Cycling in Norway and Sweden: Oslofjord

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

The capital of Norway is located on Oslofjord and is surrounded by forests, islands and waterways. This metropolis combines modern architecture with a rich history and is known for its lively cultural scene, sustainable urban planning and high quality of life. There is no shortage of cultural and natural attractions, ranging from the Munch Museum, the Royal Palace and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History to parks such as Frognerparken.

• Accommodation: Hotell Bondeheimen or similar in Oslo

Day 2: Oslo – Drammen | 50km

Leave Oslo on National Cycle Route 1, also known as the Coastal Route. Cycle the Skagerrak coastline, heading through small suburb towns such as Sandvika and Asker, where quiet coves and beaches line the shore. In Asker, it’s worth visiting the open-air Asker Museum (payable locally) where you can step into the preserved artist homes of Tilla and Otto Valstad and authors Hulda and Arne Garborg. The last stretch of cycling towards Lier takes you along the Drammenselva River and directly into the centre of Drammen, a port city where we recommend to leave your bikes at the hotel and walk around the city’s cultural sites such as Drammens Museum (free entry).

For those seeking extra adventure, we recommend visiting the 1,300m long Kjøsterudjuvet gorge (free entry) by bus or taxi from Drammen (payable locally, 35mins by bus, 10mins by taxi). There is a moderately challenging and well sign-posted walking trail of 5.8km (2h) from the entrance to the gorge and back.

• Cycling for the day: 4h, 50km, ↑394m ↓393m
• Accommodation: Home Hotel Tollboden or similar in Drammen

Day 3: Drammen – Horten | 55km

Follow the Drammenselva River again through the countryside towards Sande. Cycle along the fjord coastline towards Holmestrand, where there is a selection of cafes and restaurants with views over the fjord. You can also take a stroll along the harbour or a dip in the water. Continue cycling towards Skoppum, where the paved cycle path runs along converted railway lines and arrive in Horten, a small port town on the Karljohansvern peninsula. Horten was one of Norway’s most important military centres for over 150 years and is now home to one of the world’s oldest Marine museums, The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum (payable locally).

• Cycling for the day: 4.5h, 55km, ↑467m ↓467m
• Accommodation: Thon Partner Hotel Horten or similar in Horten

Day 4: Horten – Sandefjord – Strömstad | 50km

Cycle along the coastline towards Borre and the historic Midgard area, known for its Viking burial mounds. Arrive in Åsgårdstrand, where Edvard Munch spent many summers and his former house is now a small museum. Continue to Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town, where there’s a reconstructed Oseberg ship at the harbour. Cycle through more countryside and small villages to Sandefjord Harbour, where there are plenty of seafood restaurants. Or take a stroll around Bakgården courtyard. Take a ferry with your bikes (2.5h, included) to Strömstad, in Sweden, on the eastern shore of the fjord, where you bring the day to a close.

• Cycling for the day: 5h, 50km, ↑450m ↓458m
• Accommodation: Scandic Laholmen or similar in Strömstad

Day 5: Strömstad – Fredrikstad – Moss | 55km

You are transferred by our driver to Fredrikstad, Norway with your bikes (45mins), where we recommend a visit to one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved fortresses, before cycling towards the coast. Along the way, a detour is possible to the car-free island of Hankø with a short ferry ride from Vikane (5mins, payable locally). Cycle inland again through countryside to Moss, which was once the centre of paper, glass and metal industries. It is now a lively centre for contemporary art with many galleries. There are also plenty of swimming opportunities at one of the fifty beaches near Moss, including Blue Flag beaches such as Tronvikstranda and Sjøbadet.

• Accommodation: Moss Hotel & Apartments or similar in Moss
• Cycling for the day: 5h, 55km, ↑436m ↓425m

Day 6: Moss – Oslo | 65km

Leave Moss on quiet country roads, cycle paths and short gravel sections. We recommend a stop at the little harbour village of Son with its white wooden houses, galleries and marina with plenty of cafés. Continue cycling inland briefly, before rejoining the fjord coastline with panoramic views across the water for the final stretch towards Oslo, where you spend your final night.

• Accommodation: Hotell Bondeheimen or similar in Oslo
• Cycling for the day: 5.5h, 65km, ↑493m ↓507m

Day 7: Departure

Departure after breakfast.