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Østlandet
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Explore Østlandet for Oslo culture, Oslofjord coastlines, historic towns, forest trails, inland lakes and Norway’s eastern mountain landscapes.

Østlandet is Norway’s broad eastern travel region, stretching from the Oslofjord and the Swedish border through the capital’s wooded hinterland and inland lake districts to the high mountains of Innlandet and the valleys of Telemark. It is not a single landscape: the region combines Norway’s largest urban centre, fertile agricultural plains, deep forests, historic industrial towns, maritime communities and some of the country’s most important mountain scenery. Distances are considerable, so an itinerary works best when built around one or two geographical areas rather than treating the whole of Østlandet as a compact destination.
Read more about Østlandet
Oslo provides the region’s principal cultural gateway, with major museums, modern architecture, historic neighbourhoods and easy access to the Oslofjord and Nordmarka forest. North of the capital, the landscape becomes more rural around Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, where Hamar and Lillehammer provide contrasting bases for museums, lakeside walks and access to mountain valleys. Inland districts are shaped by timber, farming and hydropower, while places such as Røros, whose historic mining town lies in Trøndelag rather than Østlandet, should not be confused with the region’s own mining heritage at Kongsberg and other historic industrial communities.
The eastern and southern parts of Østlandet offer a different character. Fredrikstad retains a remarkably well-preserved fortified old town, while Halden, Moss, Tønsberg and Sandefjord reflect the region’s maritime, commercial and naval history. Along the Oslofjord, summer boating, ferries, beaches and coastal walks are important seasonal pleasures, although the water is often cooler and the weather more changeable than first-time visitors expect. The inland counties offer gentler agricultural scenery, broad rivers and forest roads, gradually giving way to plateaux and mountain landscapes.
Østlandet also contains some of Norway’s strongest outdoor contrasts. Nordmarka and other forest areas around Oslo are used year-round for walking, cycling and skiing; the valleys of Gudbrandsdalen and Valdres lead towards national-park landscapes; and Rondane, Jotunheimen and Femundsmarka provide demanding hiking and winter opportunities in their respective parts of the inland region. Conditions vary sharply with altitude and season, and mountain routes require the same preparation as wilderness journeys elsewhere in Norway.
Food and culture reflect both the capital and the countryside. Oslo has the country’s widest range of international and contemporary dining, while rural districts are associated with local dairy products, game, freshwater fish, flatbreads and produce from farming communities. Museums, folk traditions, wooden churches, former industrial works and open-air cultural venues reveal how farming, forestry, seafaring and modern urban life have shaped eastern Norway. The result is a region best understood as a sequence of landscapes and communities, linked by roads and railways but each deserving its own pace.

When is the best time to visit Østlandet?

Best: June–August · 20–23°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-150
February-140
March440
April940
May1650
June (best)2060
July (best)2370
August (best)2170
September1560
October1050
November450
December150

Getting to and around Østlandet

How to get there

Oslo Airport at Gardermoen, north-east of Oslo in the municipality of Ullensaker, is Østlandet’s principal international gateway and has rail connections towards Oslo and other eastern destinations. Sandefjord Airport Torp, in Vestfold, is another useful airport for southern Østlandet, although onward travel may require a train or bus connection. Oslo Central Station is the region’s main rail hub, with routes towards Lillehammer, Hamar, Kongsvinger, Halden, the Oslofjord towns and western or southern Norwegian cities. Major roads radiate from Oslo, but journeys to mountain valleys and remote districts can be long; check seasonal road conditions before driving.

Transportation

Rail is convenient between Oslo and many larger towns, including the Lake Mjøsa area and the south-eastern corridor, while regional buses extend coverage to smaller communities and valleys. Oslo has an extensive public transport network, but services become less frequent in rural Østlandet, particularly outside working and school hours. A car is useful for dispersed attractions, forest areas, farm districts and mountain bases, though winter driving requires suitable tyres and flexibility. Ferries serve parts of the Oslofjord, and cycling is practical on selected lowland routes; mountain walking usually requires reaching a trailhead by car or pre-arranged public transport.

