Ormøya & Malmøya
This island is a small hidden gem just outside downtown Oslo. Just a five minutes’ drive south-east of the city center, it is also easily accessible by bike or even by walking. Being located close to huge industrial areas on the harbor it does not look like an inviting area when you drive down from Oslo, which is exactly why it is such a hidden gem. Once you get to the island you will be amazed by the small town feel and tranquility of the area. There are expensive mansions as well as small, well-kept cottages on the island and specially in the summer months the island is an amazing place to relax and walk around.
Ulvøya
Ulvøya is an inhabited island in the inner part of Oslofjord, only 8 kilometers from the Oslo city hall. It is located just east of the Malmøya and as Malmøya is connected to the mainland by bridge. The island is known for its excellent beach, Sydstranda (South Beach), which appropriately is located on the south end of the island. The island has been inhabited since at least the 16th century and today has about 1000 inhabitants.
Svartskog
A short drive from south-east Oslo you can find this quaint little wooden area well off the beaten tourist track. It does not offer much from a sightseeing perspective, but is a popular area for Oslo “ex-pat” artists who love the serenity of the area while still being very close to the capital.
The main attraction here, outside of the beautiful scenery, is the childhood home of polar explorer Roald Amundsen, who was the first expedition leader to reach the North Pole.
Drøbak
This small town about a 30 minutes’ drive south-east of Oslo is a both a summer paradise as well as home of Santa’s workshop so it’s definitely well worth a visit, especially if you have young kids in the family. Actually, the cutesy little town can be enjoyed by all ages as it is also home of a large number of restaurants and small art galleries.
The historic Oscarsborg fort is located on an island just opposite the city and is available by ferry. This fort has an important role in the history of Norway as it managed to sink the German war ship Blucher in the beginning of World War II, thereby enabling the Norwegian government and Royal family to escape before the Germans occupied the country.
Hvitsten
It may not be the easiest place to find, but it’s well worth a visit if you are in an adventurous mood. Located just a few miles from Drøbak, those two places can easily be combined into one trip, but you do need a car to get there.
Most of the area is owned by the Norwegian shipping mogul Fred Olsen, but there is a beach and a few very nice trails which are open to the public.
