-packed lunch

directions_bike52 km

Your journey begins by taking the train from Oslo Central Station to Drammen. You'll bring your bicycles along with you on the train. From there, you'll head south towards the fjord in Sande. Since Drammen is a bustling city, be prepared for some city center traffic. Continuing from the community of Sande, you'll follow the old main road along the Oslo Fjord.

Holmestrand offers a lovely spot for lunch with picturesque views of the fjord and the marina. After enjoying your meal in Holmestrand, you'll follow secondary roads and/or trails southward towards Horten. In Horten, we highly recommend taking a leisurely stroll around the historic naval base, Karljohansvern.

Day 3 - Horten - Sandefjord

hotelHotel Kong Karl, Sandefjord

restaurantBreakfast, self-packed lunch and dinner

directions_bike56 km

From Horten to Sandefjord, you'll trace the Norwegian National Cycle Route 1, also known as the coastal route, which is a segment of the EuroVelo 12, North Sea Cycle Route. The path is well-marked with clear signage. As you follow the Norwegian National Cycle Route 1, it meanders through forested trails along the coastline.

Along the way, you'll come across the Midgard Viking Centre. In the charming town of Åsgårdstrand, you'll pedal past the summer residence of Edvard Munch, which is frequently open to visitors. Continuing on towards Sandefjord, you'll encounter the historic Gokstad ship burial site. The original Gokstad ship is now on display at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, while a replica has been constructed in Tønsberg, Norway's oldest city. Accommodation and dinner at Hotel Kong Carl.

Day 4 - Boat to Strömstad (Sweden). Bike from Strömstad to Fredrikstad

hotelQuality Hotel, Fredrikstad

restaurantBreakfast and self-packed lunch

directions_bike59 km

The Color Line ship sets sail from Sandefjord at 10:00 AM and docks in Strømstad at 12:30 PM.

The route from Strømstad to Fredrikstad takes you inland. You'll pedal through woodlands and farmlands along well-maintained, low-traffic roads. In these areas, you'll come across numerous historical attractions, including Norway's most extensive collection of rock carvings dating from the Nordic Bronze Age (1700 - 500 BC). Upon reaching Fredrikstad, we highly recommend a visit to its delightful Old Town.

Day 5 - Fredrikstad - Moss/Jeløya

hotelHotell Refsnes Gods, Moss

restaurantBreakfast, self-packed lunch and dinner

directions_bike56 km

From Fredrikstad, you'll continue your journey along the Norwegian National Cycle Route 1. The route is clearly marked with signage. As you progress, you'll experience a pleasing variety of landscapes, cycling through both verdant cultural scenery and along the coastline, where you'll encounter beaches and rugged shores. Along the route, there are opportunities for enjoyable detours to enhance your experience. Accommodation and 3-course dinner awaits at Hotel Refsnes Gods on the Jeløy Island.

Day 6 - Moss/Jeløya - Oslo

restaurantBreakfast

directions_bike76 km

Continue heading northward. Between Son and Hvitsten, the path leads inland, taking you through lush forests and picturesque cultural landscapes. Carry on towards the charming coastal gem, Hvitsten. You also have the option of taking a detour to Ramme, where Edvard Munch's house is often open to the public. As you progress, you'll encounter a gently rolling terrain leading you to the sea near Drøbak, where the Oslo Fjord is at its narrowest point. (From this location, you can catch a boat to Aker Brygge in Oslo.)

After passing by a serene lake, the route veers back towards the coast, guiding you along the shoreline past several beautiful beaches. You'll find that the route is well-marked with clear signage, making it easy to follow as you approach Oslo. Your journey concludes near the Deichman Library, the Oslo Opera House, and Oslo Central Station.

Departure from Oslo or additional nights at Thon Hotel Opera.