Top city travel guides in Østlandet

The cities of Østlandet, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Østlandet

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Østlandet

Østlandet’s attractions range from Oslo’s museums, galleries, opera house and waterfront cultural institutions to quiet forest paths within easy reach of the capital. The Oslofjord provides islands, boating routes, swimming places and coastal towns, while Fredrikstad’s fortified old town and the historic centres of Halden and Kongsberg offer distinct architectural and military heritage. Around Lake Mjøsa, Hamar and Lillehammer combine museums, lakeside scenery and access to inland valleys; Lillehammer is also a practical base for Olympic-era venues and mountain excursions. Farther north and west, Rondane, Jotunheimen and Femundsmarka bring marked trails, high plateaux, lakes and wildlife-rich landscapes, though each requires serious seasonal preparation. Telemark contributes wooded valleys, waterways, traditional settlements and outdoor activities, while the agricultural districts around the Oslofjord and Glomma valley reveal a quieter rural side. Open-air museums, historic farms, galleries and former industrial sites help explain how farming, forestry, mining, hydropower and urban life developed together. Families can choose from museums, rail journeys, swimming areas and activity centres, but the strongest appeal lies in the contrast between metropolitan culture and broad, accessible countryside.

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Best landmarks in Østlandet

The Oslofjord and the forested hills around Oslo are defining geographical landmarks, showing how closely the capital is tied to water and woodland. In Oslo, the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress and the modern waterfront skyline represent different phases of national and urban development, while the Holmenkollen ski jump embodies the region’s long sporting relationship with snow. Fredrikstad’s star-shaped old town and defensive walls are among Østlandet’s most recognisable historic ensembles, and Fredriksten Fortress at Halden commands a strategic border landscape shaped by conflict with Sweden. Kongsberg’s historic silver-mining environment preserves the architectural and industrial legacy of Norway’s early mining economy. Around Lake Mjøsa, the lake itself is the dominant natural landmark, bordered by settlements and transport routes that have connected eastern Norway for centuries. Inland, the summits and valleys of Rondane and Jotunheimen provide a markedly different visual identity, while the Telemark Canal is a notable engineering and landscape landmark linking lakes and waterways through southern inland Norway. Wooden churches, old farmsteads and historic town streets complete a regional landscape in which natural and built heritage are closely interwoven.

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Explore Østlandet on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Østlandet

Dining in Østlandet reflects both Oslo’s international population and the region’s farming, forestry and freshwater traditions. In the capital, visitors can find contemporary Norwegian cooking alongside cuisines from across the world, with seafood, seasonal vegetables and carefully sourced local ingredients common themes. Outside Oslo, traditional cafés, bakeries, rural inns and town-centre restaurants provide a more local rhythm, often featuring open sandwiches, fish, potatoes, dairy products and baked goods. Brown cheese, flatbreads, cured meat, game and freshwater fish are useful regional reference points, although recipes vary between districts and many are shared with wider Norwegian food culture. Around the Oslofjord, seafood is prominent, while inland communities are more closely associated with farm produce, berries, mushrooms and game when in season. Farmers’ markets and food halls are good places to look for cheeses, preserves, breads and locally made drinks. Alcohol is comparatively expensive, and stronger beer, wine and spirits are subject to Norway’s national licensing arrangements, so rural dining options may be more limited and should be planned ahead.

