8 Activities
Day Trip From Oslo to Tønsberg: Viking Ruins and Medieval Fortresses
Starts from
Oslo
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
10 hours
Length
37 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Oslo
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hours
Length
37 mi
Ina Yulo Stuve
Travel Expert
- Learn more about Norwegian maritime history with a visit to the Slottsfjell Museum.
- See a replica of the viking ship discovered in Tønsberg in 1904.
- Do as the locals do and enjoy the sunshine by taking a stroll on the famous harbour.
Tønsberg holds the title of being Norway's oldest town. It's famous for its medieval burial sites and the role it plays in viking history--the most important viking artifact, an almost intact ship, was discovered here in the early 1900s. Nowadays, the city is a popular destination for Norwegians and history buffs who are looking for a seaside escape from big-city life whilst still having all the modern comforts close by. Visitors flock to this seaside city as you walk the paths of the Vikings, attend popular outdoor summer festivals, sail away to sea, or simply enjoy the nightlife on the harbour.
This one-day roundtrip itinerary will allow you to see all the Tønsberg landmarks and enjoy spots favoured by locals. Despite being so near to the capital, Tønsberg makes for the perfect day trip with a chance to learn more about Norwegian maritime history.
This one-day roundtrip itinerary will allow you to see all the Tønsberg landmarks and enjoy spots favoured by locals. Despite being so near to the capital, Tønsberg makes for the perfect day trip with a chance to learn more about Norwegian maritime history.
Categories
Tønsberg holds the title of being Norway's oldest town. It's famous for its medieval burial sites and the role it plays in viking history--the most important viking artifact, an almost intact ship, was discovered here in the early 1900s. Nowadays, the city is a popular destination for Norwegians and history buffs who are looking for a seaside escape from big-city life whilst still having all the modern comforts close by. Visitors flock to this seaside city as you walk the paths of the Vikings, attend popular outdoor summer festivals, sail away to sea, or simply enjoy the nightlife on the harbour.
This one-day roundtrip itinerary will allow you to see all the Tønsberg landmarks and enjoy spots favoured by locals. Despite being so near to the capital, Tønsberg makes for the perfect day trip with a chance to learn more about Norwegian maritime history.
This one-day roundtrip itinerary will allow you to see all the Tønsberg landmarks and enjoy spots favoured by locals. Despite being so near to the capital, Tønsberg makes for the perfect day trip with a chance to learn more about Norwegian maritime history.
Ina Yulo Stuve
Travel Expert
- Learn more about Norwegian maritime history with a visit to the Slottsfjell Museum.
- See a replica of the viking ship discovered in Tønsberg in 1904.
- Do as the locals do and enjoy the sunshine by taking a stroll on the famous harbour.
Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
37 mi1 mi
Become a Viking for a Day in Tønsberg
You'll enjoy a mix of history, culture, and a laid-back lifestyle with this one-day roundtrip itinerary from Oslo to Tønsberg and back. To start off your maritime journey, you'll make a quick pitstop at the seaside town of Holmestrand where you'll have a quick grab-and-go breakfast by the water. You'll get an early introduction to Tønsberg local culture with a stroll on the buzzy harbour before stopping for an Italian lunch at a trendy restaurant. The final part of your trip will be focussed on history - from a museum with whale skeletons to getting up close and personal with a replica viking ship, amateur historians will be delighted with all that the city has to offer. After a ferry ride and dinner at a steak restaurant in Moss, you'll be back in Oslo.
10:1515 min
Holmestrand Pier
Pier
Open Details
This beautiful harbour is wonderful to see in the morning when the sun reflects on the calm waters. It'll be a great way to begin your trip and prepare for a day by the sea.
0.2 mi
5 min
10:4515 min
LilleHolmestrand Coffee Bar
Café
Open Details
Pop by Lilleholmestrand Kaffebar, one of the nearby cafés, for a quick breakfast and warm drink to take with you as you make your way further south.
16.9 mi
30 min
11:3030 min
Brygga in Tønsberg
Harbor / Marina
Open Details
The Tønsberg harbour is the most popular meeting spot in town and is a must-do on your visit. It's the best place to get a feel for local life as it's always buzzing no matter what time of day you go. Take a relaxing stroll by the water or grab an ice cream to cool you down.
0.1 mi
5 min
12:151 hr
Paparazzi
Restaurant
Open Details
Though you'll be spoilt for choice with the different dining options that line the Tønsberg harbour, Paparazzi is a trendy spot favoured by locals for their Champagne lunch, Italian menu, and after work happy hour in the summer months. Get a table out on the terrace if you can!
0.6 mi
15 min
13:3015 min
Slottsfjellet Tower
Historic Site
Open Details
This imposing 17-metre-high "Caste Rock Tower" is often the first landmark you'll see when driving into Tønsberg early summer festival that has brought artists like Diplo, Two Door Cinema Club, Karpe Diem, and Lewis Capaldi to the city. It was built in 1888 and is part of the Slottsfjell Museum. The Castle Hill area it stands on was the site of the largest ruin park in Scandinavia.
0.5 mi
5 min
14:001 hr
Slottsfjell Museum
Museum
Open Details
If you're a lover of history, then this museum is one you will absolutely enjoy. The different exhibitions showcase artefacts from the Middle Ages, stories from Tønsberg throughout the years, whale skeletons from the city's time as a whale hunting industry, and an entire hall dedicated to vikings.
0.8 mi
15 min
15:151 hr 30 min
Saga Oseberg
Landmark
Open Details
The discovery of the Saga Oseberg ship in Tønsberg in 1904 is considered to be the most important find in viking history. Whilst the original can be found at the Viking Museum in Oslo, this replica was constructed to show visitors what life on a viking ship was like. Marvel at the intricate design that goes into creating these majestic sea vehicles and if you're up joining the crew, buy a ticket for your chance to row across the sea with your other fellow vikings. Make sure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled trip.
19.4 mi
1 hr 20 min
18:152 hrs
Bifferiet Steakhouse
Steakhouse
Open Details
Hop on a ferry and make your way to the city of Moss in the county of Viken. A hearty meal is in store at this traditional steakhouse which serves up traditional meat dishes in a cosy venue. Fill up on entrecote with bernaise or chicken with mushroom sauce before your return to Oslo.