The cruiser was transporting German soldiers and bureaucrats for the planned swift occupation of Oslo, but the Battle of Drøbak Sound, resulting in the sinking by the Oscarsborg fortress delayed this, and thus allowed for the evacuation of the Norwegian royal family, parliament, and cabinet, and for the nation's gold reserves to be denied the occupiers.

[2] From early on Drøbak had ferries that crossed the fjord, in modern times it has largely been replaced by the Oslofjordtunnel.

Often, as many as four or five cruise ships visit each day, in addition to all the regular traffic, it has made Drøbak a popular sea-side tourist spot.

However, the numerous restaurants, art galleries and mild summers are probably more important factors for visiting tourists.

In the marina at the approach to Drøbak is a sculpture, made by Reidar Finsrud, cast in bronze of three mermaids sitting on a rock.

[5] lfish is open to the public and shows live video footage of the sea life in the fjord where fish, lobster and crab are often visible for the aquarium visitors.

The church was a gift from timber merchant, landowner and shipowner Niels Carlsen (1734–1809) and his wife Martha Zachariassen (1743–1821).