AboutRoy Helge Rasmussen Expertise I live in the southern part of norway and can find my way around most of the country. I will answer questions about social life, culture, language and politics to the best of my knowledge. I am not so good at travel tips outside the south-eastern parts, although I will try to answer.
Experience I live here and have been guiding members of my family around when they visit from abroad for years.
Expert: Roy Helge Rasmussen Date: 5/29/2008 Subject: Day Trips for Scenery & Hiking from Oslo
Question Hello, we will be staying in Oslo for three weeks in June. We would like, if possible, to be able to take some day trips for scenery and hiking from Oslo. We are hoping we can do drives of 3 hours out from town, hike along the way at stops, then drive back to Oslo. Of course, closer to Oslo would also be fine. Hardanger looks beautiful, but also too far to drive? How long would that take? We are somewhat limited in that we will not be able to travel too far from Oslo. Thanks very much for any help in this area. P.S. - We are pretty much set with things to do IN Oslo, we've researched that fairly well.
Answer Within those constraints, and with a liking for hiking and rough camping the possibilities are almost endless. I hardly know where to start. Woodland hiking, high mountain moor hiking, summer days at the seaside.... If you got a car, there are practically nothing stopping you.
The best place to start to look for information is probably DNT (den norske turistforening) = the norwegian tourist/hiking association.
They have good information in english, but if you venture into the norwegian part you will find even more exciting tips - for the seasoned hiker.
Just remember that norwegian weather in the mountain regions can get arctic on you, even in the high summer. People die from not having correct equipment and get surprised by bad cold weather every few years. But if you are prepared, the experiences are magnificent. Even bad weather is nice when you have good clothes.
One trip you really should try to fit in is the following:
It can be done on a single day. I have done that, drive from oslo, take the ferry, walk across the range back to your car and drive home. Spending one night at a hostel or a cabin will of course give you more time to enjoy the scenery. Be prepared to share the area with lots of other people though, this is a very popular trip.
