Not a fjord in the geological sense, the Oslo Fjord is actually a vast expanse of water stretching south from the Norwegian capital for nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles). Almost half of Norway's population lives within an hour’s drive of the fjord, so there’s plenty to see along the shoreline, from islands and skerries to major towns and cities.
The picturesque coastal town Drøbak marks the entrance to the inner Oslo Fjord, where the waterway narrows and the islands are increasingly inhabited. Seagulls, oystercatchers, terns and geese are commonly sighted along these waters, as are countless fishing vessels.
The Oslo Fjord region is the warmest part of Norway, and on summer days locals dash to their boats to make the most of the sunshine. Many Norwegians own distinctive wooden cabins on the coastline or islands. The agreeable climate has attracted settlers since the days of the Stone Age and Bronze Age: Some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships were discovered on these shores.
The fjord was a strategically important waterway in World War II, and as such, historical monuments and former military installations are commonplace.