Bikepacking in April isn’t for everyone. The mornings and evenings can be frigid, and many tourist services, including campsites, are still closed for the season. Gravel roads are often damp, muddy, or still blanketed with snow. The trees remain bare, and the grass is not so green. It can leave Norway looking a bit lackluster. However, few realize that April is actually the driest month in most of Norway. Daytime temperatures can be surprisingly mild, and with snow capping the mountains and the sun shining brightly, it’s an opportunity worth considering.
The Oslofjord loop is a standout choice for a short bikepacking trip this time of year. The route offers a perfect mix of scenic coastline and charming small towns, all within easy reach of Oslo. In April, and especially over Easter the local roads are ideal for cycling—just the right balance of quiet paths and straightforward logistics. With plenty of chances to stop and refuel in authentic, non-touristy towns, it’s a relaxing yet rewarding route for any bikepacker. The terrain is remarkably flat and, a long ferry fjord crossing along the way offers a nice break for your legs and a different perspective on the landscape. If you’re looking for an accessible, enjoyable ride this spring, the Oslofjord loop is hard to beat. And did we mention you get to step into Sweden for a short period Two for the price of one and no passport stamps required!
Sweden, here we come! – This ride is from June 2023, but some photos are from the spring of 2022.
The morning was cool, the air crisp as I set out from Oslo, feeling the quiet of the early morning wrap around me. The city was still half-asleep, and the roads were deserted. There’s something special about leaving Oslo on a bike; it’s a luxury you don’t always realize. You start along the fjord, with views of Norway’s ninth-longest inland sea stretching out beside you for miles. After about ten kilometers, the fjord fades, and you’re enveloped by the forest, the sound of your tires on the road mixing with the wind in the trees. The world is opening up, and before you know it, you’re riding through rolling farmland, passing quiet, open fields that lead you to Son (50km from Oslo), a small fjord town that feels like the perfect place to stop and take a breath.
Son is one of those places you don’t rush through. The harbor, calm and peaceful, is an ideal spot to grab a coffee, a pastry, and just take it all in. There’s something timeless about the place—and far from the bustle of Oslo. The beauty of this leg of the ride is the sense that, while you’re not far from the city, you’re entering a completely different world, one that’s just a bit slower, a bit quieter.
From Son, I continued south, winding through the countryside until I reached Fredrikstad. Here, I hopped onto a quirky little ferry that crosses the river running through the town. The boat ride itself is short but offers a nice pause, a chance to stretch and enjoy the simple act of being on the water. From there, the ride became more relaxed—flat roads, wide open fields, and a sense of space that feels exciting to ride through. Sweden, here we come,’ I shout as I cycle along the old main road with little traffic in sight.
The route from Fredrikstad takes you to the Swedish border, and crossing it feels surreal. The bridge that divides the two countries is the perfect spot for a photo, standing between two worlds with the river flowing beneath you. It’s one of those moments that reminds you how small the world can feel, even when you’re cycling across countries.
Once in Sweden, the terrain shifts. The first stretch of the road was busy and not ideal for cycling. You will pass the famous shopping centre that services Norwegians who travel in their hundreds each day to buy cheaper products in Sweden! It’s quite a cultural experience to witness people loading up their cars with 3 months’ supply of food and drink! But soon after the shopping mall, the roads quieted down and I veered off onto quiet, winding lanes through forested areas and past farms. The contrast of it all made the ride to Strömstad feel even more peaceful. The small harbour town was the perfect spot to grab a bite, but the real key here was catching the ferry back to Norway. It’s not the kind of ride you want to rush, but timing the ferry is crucial—miss it, and you could be stuck in Sweden for hours or even overnight!
The ferry ride across the fjord was a welcome break after the day’s ride, two and a half hours to sit back and let the scenery glide by. If the weather’s good, sitting outside is a must—watching the Swedish coastline slowly fade away as you cross the wide mouth of the fjord. Arriving in Sandefjord felt like stepping into another postcard-worthy town, with its white wooden buildings and coastal charm. I stayed just a few kilometers outside the town at a guesthouse—simple but cozy—where a hot meal and a good night’s sleep awaited.
Day 2 – Same same but different
The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, I set out again, this time heading back to Oslo. The west side of the fjord is just as flat and easy to ride as the east, making for a smooth journey. Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town, was my first real stop. It’s a town steeped in history, with Viking connections still alive in the streets and the replica Viking ships sailing the fjord. It’s not overrun with tourists, just a quiet place with a sense of living history.
After Tønsberg, the roads get even quieter. The ride to Horten offers a chance to enjoy some peaceful fjord views before heading toward Sande, a small town with its own charm. From there, the ride continues through farmland and then into Drammen, where I picked up National Cycle Route 1, a great path that took me straight back into Oslo. By the time the city skyline reappeared, I was ready to stop, but there’s a sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing the loop is complete.
