When you rent a campervan in Norway, visiting some of our many spectacular national parks should be close to the top of your to-do list. They offer unbeatable access to wild and varied landscapes – from majestic mountain ranges inland, to the fjords that define our coastlines. But did you know that you can visit 4 Awesome national parks within easy driving distance of our capital city? When you hire a campervan in Oslo, with us here at Cabin Campers, any (or all!) of these would make a great starting point for your Norwegian road trip adventure:
1). Ytre Hvaler (1:40 hrs. drive from our campervan pickup point in Oslo)
Oslo lies at the heart of the Oslo-fjord. Driving south from the city, along the fjord’s eastern side, you reach the county of Østfold. Along the coast, close to the border with Sweden, lies Ytre Hvaler National Park.
The park is marine, meaning that it covers coastlines and islands. Among the draws are several picturesque lighthouses and a thriving population of sea birds. Under the surface awaits a rare treasure: one of the largest coral reefs of its kind in Europe. Great for snorkeling or diving! There are many convenient places to park your campervan during your visit.
The nearest town is Fredrikstad, whose historic old-town and well-preserved fortress are well worth a visit.
2). Færder (1:50 hrs. drive from our campervan pickup point in Oslo)
To the south-west of Oslo, in Vestfold county, we find Færder National Park. The park covers several islands, including Tjøme and Nøtterøy – two very popular destinations for vacationing Oslo-dwellers. The landscapes are idyllic and include many historic lighthouses. Some are open to visitors during certain times of the year. Sailing and other water sports are among the main draws. The park offers great facilities for campervans. Nearby, is Tønsberg – Norway’s oldest city.
3). Jomfruland (3:30 hrs drive from our campervan pickup point in Oslo)
The National Park of Jomfruland covers a beautiful archipelago along the westside of the Oslo-fjord. Great for island hopping, and exploring untouched and wild, rocky beaches. The scenery is truly spectacular and rich in birdlife with more than 300 species spotted. The National Park is also home to a permanent colony of seals.
All through the summer, the historic lighthouse on the island of Jomfruland itself is open to visitors. Easily accessible by campervan, with campsites and other facilities at hand. The closest town is Kragerø – a hugely popular destination among Norwegians, with a growing international reputation.
4). Raet (3 hrs. drive from our campervan pickup point in Oslo)
Further south from Færder and Jomfruland, we come to the Raet National Park. This is also a coastal destination, incorporating several small islands. The defining feature of the national park is a wealth of pebble beaches. One of them is more than 130 meters long. This makes for a stunning view and is very popular among photographers. The area is known for its rich marine life and a high density of shipwrecks on the seabed. This makes Raet National Park a favored destination among divers.
The park is close to Arendal, an idyllic coastal town, which teems with life during the summer season.
Here at Cabin Campers, we offer fully equipped campervans for hire in Oslo – the ideal way to explore these 4 Awesome National Parks and other exciting destinations in Norway. Go to the booking tab to book your adventure camping trip to Norway now. Or, if you’re not quite ready yet, continue to explore our blog!