Tofte lies on the Hurum peninsula, on the western shore of the Oslofjord, where the fjord narrows towards the Drøbak strait. For decades, the village was dominated by a large pulp mill, which closed in 2013, and the community has since been adjusting to life without it. The surrounding landscape is one of forests, rocky shores and small bays, with views across the fjord to the eastern shore.
Just across the water, in the Drøbak strait, stands the Oscarsborg fortress, on two small islands. On the night of 9 April 1940, at the start of the German invasion of Norway, its old guns and torpedoes sank the German heavy cruiser Blücher, which was carrying troops and officials to occupy Oslo. The delay allowed the King, the government and the gold reserves to escape the capital, a turning point in the war for Norway. The fortress is now a museum, reached by ferry from Drøbak.
The Hurum peninsula is a quiet, rural area, with farms, forests and summer cottages along the shore. The beaches and rocky coves are popular for swimming in summer, and the views over the fjord are lovely, especially in the evening light.
For riders, the roads on Hurum are winding and scenic, following the shore and climbing through the forests, with gentle curves and very little traffic. Speed limits are low and enforced. Fuel and food are available in Tofte and the surrounding villages. As a photo stop, the views over the fjord towards Drøbak and Oscarsborg are memorable.