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Best bars in Østlandet

Oslo is the centre of Østlandet’s evening life, with cocktail bars, traditional pubs, live-music venues, wine bars, theatres and nightclubs concentrated across the central districts and inner neighbourhoods. Its scene changes quickly, so visitors should check current arrangements rather than rely on old venue lists. University communities give places such as Lillehammer and Ås a youthful element, while larger towns including Fredrikstad, Hamar, Tønsberg and Drammen offer pubs, restaurants, concert venues and seasonal events without matching Oslo’s scale. In smaller inland communities, evenings generally revolve around local pubs, hotel bars, cafés, cultural performances or occasional live music rather than a dense club circuit. Coastal towns can become busier during the summer, especially around restaurant and harbour areas, whereas mountain resorts often have a more seasonal après-ski atmosphere. Norway’s alcohol rules and prices are important practical considerations, and a relaxed evening meal, concert or walk through a historic town can be as characteristic of regional nightlife as a late night out.

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Best nightclubs in Østlandet

Oslo is the centre of Østlandet’s evening life, with cocktail bars, traditional pubs, live-music venues, wine bars, theatres and nightclubs concentrated across the central districts and inner neighbourhoods. Its scene changes quickly, so visitors should check current arrangements rather than rely on old venue lists. University communities give places such as Lillehammer and Ås a youthful element, while larger towns including Fredrikstad, Hamar, Tønsberg and Drammen offer pubs, restaurants, concert venues and seasonal events without matching Oslo’s scale. In smaller inland communities, evenings generally revolve around local pubs, hotel bars, cafés, cultural performances or occasional live music rather than a dense club circuit. Coastal towns can become busier during the summer, especially around restaurant and harbour areas, whereas mountain resorts often have a more seasonal après-ski atmosphere. Norway’s alcohol rules and prices are important practical considerations, and a relaxed evening meal, concert or walk through a historic town can be as characteristic of regional nightlife as a late night out.

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Best shops in Østlandet

Shopping in Østlandet ranges from Oslo’s broad selection of department stores, independent boutiques, design shops, bookshops and food halls to the smaller high streets of inland and coastal towns. The capital is the best place for contemporary Norwegian design, fashion and specialist food, while towns such as Lillehammer, Fredrikstad, Hamar, Tønsberg and Kongsberg offer locally focused shops alongside ordinary everyday retail. Market days and farmers’ markets vary by season and location, but are useful for cheeses, breads, preserves, berries, honey and other regional produce when operating. Craft shops and galleries may offer ceramics, woollen goods, woodwork, glass, jewellery and artwork inspired by eastern landscapes, although quality and provenance differ between sellers. In rural districts, farm shops and roadside stalls can be more rewarding than conventional shopping centres, particularly during the growing season. Traditional souvenirs should be chosen thoughtfully: locally made textiles, food products or practical outdoor goods are generally more meaningful than generic items marketed as Norwegian. Opening arrangements are more limited in small communities, especially on Sundays and outside the main summer season.

