Your Viking Day Trip at a Glance
Dreaming of Viking longships and legendary kings? While Oslo is home to incredible artifacts, the true heartland of Viking power lies just a short journey away. This day trip takes you to the cradle of Norwegian Viking history in the Vestfold region. CRITICAL UPDATE: Oslo’s famous Viking Ship Museum is currently closed for a major rebuild and will not reopen as the Museum of the Viking Age until 2026/2027. This makes our journey to Tønsberg and Borre the absolute best way to experience large-scale, authentic Viking history near Oslo right now!
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Tønsberg & Borre (Vestfold Region) |
| Distance from Oslo | Approx. 105 km (65 miles) |
| Total Duration | 8-10 hours (including travel) |
| Estimated Cost (2025) | 900 – 1700 NOK per person |
| Best Time to Go | June – August |
How to Get to the Viking Heartland from Oslo
Reaching the historic shores of Vestfold is surprisingly easy, whether you prefer the freedom of the open road or the scenic comfort of a train. Here’s how to embark on one of the best day trips from Oslo by train or car.
By Car: A Flexible Road Trip
For those who love flexibility, driving is an excellent choice. The journey from Oslo to Tønsberg takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes along the main E18 highway. From Tønsberg, it’s a short 10-15 minute drive to the Borre mounds. Be aware that the E18 has automated road tolls managed by the AutoPASS system, which will be billed to your rental car. Driving allows you to explore at your own pace and perhaps even visit other nearby sites like World’s End.
By Public Transport: The Scenic & Relaxing Route
The train is a fantastic, stress-free option that lets you sit back and watch the beautiful Norwegian countryside roll by. Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Train from Oslo to Tønsberg: Head to Oslo S (Central Station) and catch a Vy train on the RE11 line (Skien direction). The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance on the Vy app or website to find cheaper “Minipris” fares!
- Bus from Tønsberg to Borre: From Tønsberg station, hop on local bus #01 or #02 (towards Horten). Get off at the “Kirkebakken” or “Midgard” stop, right by the Midgard Viking Centre. The bus ride is about 20 minutes.
| Feature | By Car | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Moderate (Gas + Tolls) | Low to Moderate (cheaper with advance booking) |
| Travel Time | ~1h 30m total one way | ~1h 40m total one way |
| Flexibility | High (stop anywhere, anytime) | Low (bound to schedules) |
| Scenery/Relaxation | Good (requires focus on driving) | Excellent (sit back and enjoy the views) |
Top 3 Viking Attractions You Can’t Miss
This journey takes you to three essential sites that piece together the story of the Vikings in their original landscape. Prepare to be amazed!
-
Midgard Viking Centre & The Borre Mounds
This is the heart of your Viking adventure. Borre is home to Northern Europe’s largest collection of monumental Viking Age burial mounds. Walking through this ancient park, you can feel the presence of the powerful kings and chieftains of the Yngling dynasty who were laid to rest here. The adjacent Midgard Viking Centre offers fantastic interactive exhibits. The absolute showstopper is the Gildehallen, a breathtaking reconstruction of a Viking chieftain’s Great Hall, lavishly decorated with intricate wood carvings. It’s a true step back in time.
For hours and details, visit the official Vestfold Museums website. -
The Saga Oseberg Ship in Tønsberg
While the original Oseberg ship awaits its new home in Oslo, you can witness its twin in Tønsberg! The Saga Oseberg is a stunning, full-scale, and seaworthy archaeological replica of the famous vessel. Docked proudly on the Tønsberg waterfront (“brygga”), this magnificent ship gives you a sense of scale and craftsmanship that museum displays can’t fully capture. You can view it for free from the pier and imagine it cutting through the fjord waters over a thousand years ago.
-
Slottsfjellet (Castle Hill)
Towering over Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town, is Slottsfjellet. This hill has been a strategic stronghold since the Viking Age. While the ruins you see today are from a later medieval fortress, the history runs deep into the ground beneath your feet. The main reward for climbing the hill is the breathtaking panoramic view over the town, the archipelago, and the Oslofjord. It’s the perfect spot to appreciate the landscape the Vikings once ruled. There’s also a small museum at the base of the hill.
Sample Itinerary: A Perfect One-Day Viking Adventure
Feel like a Viking chieftain with this perfectly planned day trip. This schedule maximizes your time and ensures you hit all the highlights without feeling rushed.
