Things To Do
in Moss

The central market square hosts vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods and seasonal treats — perfect for sampling local cheeses, berries and bread on market days.

In summer you’ll find small stalls near the quay offering grilled fish, shrimp sandwiches and pastries; these are casual, fresh and inexpensive ways to taste local flavours.

Norwegians value punctuality — arrive on time for tours, meetings and reservations.

Maintain a modest personal distance and avoid loud behaviour on public transport or in residential areas.

Hosts may ask you to remove shoes indoors; follow cues and carry clean socks or slippers if visiting homes.

Norway has strict waste sorting and strong environmental norms — follow recycling rules and avoid leaving litter in nature areas.

Tipping is not mandatory in Norway; service charges are generally included. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Card payments are the norm — contactless and chip cards are widely accepted. Mobile payment apps like Vipps are very common for small transactions and person-to-person payments. Cash is increasingly rare but still accepted in some small shops.

Long daylight hours, mild temperatures (often 18–25°C), and lively outdoor life: beaches, boating, open-air cafés and markets. Peak season brings more visitors on weekends, so book accommodations early for July. Expect comfortable evenings and frequent cultural events and concerts.

Crisp air and vibrant foliage in Mossemarka and on Jeløy; temperatures fall from comfortable to cool (5–15°C). Rain becomes more common — bring waterproof layers and sturdy shoes for muddy trails.

Cold, short days (−5 to 5°C typical) with occasional snow and icy conditions; town is quieter, and coastal winds can feel sharp. Dress in warm layers, wear grippy footwear for icy sidewalks, and check transport schedules in snowy weather.

Melting snow, budding trees and early wildflowers — a pleasant time for walks as trails dry out and daylight returns. Weather can be changeable, so layers and waterproofs are useful.

A loop along the coastal edge of Jeløy with beaches, rocky outcrops and viewpoints — accessible and family-friendly with photographic opportunities.

A network of forest paths and tracks with lakes and lookouts — good for walking, running and, in winter, cross-country skiing when there is snow.

Trails around the Vansjø lake system offer peaceful waterside walks, birdwatching and opportunities for fishing or canoeing in summer.

Short, curated walks around the gallery and sculpture park that combine cultural stops with planted gardens and fjord views.

The majority population — long-term residents, families and retirees who form the core of the community and local culture.

People who live in Moss and commute to Oslo or other nearby towns for work; this group helps drive daytime activity and public transport demand.

Moss has diverse immigrant populations from Eastern Europe, South Asia and beyond, contributing cultural variety and businesses to the town.

Due to galleries and repurposed industrial spaces, a visible creative community of artists, makers and cultural professionals is present.

Football is widely followed and played; local clubs and youth teams are active and matches are community events.

With its coastal position on the Oslofjord, sailing, day-boating and dinghy clubs are popular in summer.

When snow permits, cross-country skiing in Mossemarka and surrounding forests is a common winter activity.

Handball is a popular indoor sport across Norway and enjoyed at local clubs and schools.

Vegetarian options are increasingly common: cafés and many restaurants offer salads, vegetarian open sandwiches and seasonal vegetable dishes, though explicitly vegetarian restaurants are limited.

Vegan choices exist but can be limited outside bigger cities — talk to staff about ingredient substitutions; larger cafés and some restaurants provide vegan soups, salads and plant-based sandwiches.

Gluten-free bread and pastry options are available in many cafés; Norwegian kitchens are generally accommodating but always mention gluten allergies explicitly.

Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon in Moss; for other allergies, staff are used to accommodating requests but confirm cross-contamination and ingredient details when necessary.