Oscarsborg

Travel Guide

Strategically positioned in the narrow strait of Drøbak, Oscarsborg offers a unique insight into Norwegian military history.

A holiday in Oscarsborg allows you to experience one of the most important fortresses in Norway that dates back to the Second World War. Children can go on a tunnel safari and experience all of the fortress’s interesting nooks and crannies. Visit the Kommandantboligen building and join in the tours to learn more about the history of the fortress.

Oscarsborg is a fortress that was constructed on Kaholmen in the strait of Drøbak in the 1850s, acting as a key defence in the Oslo fjord for some time. At its most extensive, the fortress also incorporated other facilities on both sides of the strait. The fortress is generally best known for sinking the German cruiser, Blücher, in 1940. Military activities at Oscarsborg came to an end in 2002 and the facility is now open to the general public.

From Drøbak, you can take the ferry to Oscarsborg, with the journey taking around five minutes. Make sure to visit the Oscarsborg festningsmuseum, which offers great insights in to the fortress’s history. Walk the Festningsløypa route at your own pace to familiarise yourself with the fortress and the area. The nearby Galleri Oscarsborg also hosts exhibitions from many local artists.

The island itself is small and you can easily visit in just one day. It’s also an ideal place for a picnic, so make sure to pack a hearty lunch and then find yourself a nice patch to spend the afternoon.

During the summer, there are ferries to Oscarsborg from various towns around Norway, including Oslo. The ferry from Drøbak also runs during winter. There are guest quays on the island, too, so you can arrive by boat if you wish. The island also has its own hotel if you plan on staying for more than a day.

Norway boasts plenty of holiday treasures and you do not need to travel far for incredible experiences. At Oscarsborg you can experience exciting history from the wartime era and explore all that the impressive fortress buildings have to offer.

Clarion Hotel The Hub
Clarion Hotel The Hub
4 out of 5
Biskop Gunnerus Gate 3, Oslo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,297 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
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Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,152 reviews)
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Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Clarion Hotel The Hub
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
4 out of 5
Holbergs Gate 30, Oslo
The price is P7,139 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
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Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Oslo. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
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Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
4 out of 5
Sonja Henies Plass 3 Postboks 9206, Oslo
The price is P6,325 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
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Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,615 reviews)
Great hotel! Highly recommend and would stay again
"Perfect location as very central to where we wanted to visit! Really nice hotel and the entrance is very grand. The beds are super comfy and would happily stay again! Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2025

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo
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Central City Apartments
Central City Apartments
2 out of 5
Brinken 52, Gamle Oslo, Oslo
Stay at this aparthotel in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.8/10 (1,346 reviews)
"The only complaint I have is that because these are unmanaged or at least I never met or saw an employee - there was no one to deal with the folks who decided to stay up yelling and screaming all night. The next night too someone came onto a shared balcony and tried to look into my window. Just there ..."

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2025

Central City Apartments
Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
3 out of 5
Arbinsgate 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Aker Brygge and Karl Johan Gate are ...
8/10 Very Good! (718 reviews)
"Great little apartment with most of the amenities anyone would need. Highly recommend as the bed was very comfortable."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024

Frogner House - Nationaltheatret
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
3.5 out of 5
Lakkegata 3, Oslo
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Oslo. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Oslo Spektrum and Oslo Opera House are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
Women watch out, sketchy men!
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Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025

Forenom Aparthotel Oslo
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