Things to do in Sandvika

Sandvika, located approximately 15 kilometres southwest of Oslo city centre, is both the capital and the only city in Bærum. And the small city by the big city offers just about everything a city should offer: Great cultural offerings, good food and drink experiences and shopping opportunities at one of Norway’s largest shopping centres. Here you’ll also find beautiful beaches, hiking opportunities and proximity to the countryside.

Thon Hotel Oslofjord is located in the heart of Sandvika and is one of the country’s largest conference hotels. It is only a short walk to public transport, and the hotel offers large and comfortable rooms, a bar and restaurant, as well as great meeting room facilities.

With a short distance to the capital, a short train ride or around 15 minutes by car, you can of course combine your stay with a tour of Oslo. But there are plenty of things to explore in Sandvika and the surrounding area to just stay here.

Here are some things to do when you check into Sandvika:

Sightseeing at sea

With the Oslofjord almost as the nearest neighbour, a trip to sea is almost mandatory. And one of the best ways to discover Sandvika’s archipelago is by jumping into a kayak! A great tour goes from Kadettangen, past Nesøya and around Borøya and Kalvøya. Don't forget to stop by one of the islands for a break in the water! DNT Bærum Turlag rents out kayaks in Bjørnsvika, around 300 metres from the hotel, and also arranges courses and joint tours. You can also rent a kayak at Bærum Maritime Centre at Solvik Marina in Høvik.

Sculpture safari

If you fancy a bit of a cultural fix in the form of sculpture, you’ve come to the right place! There are several beautiful sculpture parks in Sandvika and the surrounding area – one at Høvikodden, one at Bærums Verk and one at Fornebu – with art from both renowned Norwegian and international artists.

But perhaps the coolest: Outside of Sjøholmen, about two kilometres from the hotel, twelve sculptures have been submerged underwater in a kind of underwater park! The best way to get there is walk out at the old bathhouse and swim out to the sculpture park, where you can see them either by snorkelling, diving, from a glass-bottomed canoe or lying on your belly on the bathing platform.

Tips! Also check out cool street art all around, like the Monet-inspired mural in the underpass by Elias Smiths vei by local artist collective DUER.

Hike to Engervannet

And if salt water isn't quite your thing, you don't have to go far to find another water gem. Just by the city centre lies the idyllic Engervannet lake, surrounded by a beautiful hiking path. This is also one of Bærum’s most important bird waters, so there is a high chance of seeing several species during the hike. The water also flows out into Sandvikselva, where there are good opportunities to test your fishing luck in the summer. If you don't want to throw out the line in the Oslofjord, of course.

Ski fun for all ages

If you visit Sandvika in the winter and want to glide down the slopes on downhill skis, you have several options close to the hotel. Bærum’s largest alpine resort, Kolsås Skisenter, is 15 minutes away by car, and offers four lifts and slopes for the whole family, as well as a cafe in the cosy Kolsåsstua. Around five minutes away, you will also find Kirkerudbakken with its seven slopes, while Lommedalen Skisenter, which is particularly suitable for young skiers, is located around a quarter of an hour away from the hotel.

Summit hike to Kolsåstoppen

Despite the fact that Kolsåstoppen does not exceed 379 metres above sea level at its highest, the panoramic view you get from the top is spectacular! One of Bærum’s most famous landmarks offers views over Oslo, Bærum and the Oslofjord. Kolsåstoppen, which is actually an extinct volcano, is also very popular among climbers. A nice start to the hike leaves from Stein Gård, and the round trip takes around four hours. Remember the camera!

Tips! It is also just a short drive to the rest of Vestmarka, which offers excellent hiking opportunities during summer and winter. A good starting point is Kattås car park or Vestmarksetra car park.

Great golf opportunities

Whether you are a golfer – or dream of becoming one – you will find several opportunities for hit and put balls in Bærum. Haga Golf, Bærum Golf Club, Lommedalen Golf Club and Ballerud Golf are all 10–15 minutes’ drive from Thon Hotel Oslofjord. Perfect if you need a break from the conference – or just want to enjoy the hotel holiday a little more.

Fun with arcade games

In the Folkebadet Arkade, you can immerse yourself in a living world of nostalgia and retro gaming fun. This is one of Norway’s largest arcades, with everything from classics such as Sega Rally to pinball. You can also challenge your friends and family to a game of petanque on an indoor court, surrounded by living plants and a summery atmosphere all year round.

Charming Bærums Verk

Idyllic wooden houses, exciting industry history and over 40 shops, galleries and eateries are what awaits you at Handelsstedet Bærums Verk, about a quarter of an hour’s drive from the hotel. The area's history stretches back 400 years, with the construction of the first smelting huts in 1610 when the ironworks was established in Bærum. Since then, a lot has happened in the area, and today Bærums Verk appears as a lively trading place, with everything from art galleries and craft shops to modern designer boutiques and eateries – in very idyllic surroundings. Bærums Verk is open all year round, and there are also several activities, including free historical walks.

