This Is Santa Claus' Real Village Where It's Christmas All Year Long

So you think you know Santa Claus? Don’t be so sure. For instance, did you know that Santa was born beneath a rock in Vindfangerbukta, north of Drobak, several hundred years ago? No? Well, that’s okay – the good people of Drobak, a charming town on the east side of the Oslo Fjord (just half an hour outside Oslo), are happy to tell you all about it. See, in Drobak, Santa’s presence can be felt everywhere, no matter what time of the year it is.

365 days of Christmas

No one really knows how this tradition started, but Drobak is the only all-year Christmas town in Norway – and its twinkly, beating heart is definitely Tregaarden’s Julehus. Opened in 1988 in a building that dates back to 1877, the ‘Christmas House’ is every child’s (and nostalgic grownup’s) dream come true: a place where it’s always Christmas, even in the middle of the summer. In Julehus, you can shop Christmas ornaments and toys to your heart’s content, but also stock up on candles, tablecloths, napkins and everything else you can think of. Moreover, Tregaarden’s Christmas House has its own post office, so you can send postcards to your loved ones, adorned with a special stamp, when they least expect it.

Watch out for Santa!

Not just about Christmas

Even if the idea of 365 days of Christmas doesn’t excite you (do you even have a heart?), there are many other interesting things to do in Drobak. The town has its own aquarium (situated in the same building as the Tourist Information Office), several art galleries and a wooden church that was built in 1776. However, probably the most impressive sight is a 10-minute ferry ride away: the Oscarsborg Fortress. Built in 1853 and named after King Oscar I, it played a crucial role in sinking a Nazi heavy cruiser during World War II. Add that to the fact that Drobak is only a short ferry or bus ride from Oslo, and you may have found your next favourite getaway. Ho ho ho!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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