The ISS arranges a number of weekend excursions to culturally interesting and scenic areas of Norway (departure Saturday approx. 08:00, return Sunday approx. 22:00). All students have the opportunity to participate in one weekend excursion covered by the basic fee (excursion to Bergen not included). Please note that excursions are not transferable.

As long as there is space available, students are welcome to go on additional weekend excursions or bring their guests; but these must be paid for prior to the excursion.

Telemark - Culture and Scenery
This excursion takes in some of the most outstanding views of the county of Telemark, including a visit to the 13th century Heddal stave church and to a historic farm as an introduction to the rich culture of Telemark. There will be a visit to the old canal system used to transport timber from the mountains to the coast. There will also be a stop at Vemork, the Industrial Workers’ Museum, a hike into old silver mines and a visit to the 17th century baroque church of Kongsberg.

Lake Mjøsa - a Cross Section of Norway
Lake Mjøsa is Norway's largest lake and is surrounded by important agricultural areas. This excursion tours through these areas with stops at historic sites such as the city of Hamar and its medieval cathedral ruins. A voyage on Lake Mjøsa with the steampaddler Skibladner, still in service after well over a century, gives a unique opportunity to view the cultural landscape from the lake. Participants stay overnight in the city of Lillehammer, which is famous for its large folk museum Maihaugen and also as host to the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Jotunheimen - Hiking and Rafting in the National Park
The mountain area of Jotunheimen is said to be the «Home of the Giants» in Norwegian folklore. The national park includes many mountains, rivers and glaciers. On the excursions to this area there will be a reindeer safari, mountain hiking and whitewater rafting.

The Oslo Fjord - A Trip to the Sea and to Norwegian History
This excursion combines historical sightseeing with a chance to experience the beautiful coastline around the Oslo Fjord. On the west side of the fjord we will visit the huge burial mounds from the pre-Viking Age at Borre, Tønsberg’s hill fortress which is sometimes called "the Acropolis of Norway", and Sandefjord with its rich maritime traditions. A cruise ship takes us to the other side of the fjord where we will visit the historic city centre of Fredrikstad, inside the best-preserved fortification you can find in the Nordic countries. The final stop is Drøbak, a charming village strategically placed close to where the Oslo Fjord is just a narrow strait.

Bergen - Art and History (Long Weekend Trip, July 11–15, 2007)
The bus trip from Oslo to Bergen and back, which takes up two and a half days of the excursion and includes a boat ride on the Sognefjord, provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the beautiful and wild Norwegian mountain and fjord landscape. The two days spent in Bergen include visits to numerous places of national and local interest; Haakon’s Hall, the fish market, the Rasmus Meyer Collection, Bergen Municipal Art Gallery, Lysøen and the home of the composer Edvard Grieg.

Please note that the price for this excursion listed in the section Fees and Expenses is not included in the Basic or Additional Fees. Fees for the long weekend excursion have to be paid upon registration. Last possibility for canceling the trip and getting a refund is July 2, 2007. The excursion can only be arranged for a minimum of 55 participants. This trip is strongly recommended for students in art history and history courses.

Local Excursions

Hiking trip in the Oslo forests
A distinctive feature within the boundaries of Oslo and adjacent municipalities are extensive forest areas (Marka) with paths and lakes available to the public for leisure activities. A guided hiking trip into these areas is organized with the aim of introducing interested students to the numerous possibilities for hiking, swimming, camping and overnight stays at cabins.

Boat trip on the Oslo Fjord
The Oslo Fjord with its many small islands is a popular resort area. Boat trips arranged by the ISS familiarize students with the opportunities for recreation on the Oslo Fjord beaches and islands.