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Østlandet essentials

Currency and Payment
Østlandet uses Norway’s national currency, the Norwegian krone, abbreviated NOK. Cards and contactless payment are widely accepted in Oslo, towns, hotels, museums, shops and most restaurants, and cash is used less often than many international visitors expect. Carry a payment card and a backup method, since some smaller or unmanned facilities may have limited options. In remote areas, campsites, local transport and small seasonal businesses may be more dependent on card terminals or advance online payment than on cash, so confirm arrangements before setting out.
Safety
Østlandet is generally straightforward to travel through, but ordinary precautions remain sensible in busy urban areas, transport hubs and nightlife districts. Outdoor hazards deserve more attention than crime: mountain weather can change quickly, marked routes may still be demanding, and snow or ice can persist well into the season at higher elevations. On the Oslofjord, follow local swimming, boating and shoreline advice, and take care on slippery rocks. Drivers should allow extra time for winter conditions, wildlife, roadworks and narrow rural roads, while hikers should share their route and carry suitable clothing, food and navigation equipment.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency numbers apply throughout Østlandet: call 112 for police, 110 for fire and rescue, and 113 for urgent medical assistance. Give the location as precisely as possible, particularly in forests, on lakes or in the mountains; a trail name, map reference, road number or nearby landmark can help. In serious outdoor incidents, emergency services can coordinate appropriate rescue resources. Do not rely solely on mobile coverage in remote valleys and uplands, and check conditions before leaving a populated area.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow marked routes and local notices, close gates, keep dogs controlled where required and respect private homes, farms and cultivated land when walking. Norway’s right of access allows responsible recreation in much uncultivated countryside, but it does not remove duties concerning crops, livestock, wildlife or fire safety. Remove rubbish and use established facilities where available. At museums, churches and historic sites, observe photography rules and behave quietly. Queueing, punctuality and personal space are valued in Norway, while tipping is discretionary rather than a compulsory substitute for wages; check the bill and tip only for good service.
Local Tips
Travel beyond Oslo if time permits: the Lake Mjøsa towns, fortified border communities, forest districts and mountain valleys show markedly different sides of eastern Norway. Summer daylight makes long excursions possible, but popular trails and accommodation can still fill at weekends. In winter, urban transport may work well while rural buses and mountain roads require more planning. Ask local tourism offices about current trail access and public transport connections, and treat journey time estimates cautiously when routes cross high ground or depend on weather-sensitive roads.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[hay]
GoodbyeHa det[hah deh]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nai]
Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Ingen årsak[vair so snill/eeng-eh or-sahk]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[oon-sheel]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[vor-dahn har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[bra. oh doo?]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[snah-ker doo eng-elsk?]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[yai for-store ik-keh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill[yai vil yair-neh seh meh-nyen, vair so snill]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[yai spee-ser ik-keh shutt]
Cheers!Skål![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill[yai vil yair-neh beh-tah-leh, vair so snill]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![yelp]
Go away!Gå bort![goh bort]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![ring po-li-teet]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![ring en leh-geh]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[yai air ta-pt]
I'm illJeg er syk[yai air seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gjerne kjøpe...[yai vil yair-neh shoo-peh...]
I'm just lookingJeg ser bare[yai ser bar-eh]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[vor myeh koster deh?]
That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt[deh air for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[kan doo sen-keh pree-sen?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva er klokka?[vah air klohk-ah?]
It's one o'clockDen er ett[den air ett]
Half past (10)Halv (ti)[halv (tee)]
MorningMorgen[mor-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[ett-er-mid-dahg]
EveningKveld[kveld]
YesterdayI går[ee gor]
TodayI dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[ee mor-gen]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en...?[vor air en...?]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[vah air ah-dres-sen?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[kan doo vee-seh mai (poh kar-teht)?]
When's the next (bus)?Når går neste (buss)?[nor gorr nes-teh (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ....)[en bee-lett (til ....)]

History of Østlandet

Stone Age settlement and early farming

People have lived across eastern Norway since the retreat of the last Ice Age, using the Oslofjord, major rivers and inland lakes as routes for fishing, hunting and exchange. Farming became established during the Neolithic period, and later communities left burial mounds, rock carvings and other traces across the lowlands. The region’s varied terrain encouraged different ways of life: agriculture on fertile plains, seasonal hunting in the uplands and woodland use in the forest districts. These early patterns help explain the long-term importance of the Oslofjord, Lake Mjøsa and the eastern valleys as corridors between coast, lowland and mountain.

Roman-era trade and the Viking Age

During the Iron Age, eastern Norway developed increasingly organised farming communities and local centres of power. Imported objects and burial evidence show that the region participated in long-distance exchange well before the Viking Age. Oslo did not yet exist as the modern capital, but the Oslofjord and nearby waterways connected settlements to the wider Scandinavian world. Viking-period activity involved farming, craft production, trade and warfare, while inland routes linked eastern lowlands with western Norway and Sweden. The region’s later political importance grew from this combination of productive land, navigable water and overland connections.

