Beach guide to Drøbak

Badeparken

Badeparken and Parrstranda are located in downtown Drøbak. This is one of the finest bathing spots in the Inner Oslo Fjord, with diving towers, a beach volleyball court, floating docks, and playgrounds. Visitors can choose to relax on the large grassy area, sunbathe on the sandy beach, or find a more secluded spot on the rocky outcrop. The history of Badeparken is closely tied to the history of Drøbak town. In the late 1800s, Drøbak developed into an important seaside resort with several bathing facilities in Badeparken. The old "Herrebadet," which was part of the bathing complex and spa facilities built in 1900, has been restored and is now a lovely bathing spot. Badeparken and Parrstranda are also just a few minutes' walk from downtown Drøbak, which offers niche shops, galleries, cozy cafes, and attractions such as the Drøbak Aquarium, Christmas House, and Cartoonists' House. The nearest parking lot is Bankløkka, and the nearest bus stop is Drøbak Church.

Facilities: Parking, bus stop, toilets, showers, and a summer-operated kiosk.

Skiphelle

The family-friendly beach Skiphelle has a 150-meter long and shallow sandy beach, as well as a large grassy area. There is also a brand-new and beautiful seating area with barbecue facilities. On both sides of the beach, there are several rocky outcrops to sit on, as well as a small pier. There is also a floating dock that can be swum out to. Skiphelle has a large parking lot where it is free to park for 24 hours, making it an excellent place to park your camper van. Just off the Skiphelle beach, you can find parts of the cargo from the DS "Donau," a troop and slave ship that was sunk by resistance fighters Max Manus and Roy Nilsen. If you follow the coastal path towards Hvitsten, you will see a memorial plaque with information and pictures.

Facilities: Parking, toilets, and barbecue area.

Torkilstranda

Torkilstranda is located a ten-minute drive south of downtown Drøbak. The beach is surrounded by trees and offers both a grassy area, two small sandy beaches, a stair area, and beautiful rocky outcrops. The beach is equipped with toilets, a small summer-operated kiosk, and a parking lot right by Finsrud Gallery. Here, you can combine beach life with art experiences. This summer, visitors can enjoy the Finsrud Academy's summer exhibition, where local artist Reidar Finsrud's students showcase some of their works. Torkilstranda and Drøbaksundet also have very good and stable wind conditions, making it a popular spot for windsurfing and wingfoiling. Fri Flyt, a popular outdoor magazine, writes extensively about the new board sport of wingfoiling, and there is a large community of enthusiasts in Drøbak.

Facilities: Parking, toilets, summer-operated kiosk, and gallery.

Wingfoiling from Torkilstranda, Drøbak. Photo:Christian Nerdrum/Fri Flyt

Elleskjær

Elleskjær is a beautiful bathing spot located between Torkilstranda and Skiphelle. It features a sandy beach, a pier, a floating dock, rocky outcrops, and a lovely grassy area partially shaded by trees. From Elleskjær, you can also see the Elle fog bell tower from 1911, which is made of wood and built in Swiss chalet style. There is also a brand-new and beautiful seating area with barbecue facilities. There are two small parking lots on the road down to Elleskjær, and there is also summer parking available at Skrubben.

Facilities: Toilets, barbecue area, and parking lots.

Nordstranda

Nordstranda is also close to downtown Drøbak but still somewhat secluded on the road between Ringeplan and Husvik, right next to Sundbrygga where the ferry to Oscarsborg docks. It is a cozy and child-friendly sandy beach with a floating dock in the water that can be swum to. A local favorite close to the city center!

Facilities: Toilets and parking lot.

Sprostranda

Sprostranda is a small and idyllic beach located on Strandveien, just south of the city center. Here, you will find a child-friendly grassy area for play and excellent swimming opportunities. It is also a suitable spot for snorkeling.

Facilities: Small parking lot and toilets.

The small beach in Badehusgaten

A hidden gem and a local favorite, accessed via a small staircase next to Badehusgaten 21. The beach is a bit rocky, so it's advisable to bring water shoes. If you're lucky, you might have this little beach all to yourself. The nearest parking lot is Sjøtorget.

Kommandantens Badeplass at Oscarsborg

Kommandantens Badehus (Commander's Bathhouse) was built in 1948. The predecessor to the current building, which was located in the same spot, was called "Badehus for kvinner" (Bathhouse for Women) and was constructed in 1907. The bathhouse had a discreet location at a time when exposed female skin was deemed inappropriate for young soldiers. If you're interested, you can try the bathhouse, but be cautious of periods with strong currents. Remember to keep a close eye on children. There is also a small sandy beach for bathing. Another bathing spot and beach are located closer to the guest harbor at Oscarsborg.

Facilities: Oscarsborg guest harbor has toilets and the restaurant Havnakroa. There are boat connections to Oscarsborg from both Oslo and Drøbak.

Kjeppestadbukta

A beautiful rocky beach in a small bay, also suitable for overnight stays in a hammock. There are several trees down towards the beach, which you pass if you walk the coastal path from Hvitsten to Skiphelle. Sea kale, which is suitable for cooking, grows on the beach. Water shoes may come in handy!