3 hrs from: Gardermoen
9 destinations for the whole family near Oslo.
With a rental car from Hertz, you can travel in comfort and style from one destination to the next – whether you prefer an uber-efficient EV or a reliable hybrid with plenty of room for both family members and luggage. Find the Hertz rental car that’s perfect for you and earn SAS EuroBonus extra points when you make a reservation here.
Adventures for young and old in Lillehammer
Lillehammer is located in the scenic Gudbrandsdalen Valley, about an hour and a half from Oslo Airport. The town is one of Norway’s sustainability-labeled destinations, which means it actively works to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment. The beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers, and Norway’s largest lake makes Lillehammer a great destination for adventurous outdoor activities. But there’s also a rich food culture with lots of local specialties, adventure parks, and historical monuments.
An idyllic time machine
Maihaugen
A visit to the outdoor museum Maihaugen is like being thrown back in time. Here, you can stroll around more than 200 historic half-timbered houses, all of which tell the story of a bygone era. The museum park also includes the Garmo Stave Church – an eye-catching building with pointed towers and dragon heads on the ridges.
A fast-paced adventure
Hunderfossen Adventure Park
Over 60 adrenaline-pumping attractions and magical worlds where fairy tales come true: Hunderfossen Eventyrpark is a memorable adventure for the whole family. In summer 2023, the adventure park will open the doors to the new Music Factory – an enchanting experience of sound, color, and play. If you visit Hunderfossen in the winter, Hunderfossen Winter Park also awaits, with lots of fun winter activities, an ice cathedral, and Scandinavia’s southernmost snow hotel.
A mountain with a lot to offer
Hafjell
Just 15 kilometers from Lillehammer, you will find Norway’s third-largest ski resort, which after hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, has made Lillehammer a world-famous skiing destination. In winter, Hafjell offers skiing for both beginners and professionals, while in summer you can enjoy pulse-pounding mountain biking in the challenging terrain.
Sun-safe in Tønsberg
Less than two hours’ drive south of Oslo Airport, on the sunny side of the Oslofjord, is Norway’s oldest city. Tønsberg has been an important coastal and port town since the Viking Age, and here you’ll find both exciting history and great beach life.
Ancient viking treasures
Vikingodden
In 1903, the 21.5-meter-long Viking ship Oseberg was found in the burial mound Osebergshögen just north of Tønsberg. The well-preserved ship is now on display at the Viking Ship House in Oslo, but at Vikingodden in Tønsberg harbor, you can experience a handmade archaeological replica of the ship as well as guided Viking tours.
Modern art in a historic building
Haugar Vestfold Kunstmuseum
Tønsberg’s former maritime school, a stately brick building in the middle of town, has been home to modern art treasures since 1995. At Haugar Vestfold Art Museum, you can find interesting collections and temporary exhibitions by both Norwegian and international artists.
Stroll along the harbor
Tønsberg Brygge
In spring and summer, the harbor promenade on Tønsberg Brygge is teeming with tourists and locals alike. Atmospheric restaurants, some with more delicious seafood and fresh fish dishes than others, cozy outdoor seating, and an enchanting sunset – Tønsberg Brygge certainly lives up to its nickname as the sunshine coast of the Oslofjord. If you’re lucky, you can time your visit with one of the season’s many live concerts at the iconic Foynhagen.
Sunday excursion to the ‘Sunday town’ of Drøbak
The small picturesque town of Drøbak has earned its nickname ’Søndagsbyen’ precisely because there’s so much to do on Sundays here – something that’s otherwise not that common in Norway. With galleries, cozy cafes, and a wide range of activities for children, Drøbak is a perfect destination for the whole family.
The city of artists
Oslofjorden kunstsenter
Despite its small size, Drøbak is a rich city of art and culture. There are lots of galleries here, with Oslofjordens Kunstsenter (Art Center), Galleri Vera, and Galleri Havstad being some examples that are well worth a visit. In the summer, the city also hosts a variety of music festivals – look out for Drøbak Havnefestival, Drøbakfestivalen, and Gitarer ved fjorden.
For little marine biologists
Drøbak Akvarium
Sharks, scallops, cod – and then the catfish Hugo. At Drøbak Aquarium, you can discover the rich animal life of the Oslofjord up close, a must for all aspiring marine biologists.
Good, simple, and well-cooked
Det Gamle Bageri
Stable, brewhouse, caretaker’s residence, and clothing store. One of the city’s oldest buildings has provided a roof for a variety of activities throughout history, but since 1989 you will find an immensely popular café downstairs and a studio upstairs. Serving everything from delicious sandwiches and warming soups to juicy burgers, The Old Bakery is a popular choice for lunch and light dinner.
Reserve a rental car with Hertz here and earn SAS EuroBonus extra points toward your next bonus travel trip.
Text by Agnes Regell