Cultural top up

Out on Høvikodden, about a five-minute drive or a nice walk along the coastal path from the hotel, you’ll find Henie Onstad Art Centre. At the centre, which is referred to as a leading arena for national and international art, there are more than 8,000 works – and is almost a must-visit. One of the most famous works is the colourful "Hymn of Life" by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. There is also fun for the children, who can be creative in the Labben art space, play detective or solve puzzles in the sculpture park.

Historical train ride

Choo, choo! On the Lommedalsbanen museum railway you can experience traditional railway culture by taking the train along the approximately one kilometre long track built up of material from old mining and construction sites. The tour takes about 11 minutes, and there are four stations along the way. On some days, the train is driven by Norway’s smallest steam engine from 1904, and you can also learn more about old vintage trains, rail cars and diesel locomotives, as well as various themed exhibitions.

War history at Grinimuseet

Grini was Norway’s largest prison camp during World War II, and had around 19,000 prisoners registered here in the period up to 1945. Today there is a museum in an authentic prison barracks, with an exhibition based on the prisoners’ own stories, which tells about the events at Grini during the war through film, images and artefacts. A bleak but important insight into war history. The Grinimuseet is about 20 minutes drive from Thon Hotel Oslofjord.

Culture on wheels

Car enthusiast? At the Fornebu Bilmusuem you will find a rolling range of cars from different eras – from old racing cars and American dons to stylish sports cars and a fiery red Ferrari. The museum also houses a collection of motorcycles, a model railway and several model planes. In other words: Perfect for anyone who loves engines and speed. The museum is located at the Gamle Fornebu Cultural Centre, along with the Norwegian Vespa Scooter Museum, Hangar X and the Norwegian Barber, Hairdressing and Wig Museum.

Shop 'til You Drop

If you feel like some retail therapy, it’s worth mentioning that one of Norway’s largest shopping centres is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Sandvika Storsenter offers almost 200 shops, as well as a number of eateries – so it is quite possible to work your wallet quite hard here.

Kadettangen

You don't need to walk more than a kilometre from the hotel before you arrive at the delightful Kadettangen. This is both the paradise for swimmers and those who enjoy activities, with everything from a sandy beach with diving tower and swimming pool to a sand volleyball court, a kiosk and playground with a pirate ship.

Kalvøya

If you walk out to the tip of Kadettangen, a few hundred metres from the beach, you will come to the footbridge that takes you over to idyllic Kalvøya. Here you will find several beautiful hiking trails, as well as the coastal path that goes all around the island, and several swimming spots, grassy areas, a volleyball court and barbecue areas. Perfect for a great excursion!

Idyllic fjord cruise

If you’re tempted by a boat trip, you can hop on board MS Rigmor, Norway’s oldest scheduled wooden ferry, or MS Rigfar, which previously sailed as the Flekkerøy ferry. Both sail as scheduled ferries and mini cruises, and can be chartered for private trips. On the ferry journeys, the boats stop at several of Oslofjord’s idyllic islands, such as Brønnøya, Borøya and Langåra. Perfect if you want to combine your boat trip with either swimming or fishing! If you would like to cruise in Oslofjord’s idyllic archipelago, choose the mini cruise, which is a non-stop guided tour. The ferries depart from the Rigmorkaia at Kadettangen, about ten minutes walk from the hotel.

Explore the coastal path

A long and idyllic coastal path stretches along the Oslofjord, and if you check in at Thon Hotel Oslofjord you will find several nice hiking opportunities just on the hotel's doorstep. A short but lovely walk stretches from Sandvika to Bjørnsvika, and goes through the idyllic Kjørboparken. If you follow the path eastwards, you can for example walk to Høvikodden swimming spot, and visit Hennie Onstad Art Center on the way.

Sandvika Folkebad

Referred to as Sandvika’s hottest "destination" - and with a staggering 1,200 square metres outdoor area – Sandvika Folkebad is a good alternative for most occasions. There is a restaurant, several bars, various games, a coffee bar and a concert stage, as well as a sunny outdoor terrace. The restaurant serves dishes based on local ingredients, several of which are sourced from their own garden. Located around 10 minutes walk from the hotel.

Værtshuset Bærums Verk

Barely fifteen minutes by car takes you to the idyllic Bærums Verk and one of Norway’s oldest eateries on historical grounds. At Værtshuset, food inspired by Norwegian manor house traditions from the 19th century is served in a red-painted timber house with historical flair. The food is made in-house from great ingredients, and the menu includes reindeer fillets and grilled Arctic char. The restaurant is also known for serving generous portions, so come here hungry.

Fellini Birreria e Cucina

Get ready for an Italian evening! Italian delicacies and Sandvika’s perhaps most famous – and sunny – outdoor dining awaits you at Fellini Birreria e Cucina. The menu includes authentic Italian cuisine, mainly appetisers such as bruschetta, pizza classics and desserts such as tiramisu and gelato. This is also a great lunch spot on weekdays, or the place to go if you’re just a little hungry, because you can order half a pizza and coffee at a good price. The restaurant is located right by ODEON Kino, about five minutes' walk from Thon Hotel Oslofjord.