This route is not about pushing yourself to the limit or chasing the perfect picture. It’s about the rhythm of cycling—finding that flow where the miles go by easily, the scenery is ever-changing, and the towns you pass through feel authentic, not touristy. You get to experience Norway in a way that feels connected and real, with just the right amount of challenge and relaxation along the way. It’s a solid route, and while I did it in two days, it’s certainly doable in three or four if you want to take your time and experience a few detours.
Oslofjord Loop: Oslo → Strömstad → Sandefjord → Oslo
Distance: ~350–400 km (60km ferry crossing)
Time Needed: 2–5 days
Best Time to Go: April to Mid June
Route Type: Loop – mix of paved roads, small gravel sections, ferry crossings, and bike-friendly towns.
Route Stages
Oslo to Moss (~65 km)
Follow the coastal cycle path south out of Oslo, you’ll be hugging the fjord some of the way.
- Highlights: Son harbour, Jeløya Island just outside Moss (detour)
- Stay: Solåsen Hotel (upmarket) or Moss Hotel central, bike-friendly, no-frills or check out other alternatives on the POI map.
- Tip: If you’re not a fan of rolling hills, stick to the main roads south (route 7); the smaller coastal roads are scenic but punchy.
Moss to Fredrikstad (~50 km)
A fairly flat stretch through Rygge and Råde. You’ll hit wide cycle paths and some quiet agricultural roads.
- Highlights: Fredrikstad’s Old Town (Gamlebyen), one of the better-preserved fortified towns in the region
- Stay: Gamlebyen Hotell or a local Airbnb
- Eat: Peppes Pizza by the river or the popular cafe – Kaffebrenneriet
Fredrikstad to Strömstad (~80–90 km)
Bypass the town of Sarpsborg, and if you have the time, take a possible short detour to Halden, then cross the border into Sweden.
- Highlights: Halden Fortress, views over the fjord (short detour)
- Stay: Strömstad Spa or any basic Swedish motel if you’re just stopping overnight
- Tip: Sweden is slightly cheaper on food and drink — stock up if needed
Ferry Across the Fjord (60km)
Strömstad to Sandefjord Ferry
- Operator: Color Line
- Crossing Time: ~2.5 hours
- Bike-friendly: Yes (bring tie-down straps just in case)
- Cost: Approx. NOK 200–300 per person with bike (book online to guarantee space, especially on weekends). A Passport or National EU ID card is required when checking in!
- Booking: www.colorline.no
Use the time to rest, charge your gear, and eat.
Sandefjord to Tønsberg (~45 km)
This stretch is flat and relaxing. You’ll follow the western side of the Oslofjord now, with occasional views of the water and the peaceful countryside around you.
Stay: Wilhelmsen House in Tønsberg – modern, quiet accommodations with self-catering options for a comfortable stay.
Stop: Midway in Åsgårdstrand, take a quick break for coffee and a walk along the coast. The town is charming, with lovely coastal views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Tønsberg to Sande (~20 km)
Leaving Tønsberg behind, you’ll continue cycling along quiet roads through the rural landscape. The ride is flat, allowing you to maintain a steady pace, and you’ll enjoy the tranquility of small villages and wide-open fields along the way.
Stop: Sande is a peaceful little town to pause, grab a bite to eat, and soak in the quiet atmosphere. It’s the heart of Norway’s agricultural region and you will find a lot fresh produce availble in the warmer months. The route allows you to check out the surrounding farmland and get a taste of local life here.
Sande to Drammen (~25 km)
The ride from Sande to Drammen takes you along smooth, relatively flat roads, passing through countryside and forested areas. As you approach Drammen, the landscape becomes more urban, but still offers a scenic backdrop with views of the river and surrounding hills.
Stay: In Drammen, there are several accommodation options, including small hotels and guesthouses catering to cyclists. Drammen offers a mix of local charm with access to modern conveniences, and it’s an excellent spot to relax and rest before the final stretch.
Drammen to Oslo (~40 km) – straight forward route but with one hill climb that can be a surprise after many hours of flat roads.
Accommodation & Shop Summary
Most towns on this loop offer mid-range hotels or local guesthouses. Airbnb is available, especially in Moss, Fredrikstad, and Tønsberg. Expect to pay around NOK 800–1200 per night for a private room in spring. Book ahead for weekends. Supermarkets are frequent, even in small towns. Sundays can be tricky — plan ahead.
Trains run on both sides of the fjord, and it’s easy to skip sections using the local regional service from towns you pass by.
Who’s This Route For?
| Cyclist Level | Days Needed |
| Casual Rider (avg 50 km/day) | 6–7 days |
| Intermediate (avg 80 km/day) | 4–5 days |
| Strong/Trained (avg 120+ km/day) | 2–3 days |
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