Make your own way to Oslo, Norway’s capital and the starting point for your cycling journey around the Oslo Fjord. Surrounded by forest, islands and waterways, Oslo combines a striking waterfront setting with contemporary architecture, historic neighborhoods and an excellent network of bike paths. Depending on your arrival time, explore the harbor precinct, visit one of the city’s museums or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this compact Scandinavian capital.

Meals:  Nil

Set out from Oslo on National Cycle Route 1, following the shores of the Oslo Fjord through residential neighborhoods and the coastal communities of Sandvika and Asker. There are plenty of opportunities to pause along the way, whether for a coffee, a visit to the open-air museum in Asker or even a swim from one of the beaches beside the fjord. Leaving the coast, continue along smaller country roads towards Lier before joining the Drammenselva River for the final ride into Drammen. Set between the river and surrounding hills, Drammen has an attractive center that is easily explored on foot after your ride.

Meals:  B

Follow the Drammenselva River out of Drammen before cycling through gently rolling countryside towards Sande. The route soon returns to the fjord, where coastal riding and open water views accompany you towards Holmestrand. Pause here for lunch at one of the local restaurants, stroll around the harbor or, in warmer weather, take the opportunity for a swim. Continue south to Horten, where the Karljohansvern peninsula provides an interesting end to the day. Once an important base for the Norwegian Navy, the historic area is now home to museums and cultural attractions.

Meals:  B

Continue along the coastline, with expansive views across the Oslo Fjord. Near Borre, pass Midgard Viking Centre and an impressive collection of Viking Age burial mounds before reaching Åsgårdstrand, a small coastal town closely associated with Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, who spent many summers here. His former home is now a museum. The route continues to Tønsberg, regarded as Norway’s oldest town, where a replica of the famous Oseberg Viking ship can be seen around the harbor area. From here, cycle through farmland and small villages to Sandefjord. Late afternoon you board the ferry for the approximately 2.5-hour journey across the fjord to Strömstad in Sweden, adding an international dimension to your ride around the Oslo Fjord. Dinner is included on board. On arrival, your hotel is very close to the ferry terminal and your luggage will have been delivered.

Meals:  B,D

Leave the Swedish coastal town of Strömstad and head along quiet countryside roads, where forests, secluded lakes and rolling hills replace the busier coastal roads. Cross the border back into Norway at Svinesund and continue along smaller roads and bike paths through the Scandinavian borderlands. There are some climbs today, rewarded with peaceful stretches through forest and rural countryside. Your destination is Fredrikstad, a historic fortified town with one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved old town areas. Its cobbled streets and historic buildings make it well worth exploring after you arrive.

Meals:  B

Take some time this morning to appreciate Fredrikstad’s historic fortress before setting out towards the coast. The route leads through a mixture of coastal and rural landscapes, with the car-free island of Hankø offering the possibility of a worthwhile detour. Continue inland through fields and meadows towards Moss. Once known for its paper, glass and metal industries, the town has developed a lively contemporary arts scene with galleries and cultural spaces. Its position on the Oslo Fjord also means there are numerous swimming spots nearby for those tempted by another dip.

Meals:  B

The final and longest ride of the trip takes you north from Moss towards Oslo. Follow quiet country roads and bike paths through villages and past historic estates, with cafés along the way providing opportunities to break up the day's ride. As you approach the capital, the Oslo Fjord returns to center stage, with views across the water accompanying the final section into the city. Arriving back in Oslo completes your circuit of the fjord and provides a rewarding contrast between the quiet countryside of the past few days and the city’s lively waterfront, museums and neighborhoods.

Meals:  B

Your cycling journey concludes after breakfast. Consider adding an extra night or two to explore more of Oslo’s museums, waterfront neighborhoods and surrounding green spaces.

Meals:  B