Island-Hopping in Oslo Fjord

Did you know that there are several islands located in the fjord just outside Oslo’s city center? One of the best ways to sightsee in Oslo is to hop on the public ferries and explore the islands of the inner Oslo Fjord!

Getting to the islands

All of the islands listed here are easily accessible with the Ruter ferries, which are included in a daily public transportation ticket. The ferries leave from the dock right outside Oslo City Hall.

The islands of inner Oslo Fjord

The following islands are all of the ones you can reach with a basic Ruter public transportation ticket. Visit one, a few, or all of them!

Hovedøya

If you are interested in both history and hanging out on the beach, you should visit the island of Hovedøya. On this island, you can find the ruins of the Cistercian Order monastery, dating from 1147, and several cannon encampments from the 1800s. After exploring the ruins, you can go for a swim or barbecue in one of the designated areas. 

If you don’t want to barbecue, there are several places to eat on the island. In the summer, Klosterkroa cafe serves snacks and light meals near the old monastery ruins. There is also an à la carte restaurant called Revierhavnen Kro located on the north of the island.

Another summer activity on this island is visiting the art exhibitions in Lavetthuset, one of the former military buildings near the ferry landing.

Langøyene

This island is very popular for its beaches and short hikes and is the only one on this list where wild camping is allowed. It is the furthest island from the dock in Oslo, and only one ferry stops here, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly!

Gressholmen, Rambergøya, and Heggholmen

Much of the area of the three connected islands of Gressholmen, Rambergøya, and Heggholmen is a nature reserve. Gressholmen-Rambergøya and Heggholmen Nature Reserve was established in 1992 and covers 333 acres, 186 of which are on land. This nature reserve protects valuable geological deposits, distinctive vegetation, and important resting spots for migratory birds.

On Heggholmen, you can find Heggholmen lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in Oslo Fjord. You can also find traces of a small industrial community that existed on Gressholmen in the late 1800s. In the summer, you can grab a bite at the restaurant Gressholmen Kro.

Lindøya

Lindøya has more of a residential feel, as it mainly contains summer cabins. There are also two beaches with swimming platforms on the southwest side of the island, and these beaches are both open to the public. Like Gressholmen, Rambergøya, and Heggholmen, most of the island is also a nature reserve. 

One attraction on Lindøya is Stamhuset, a distinctive old inn building dating back to the 1700s, which can be found on the east side of the island. The island also features a swimming stadium dating from 1949.

Bleikøya and Nakholmen

These two islands are also mostly residential. Although you can spend the day at the beach here, note that some facilities are only open to cabin owners with keys.

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These are all of the islands included in a basic Ruter public transportation ticket. A ferry trip to one (or more) of these islands is definitely a must-do when you visit Oslo, especially if you’re there in the summer!

For more free things to do during your trip to Oslo, check out Norway on a Budget: Top 9 Free Things to Do in Oslo!

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