Hunderfossen Family Park with lots of trolls!

For those traveling north from Oslo, the Hunderfoss Family Park, about 3 hours by car from Vollen, at Lillehammer, is just great for children, big and small. There are dozens of great activities for each age group but perhaps this park is most famous for the big Fairytale cave where children and adults can enjoy reliving some of the most famous fairytales, involving princesses, kings, princes and TROLLS!

You will find lots of information about the park throughout the year and also about the Hunderfossen Snowhotell on the Hunderfossen website

Kardemomme Town in the Zoo park near Kristiansand

Kristiansand is too far for a day trip from Vollen but if you are driving the coast road to Stavanger, and have small children, this is a fun destination. A few kilometers outside the city of Kristiansand, there is a Zoological park which is very well worth a visit. However this park is also famous for its replica of Kardemomme town. Kardemomme By is one of the most loved children’s story books in Norway. It’s full title in English is “When the robbers came to Cardamom Town” and it would be hard to find a child here who could not sing some of the songs in the story. The main theme is “You should not bother others, you should be nice and kind, and otherwise you may do as you like.”
But this is a story with lots of fun, laughter and drama – including a lion, a midnight raid of the town angry woman, a fire and a town party. During the summer you can visit the houses, meet the characters and even join in a tram ride or watch a theatre play of the story.

You will find lots of information about the Kardemomme town and the zoo park on the website

Tusenfryd Amusement Park

Tusenfryd Amusement Park is open from spring to autumn. In 2019, the park opens on the 27th April. During May, the park is open only at weekends and on public holidays but you must always check opening times and also if the park is closed for special arrangements.

Kayaking on the Oslo fjord

At Bærum Maritime Senter, 15 minutes drive from Vollen, you can rent kayaks between March and November. Opening hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00 – 18:00 and Saturdays & Sunday 10:00 – 16:00. Kayaks can be rented for two hours or 24 hours at a time. Kayaks must be picked up within opening hours, but can be returned at a time that suits you. Season passes are also available.

Rental price: 2 hours: NOK 350,- 24 hours 500,- and weekend 1000,-
Booking by telephone 907 39 009 or e-mail <br.thorsvik@gmail.com>

Bærum Maritime Centre is located at Solvik Marina at Høvik west of Oslo, and the surrounding area is ideal for kayaking. It is possible to spend the night on many of the nearby islands.

Drive to the End of the World (Verdens Ende)

The name is perhaps a little dramatic, but that what the southernmost point of the island of Tjøme is called. Two of our guests from the Netherlands drove down one windy afternoon in March and thoroughly recommended making the trip. Verdens Ende is reached by driving from Vollen to Tønsberg, crossing the bridge to the island of Nøtterøy and then across another bridge unto the island of Tjøme. These islands are a paradise in the summer months but winds and gales in other seasons make the experience even more thrilling as the waves from the Skaggerak break onto the polished rocks of the shores. Many of the art galleries, kiosks and booths are closed outside the summer season but there are restaurants such as Verdens Ende Spiseriet which has an absolutely amazing panoramic view of the sea. This restaurant is open daily from 12:00 – 19:00 but closed on Mondays.

The restaurant can be seen in the middle of the photo, up on the top of the rocks.

Even on a fine July day, it can be pretty windy right out at the end of the island. Best to bring a light jacket and it’s always possible to find a sheltered spot for some sun-bathing…

On fine days you might see wedding groups having photographs taken at The End of the World

The restaurant is especially popular on fine days but cosy and with spectacular views in stormy weather.

Oslo Town Hall (Oslo rådhus)

The City Hall, Oslo Rådhus, is situated in Pipervika, right by the harbour where the ferry boat from Vollen docks.
Oslo Rådhus has characteristic architecture, (known to the citizens as the blocks of goat cheese), artworks and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held on 10 December, and this all makes the City Hall one of Oslo’s most famous buildings. It was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. The roof of the eastern tower has a 49-bell carillon which plays every hour.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. From July 1st until August 31st, the City Hall is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During the summer the City Hall General Services offer free guided tours of the Oslo City Hall. The tours are held every day at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., from June 1 throughout August. Visitors are asked to meet at the bottom of the stairs in the City Hall.

In the picture, you can see the famous full rigged sailing ship, the Christian Radich which is often moored in the harbour just south of the City Hall.