Sights · Our pick in Oslo
The monastery ruins on Hovedøya
Founded in 1147
The ruins of a Cistercian monastery of 1147, on a green island a short ferry ride away.
Photo Credit
In the area: The sloping white roof and glass foyer of the Oslo Opera House on the water. Image courtesy of © Pierre Blaché · CC0 via Wikimedia CommonsPhotos of The monastery ruins on Hovedøya coming soonSee photos on Google Maps
About The monastery ruins on Hovedøya
English Cistercian monks from Kirkstead in Lincolnshire arrived on Hovedøya in May 1147 with their abbot, Philippus, and built a monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was pillaged and burned in 1532, and its ruins were excavated in 1845–47; today they lie in green fields a short ferry ride from the centre, VisitOSLO records.
Our take
- Medieval
- A ferry ride away
- Address
- Hovedøya, Oslo
- Website
- visitoslo.com
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The monastery ruins on Hovedøya before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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