Summer Holiday by Boat: 3 Ready Routes (3/5/7 Days) in Norway

# Summer Holiday by Boat: 3 Ready Routes (3/5/7 Days) in Norway

Dreaming of a boat holiday along the Norwegian coast but not sure where to start? We have put together three complete routes – for 3, 5 and 7 days – that take you through some of Norway's most beautiful coastal landscapes. All you need to do is rent a boat and follow the plan.

Route 1: Oslofjorden in 3 Days

Suitable boat type: Daycruiser or cabin cruiser Total distance: Approx. 60 nautical miles.

Day 1: Oslo to Drøbak

Start from Oslo and head south through Oslofjorden. First stop is Drøbak – the charming Christmas town on the fjord. Distance is approx. 15 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Hovedoya island for a swim and a visit to the historic monastery ruins.
• Overnight: Drøbak guest harbour – shore power, water, showers and toilets. Short walk to the town centre with restaurants and shops.
• Do not miss: Oscarsborg Fortress sits in the middle of the fjord at Drøbak – a short tender ride away.

Day 2: Drøbak to Horten

Cross Oslofjorden from Drøbak to Horten on the Vestfold side. Distance is approx. 10 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Bastoy – the historic prison farm with cafe service in summer.
• Overnight: Horten guest harbour – well-equipped and central. Visit the Naval Museum or Midgard Viking Centre.
• Alternative: Continue to Asgardstrand for a Munch atmosphere and a lovely guest harbour.

Day 3: Horten to Oslo

Return trip along the Vestfold coast and north through the fjord. Distance is approx. 35 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Notteroy or Tjome for swimming, or Sandvika/Bygdoy for one last dip before Oslo.
• Tip: Start early – you have plenty of time for stops and swimming along the way.

Route 2: The Southern Coast in 5 Days

Suitable boat type: Cabin cruiser or sailboat Total distance: Approx. 100 nautical miles.

Day 1: Kristiansand to Lillesand

Start from Kristiansand and head east through Blindleia. Distance is approx. 12 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Brekkesto for cafe and swimming.
• Overnight: Lillesand guest harbour – one of the southern coast's most charming towns with white timber houses along the harbour.

Day 2: Lillesand to Grimstad

A short leg through fine archipelago. Distance is approx. 12 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Homboroya – a popular excursion island with a natural harbour.
• Overnight: Grimstad guest harbour – Ibsen's town with cosy streets and good restaurants.
• Tip: Visit the Ibsen Museum and enjoy an ice cream along the harbour promenade.

Day 3: Grimstad to Risør

Further east to "the white town on the Skagerrak". Distance is approx. 20 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Lyngor – voted Europe's best-preserved timber village. A fantastic lunch stop.
• Overnight: Risør guest harbour – surrounded by white timber houses on steep streets.

Day 4: Risør to Kragerø

Final eastward leg. Distance is approx. 15 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Jomfruland – a long island with sandy beaches, a lighthouse and a nature reserve.
• Overnight: Kragerø guest harbour – Edvard Munch's summer landscape.

Day 5: Kragerø – explore or return

Spend the day exploring the Kragerø archipelago with its hundreds of islands, or begin the return journey.

Read more: See our article on guest harbours on the southern coast for detailed information about prices and facilities along the route.

Route 3: The West Coast in 7 Days

Suitable boat type: Cabin cruiser or sailboat Total distance: Approx. 150 nautical miles.

Day 1: Bergen to Rosendal

Start from Bergen and head south towards Hardangerfjorden. Distance is approx. 45 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Lysoen for a short visit to Ole Bull's villa.
• Overnight: Rosendal guest harbour – visit Barony Rosendal and the rose garden.

Day 2: Rosendal to Lofthus

Further into Hardangerfjorden. Distance is approx. 15 nautical miles.

• Experience: Folgefonna glacier in the background, fruit blossom (in May/June) and Hardanger Folk Museum.
• Overnight: Lofthus – known for its orchards and Hotel Ullensvang.

Day 3: Lofthus to Jondal

A short leg with time for experiences. Distance is approx. 10 nautical miles.

• Experience: Steinsdalsfossen waterfall (you can walk behind it), cider tasting at local farms.
• Overnight: Jondal – a quiet fjord village with a simple jetty.

Day 4: Jondal to Norheimsund

North along Hardangerfjorden. Distance is approx. 15 nautical miles.

• Experience: Steinsdalsfossen (if you did not visit from the Jondal side), and Hardangervidda Nature Centre.
• Overnight: Norheimsund guest harbour – pleasant town centre with shops and restaurants.

Day 5: Norheimsund to Austevoll

Westward towards the coast. Distance is approx. 30 nautical miles.

• Experience: Island hopping in the Austevoll archipelago, fishing and swimming.
• Overnight: Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri – world-class seafood.

Day 6: Austevoll to Sotra/Oygarden

Northward along the coast. Distance is approx. 20 nautical miles.

• Experience: Glesvaer fishing village, Cornelius seafood restaurant (book ahead!), ocean swimming.
• Overnight: Fjell or Knarrvika guest harbour.

Day 7: Sotra to Bergen

Return to Bergen. Distance is approx. 15 nautical miles.

• Stop along the way: Mathallen in Bergen for a closing lunch.
• Tip: Return the boat early enough to catch a ride up Floyen funicular.

General Tips for All Routes

• Booking: Rent a boat well in advance – summer is peak season.
• Provisions: Stock up on food and drink before departure. Many stops have limited shops.
• Weather: Check Yr.no daily. Be flexible with your route if bad weather is forecast.
• Guest harbours: Book popular guest harbours via the Havneguiden app.
• Safety: Always have life jackets, nautical charts, VHF radio and sufficient fuel on board.

Read more about individual destinations in our Kristiansand guide, our Bergen day trips and all our other destination articles.

Find your perfect holiday boat and make summer 2026 a sea holiday to remember.