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart from Oslo S by train | Grab coffee and a bolle (sweet bun) for the journey! |
| 9:30 AM | Arrive in Tønsberg, take bus to Borre | Buses #01 or #02 leave frequently from near the station. |
| 10:00 AM | Explore Midgard Viking Centre & Borre Mounds | Start at the museum, then walk the mounds, and save the epic Great Hall for last. |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch | Enjoy a simple meal at the Midgard café or bus back to Tønsberg for more choice. |
| 2:30 PM | Discover Tønsberg | Head straight to the waterfront to marvel at the Saga Oseberg ship. |
| 4:00 PM | Climb Slottsfjellet | Time for the best view of the day. A perfect photo opportunity! |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner or coffee on the Tønsberg Brygga | Relax by the water and soak in the atmosphere of Norway’s oldest town. |
| 7:00 PM | Train back to Oslo | Arrive back in Oslo around 8:30 PM, full of Viking memories. |
Where to Eat Like a Viking (or a Modern Norwegian)
From a quick bite to a hearty meal, you’ll find great options to refuel during your adventure.
In Borre
- Midgard Café (€): Located right at the Viking Centre, it’s perfect for a simple, convenient lunch of sandwiches, waffles, and coffee.
In Tønsberg
- Havariet (€€): A classic Norwegian restaurant right on the waterfront with a great reputation for seafood and traditional dishes.
- Esmeralda (€€): A bustling and popular spot on the “brygga” with a huge international menu and fantastic views of the channel.
- Peppes Pizza (€): When you need a reliable, family-friendly, and budget-conscious option, this Norwegian pizza chain is a solid choice.
Insider Tips for Your Viking Adventure
- Book Train Tickets Early: Seriously! Search for “Minipris” tickets on the Vy website or app a few weeks in advance to save significantly on your fare.
- Check Festival Dates: If you’re traveling in July, look up the dates for the Midgard Viking Festival. It’s a massive event with markets, battles, and concerts that brings history to life. An absolute must-see!
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, especially on the grassy, uneven ground of the Borre burial mounds. Sturdy footwear is key.
- Pack for Four Seasons: Norwegian weather can change in an instant, even in summer. A light rain jacket or windbreaker is always a wise addition to your bag.
- Charge Your Devices: Between navigating, taking photos of the Great Hall, and capturing the views from Slottsfjellet, your phone battery will take a hit. Bring a portable power bank.
Estimated Budget Breakdown (per person, 2025)
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect for your day trip costs, allowing you to plan according to your budget.
| Item | Budget Estimate | Mid-Range Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation (Round Trip) | 500 NOK (Advance “Minipris” train) | 800 NOK (Last-minute train / Car Tolls & Gas) |
| Attraction Tickets | 120 NOK (Midgard Centre only) | 270 NOK (Midgard + Slottsfjellet Museum) |
| Food & Drink | 300 NOK (Packed lunch + one coffee) | 600 NOK (Café lunch + casual dinner) |
| TOTAL | ~920 NOK | ~1670 NOK |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the best place in Norway to see Viking history?
While places like the Lofotr Viking Museum in Lofoten are incredible, they require a separate trip. For an accessible and deeply authentic experience as a day trip from Oslo, the Vestfold region (Tønsberg and Borre) is without a doubt the best choice. You are literally walking in the footsteps of Viking kings.
What are the best day trips from Oslo?
Oslo has many great day trip options, like the charming coastal town of Drøbak or the fortress city of Fredrikstad. However, for anyone with an interest in history, this Viking-themed trip to Tønsberg and Borre is one of the most unique, educational, and rewarding journeys you can take.
What is there to do in Oslo for Vikings?
With the Viking Ship Museum closed for rebuilding until 2026/2027, your best bet in Oslo itself is the Historical Museum downtown, which houses many other fantastic Viking Age artifacts. But to truly experience the scale of their world, you need to take this day trip to see the landscape they dominated.
Are there still Norse things in Oslo?
Yes! The Viking legacy is all around in place names, in the treasures safely housed in the Historical Museum, and in the spirit of the original ships that will one day be displayed again. This day trip is the perfect way to connect those museum artifacts to the real, living history etched into the Norwegian landscape.
TLDR: Your Viking Day Trip Cheat Sheet
Pressed for time? Here’s the essential plan: take an early RE11 train from Oslo S to Tønsberg. From there, catch bus #01 or #02 to the Midgard Viking Centre. Explore the museum, the incredible Great Hall, and the ancient Borre Mounds. Head back to Tønsberg to see the Saga Oseberg replica ship at the waterfront and climb Slottsfjellet for epic views. Grab dinner on the “brygga” before catching an evening train back to Oslo. Remember to book train tickets early and wear comfy shoes!
