Sailing across the calm waters of the inner harbor on a public ferry to hop between the historic islands of the Oslofjord feels like discovering a peaceful, natural world just minutes from the city center. The ferry lines connect a series of small, green islands such as Hovedøya, Gressholmen, and Lindøya each offering a completely different vibe. You can explore medieval monastery ruins, walk through quiet nature reserves filled with wild nesting birds, or relax next to colorful, traditional Norwegian summer cabins.
The excursion offers a wonderfully slow, breezy escape from the city’s concrete avenues, allowing you to walk forest paths and find quiet stony beaches looking out over the open sea.
One fun fact people love:
The island of Lindøya features exactly 300 bright, color-coded summer cabins (painted in strict shades of red, yellow, and green) that are highly regulated to preserve the historic aesthetic of the fjord.
Where in Oslo is it?
Located in the inner Oslofjord, immediately south of the city center.
How to reach:
Take the public Ruter passenger ferries directly from the Rådhusbrygge 4 pier (located right behind the Oslo City Hall).
Best time to visit:
June to August when the summer weather is warm enough for picnics, hiking, and swimming off the island rocks.
Best time of day:
Morning at 10:00 AM to maximize your daylight hours and explore multiple islands before the afternoon warmth sets in.
Entry fee:
Completely free to walk the islands; the ferry ride is fully included in the standard Oslo public transit ticket (approx. NOK 40 for a single ticket).
Commute difficulty:
Easy; involves boarding modern passenger ferries followed by gentle walking along dirt paths on the islands.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- There are virtually no shops or cafes on the smaller islands, so you must pack your own food, snacks, and plenty of water for a picnic.
- Hovedøya features the stone ruins of a Cistercian monastery built in 1147, which has been slowly reclaimed by wild trees and grass.
- The ferry schedules vary significantly between weekdays and weekends; always check the Ruter transit app to avoid missing the last boat back.
