Beyond Oslo
The Oslofjord islands: the back story
The back story
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Ryan Hodnett · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia CommonsAbout The Oslofjord islands: the back story
The inner Oslofjord is scattered with islands a short ferry ride from the city: Hovedøya, with the ruins of a medieval monastery and beaches; Gressholmen, Heggholmen and Rambergøya, joined together, with one of the oldest lighthouses on the fjord on Heggholmen; and Lindøya and Langøyene beyond. Ruter’s boats serve them on the city’s tickets.
Getting there
Ruter’s boats leave the harbour for the islands; Gressholmen, Heggholmen and Rambergøya from the City Hall pier. Check the seasonal timetable on ruter.no.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Wilhelm Joys Andersen from Oslo, Norway · CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia CommonsThe islands
Hovedøya for the monastery ruins and beaches; Gressholmen for Gressholmen Kro and the lighthouse on Heggholmen. Oslo Municipality has warned of pollution from an old shooting range on parts of Gressholmen and Rambergøya: follow its advice on site.
The island boats run on Ruter tickets and the Oslo Pass.
Our advice: take a picnic and the morning boat on a summer weekday.
Why it's on our list
- Getting there
- The islands
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Oslofjord islands: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from The Oslofjord islands: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 14 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Akershus Fortress1.2 kmWalk 15 minCycle 5 minCar or taxi 8 min
- MUNCH1.5 kmWalk 19 minCycle 6 minCar or taxi 9 min
- The Opera House1.6 kmWalk 20 minCycle 7 minCar or taxi 9 min
- Fram Museum2.3 kmWalk 29 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 11 min
- The Royal Palace2.5 kmWalk 32 minCycle 11 minCar or taxi 11 min
- Vigeland Park4.1 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Holmenkollen8.7 kmCycle 37 minCar or taxi 26 min
Main railway stations
- Oslo S1.9 kmWalk 24 minCycle 8 minCar or taxi 10 min
- Nationaltheatret2.2 kmWalk 28 minCycle 10 minCar or taxi 10 min