Medieval Oslo and the consolidation of Norway

Medieval Oslo emerged as an important settlement and ecclesiastical centre on the northern shore of the Oslofjord. Its development was connected to royal administration, trade and the Christian Church, while other eastern towns and estates supported agriculture and regional commerce. In the inland valleys, farms and transport routes linked communities with the coast and with western mountain passes. Medieval churches, farm landscapes and surviving town plans provide reminders of this period, although many settlements were rebuilt or altered over later centuries. Eastern Norway’s location made it central to the administration of the kingdom and to contact with neighbouring Sweden.

Fortifications, timber trade and border politics

From the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, Østlandet was shaped by the timber trade, sawmilling and its exposed position along the Swedish border. Rivers carried timber from forest districts towards coastal ports, creating wealth for merchants and landowners and supporting the growth of towns. Fortresses at places including Fredrikstad, Halden and Kongsvinger reflected repeated conflict and political tension between Denmark-Norway and Sweden. Fredriksten Fortress at Halden became especially associated with the Great Northern War, during which the Swedish king Charles XII was killed in 1718. The fortifications and old towns of the region still make this military history visible.

Kongsberg silver and early industrial development

The discovery of silver at Kongsberg in 1623 led to one of Norway’s most important early mining enterprises. The mines brought workers, officials, engineers and skilled craftspeople to an inland town that developed institutions and architecture unusual for its size. Mining was supported by demanding systems of water power, transport and administration, and its influence extended into wider debates about technology and state finance. Kongsberg’s heritage forms part of a broader Østlandet story in which forests, minerals, rivers and later hydropower supplied the foundations for industrial growth beyond the coastal cities.

Nineteenth-century nation building and transport

After Norway entered a union with Sweden in 1814, eastern Norway experienced expanding trade, administration and transport links. Roads, canals and railways connected Oslo with inland districts, Lake Mjøsa, the Swedish border and southern Norway. The railway to Hamar and later extensions towards Lillehammer strengthened the lake region’s role in commerce and travel. Urban growth, improved education and the development of national institutions accompanied the political work that eventually led to independence in 1905. Industrial towns and port communities grew alongside farms and timber settlements, creating the mixed urban-rural character that still distinguishes Østlandet.

Hydropower, industry and the modern region

Twentieth-century Østlandet was transformed by hydropower, engineering, manufacturing and expanding public infrastructure. Waterfalls and rivers supported important industrial projects, while railways and roads made tourism and commuting increasingly practical. Oslo grew into Norway’s dominant administrative, cultural and economic centre, and surrounding municipalities became closely connected to it. Lillehammer’s Winter Olympics in 1994 brought international attention to inland mountain and lake landscapes, while the legacy of forestry, farming and industry remained strong beyond the capital. Today the region combines metropolitan growth with extensive rural and protected landscapes.

Østlandet in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Neighbouring regions of Østlandet

The closest regions to Østlandet, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Østlandet, Norway

Discover the best of Østlandet with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more to make your trip unforgettable.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Østlandet, Norway. Explore top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease. Download now and start your adventure!

  • Comprehensive travel guide with the history of Østlandet
  • Travel essentials and curated local advice
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover attractions and activities around you
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Østlandet, the heart of Norway, where stunning landscapes meet vibrant urban life. With Evendo, your journey through this breathtaking region becomes seamless and enriching. Our app provides detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities, making it your go-to travel companion.

Explore iconic landmarks like the majestic Akershus Fortress in Oslo, the historic Bryggen wharf in Bergen, and the scenic beauty of the Geirangerfjord. Discover hidden gems such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park or the charming streets of Lillehammer. Evendo ensures you don't miss out on the must-visit spots as well as the lesser-known treasures.

Savour the culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Maaemo in Oslo, or enjoy a cozy meal at a local eatery in Drammen. The app offers rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, helping you plan and organize your trip effortlessly.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze. No need to search multiple platforms; everything you need is at your fingertips in one app. Plus, our 'Near Me' feature helps you easily find attractions and activities around your current location.

Evendo is not just limited to Østlandet. With coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, this app is your global travel companion. And the best part? It's 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and start your adventure!

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