Focus Restaurant

On the other side of Sandvikselven, about ten minutes’ walk from the hotel, lies the small restaurant Fokus Restaurant in one of Sandvika’s oldest wooden houses. A 4- and 5-course homemade menu is served here, which is constantly changing, and which you can choose to have read to you at the table or let yourself be surprised during the meal. For drinks, you can choose between wine or alcohol-free packages. The restaurant also has lovely outdoor dining, but the places are limited, so you should book a table in advance – both outside and inside.

Restaurant Caspar

Restaurant Caspar is named after the factory owner and Sandvika’s great benefactor in the 19th century, Caspar Donato Brambani. He had Italian ancestry, so on the restaurant’s menu you will find pizza, pasta and panna cotta, but also everything from grilled tenderloin, oven-baked pollock and burgers to seafood toast, moules frites and fish soup. If you fancy a coffee, you will also find Sandvika’s oldest specialist store on the same premises, namely Sverre Rønning’s coffee and tea shop. In the summer, you should also head to the backyard, a kind of oasis where both concerts and other cultural events are held.

More tips! Also check out the Local & Lounge and Emma Kafé. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants at Sandvika Storsenter.

Sightseeing at sea

With the Oslofjord almost as the nearest neighbour, a trip to sea is almost mandatory. And one of the best ways to discover Sandvika’s archipelago is by jumping into a kayak! A nice trip goes from Kadettangen, past Nesøya and around Borøya and Kalvøya. Don't forget to stop by one of the islands for a swim break! DNT Bærum Turlag rents out kayaks in Bjørnsvika, around 300 metres from the hotel, and also arranges courses and joint tours. You can also rent a kayak at the Bærum Maritime Centre at Solvik Marina in Høvik.

Sculpture safari

If you fancy a bit of cultural fix in the form of sculpture, you’ve come to the right place! There are several beautiful sculpture parks in Sandvika and the surrounding area – one at Høvikodden, one at Bærums Verk and one at Fornebu – with art from both renowned Norwegian and international artists.

But perhaps the coolest: Outside of Sjøholmen, about two kilometres from the hotel, twelve sculptures have been submerged underwater in a kind of underwater park! The best way to get there is walk out at the old bathhouse and swim out to the sculpture park, where you can see them either by snorkelling, diving, from a glass-bottomed canoe or lying on your belly on the bathing platform.

Tips! Also check out cool street art all around, like the Monet-inspired mural in the underpass by Elias Smiths vei by local artist collective DUER.

Hike to Engervannet

And if salt water isn't quite your thing, you don't have to go far to find another water gem. Just by the city centre lies the idyllic Engervannet lake, surrounded by a beautiful hiking path. This is also one of Bærum’s most important bird waters, so there is a high chance of seeing several species during the hike. The water also flows out into Sandvikselva, where there are good opportunities to test your fishing luck in the summer. If you don't want to throw out the line in the Oslofjord, of course.

Ski fun for all ages

If you visit Sandvika in the winter and want to glide down the slopes on downhill skis, you have several options close to the hotel. Bærum’s largest alpine resort, Kolsås Skisenter, is 15 minutes away by car, and offers four lifts and slopes for the whole family, as well as a cafe in the cosy Kolsåsstua. Around five minutes away, you will also find Kirkerudbakken with its seven slopes, while Lommedalen Skisenter, which is particularly suitable for young skiers, is located around a quarter of an hour away from the hotel.

Summit hike to Kolsåstoppen

Despite the fact that Kolsåstoppen does not exceed 379 metres above sea level at its highest, the panoramic view you get from the top is spectacular! One of Bærum’s most famous landmarks offers views over Oslo, Bærum and the Oslofjord. Kolsåstoppen, which is actually an extinct volcano, is also very popular among climbers. A nice start to the hike leaves from Stein Gård, and the round trip takes around four hours. Remember the camera!

Tips! It is also just a short drive to the rest of Vestmarka, which offers excellent hiking opportunities during summer and winter. A good starting point is Kattås car park or Vestmarksetra car park.

Great golf opportunities

Whether you are an experienced golfer – or dream of becoming one – you will find several opportunities for hit and put balls in Bærum. Haga Golf, Bærum Golf Club, Lommedalen Golf Club and Ballerud Golf are all 10–15 minutes’ drive from Thon Hotel Oslofjord. Perfect if you need a break from the conference – or just want to enjoy the hotel holiday a little more.

Fun with arcade games

In the Folkebadet Arkade, you can immerse yourself in a living world of nostalgia and retro gaming fun. This is one of Norway’s largest arcades, with everything from classics such as Sega Rally to pinball. You can also challenge each other to a game of petanque on an indoor court, surrounded by living plants and a summery atmosphere all year round.