Looking for an off-beat, nature-filled getaway? Let me introduce you to Moss, Norway. I spent a week here in summer, housesitting through Trusted Housesitters for two cute kitties. It wasn’t somewhere I’d considered visiting before, but I had a lovely time. Here’s your guide to visiting Moss.
Where is Moss?
Moss is about 65 kilometers south of Oslo, on the Outer Oslofjord, and about halfway between Oslo and the Swedish border. The easiest way to get here is by train – regular trains run from Oslo Central Station to Moss, and take about 35-40 minutes. The closest airport is Oslo Airport, which is easy to get to by train from Moss. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Planning Your Trip to Moss
While you can visit Moss as a day trip, it’s also nice to visit for a weekend break – especially to make the most of the nature around Jeløy. I was housesitting during my stay in Moss, so didn’t personally stay in normal accommodation – but here are a few options!
- Hotel Riviera – this modern spa hotel has a rooftop pool, sea-view rooms, and a sandy beach right out the door
- Moss Hotel and Apartments – this property boasts clean, comfortable rooms, friendly staff and an excellent central location
- Hotel Refsnes Gods – this art-focused hotel is in an 18th-century mansion with a beautiful garden on Jeløy
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What to Do in Moss
There isn’t a huge tourist scene in Moss, but that’s exactly what makes it so pleasant to explore. Moss has a smattering of attractions around the town, plus access to the pretty island of Jeløy. Here are my top picks for what to see and do in Moss!
Relax at Nesparken
This was by far my favorite part of Moss. This park is centered around a pretty lake, with plenty of trails and multiple spots for swimming. There’s a sandy beach that’s popular with families. I loved the view over the lake from the trail up from Rundhuset.
Visit Bytårnet
This impressive stone tower is 16 meters high, and was built in 1920 in commemoration of the city’s 200th anniversary. Stone from the local area was used to build the structure. The tower is usually closed to the public, however this summer it was open to the public for a few hours on weekends. Check the city website for more.
Explore Møllebyen
I loved wandering around this industrial area in Moss – the name translates to the “mill city” in Norwegian. It’s the former city center, and many of the large brick buildings were once used for milling. Now, it’s home to the Moss City and Industrial Museum (which houses interactive exhibits on the city’s history), the library, and a movie theater. Be sure to see Mossefossen (waterfall) nearby.
Jump off Stupetårnet Moss
There are 50-some beaches around Moss, but this diving platform is a great spot if you want to make an entrance and jump into the water. It was built in 2020 for the city’s 300th anniversary, and is a popular spot for swimming on a warm summer’s day.
Eat and Drink at Nobel Café
There are a number of restaurants and cafes in the city, but if you have to pick one, it should be Nobel Café. This is a great spot for lunch, brunch, or just coffee – it’s located in a grand historic building with a trendy interior.
Admire Moss Canal
This is another scenic area in Moss – the canal connects Moss on the mainland with the island of Jeløy. I loved the colorful buildings here and watching the boats go through the canal!
See the Keepers of the Faith at Sjøbadet
This fascinating art sculpture is located at Sjøbadet, the main city beach in Moss. It’s a shallow, sandy beach, with lots of grassy areas for relaxing. The artwork is formed of four statues, placed on steel pillars, that stick up out of the water. The artist, Bruce Naigles, says it’s a “tribute to the joy of life, and to those, whom despite life’s hardships and challenges have chosen to keep their faith in it.”
Take the Ferry to Horten
Foot passengers travel for free on the ferry – so if you want to do a boat trip in Norway at no cost, this is a good option! The ferry travels past Jeløy, with views of Oslo Outerfjord, before docking at Horten. See the historic military buildings at Karljohansvern, which was established in 1818 and now houses several museums.
What to Do on Jeløy
I simply loved Jeløy – it was the real highlight of visiting Moss for me! I felt like I was in the Norwegian countryside here, until a ferry went past or I remembered I was just 40 minutes from the capital city. If you’re visiting Moss, be sure to explore Jeløy!
Visit Galleri F15
Galleri F15 is a contemporary art museum, with a range of different exhibitions. It’s a must-visit for art lovers in this part of Norway. Stop by their café, Alby Kafe, for tasty sweet treats.
Hike the Trails
I hiked many of the trails on the southern part of the island, part of which is in a nature reserve. They’re well-made and relatively easy to follow – I wore my hiking boots, but I could have just worn trainers without issue. There were great views out to the fjord, beaches lining the coast, and peaceful paths through the forest. Sadly, I didn’t have time to explore the trails in the north of Jeløy, but there are nice ones there, too!
Swim at Albystranda or Bredebukt
These were two nice beaches on the southern part of Jeløy. Albystranda is close to Galleri F15 and has easy access to the water plus a basic toilet. Bredebukt is quieter, with more rocks/pebbles. Either are a fantastic choice for watching the sunset. If you want a beach option that’s closer to Moss, Sølystranda near the marina is a popular choice.
Moss wasn’t a destination I’d planned on visiting. If it hadn’t been for my housesit, I probably wouldn’t have gone! But I really enjoyed the city, and experiencing a place in Norway beyond the tourist hotspots. I hope this post helps planning your trip to Moss!
Have you been to Moss? What were your favorite things around the city?
You might like my posts:
How to See Puffins on the Island of Runde, Norway
The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Full-Time Housesitter with Trusted Housesitters
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