Hovedøya, Gressholmen and Langøyene on an ordinary Ruter ticket
The Oslofjord is the city’s summer living room. From Aker Brygge (the City Hall pier) the Ruter ferries run out to the islands all year — frequently from May to September — and they cost the same as a bus ticket. Sørenga, Tjuvholmen and Bygdøy offer swimming straight from the city, and the floating saunas in Bjørvika stay open in winter too.
The islands
Hovedøya is the closest and most visited: the ruins of the Cistercian monastery from 1147, swimming coves, a summer café and trails around the whole island. Gressholmen has a sandy beach, rabbit history and peace; Lindøya is the island of summer cabins with a kiosk and beaches. Langøyene, furthest out, has the largest beach, free camping and barbecue spots — a classic Oslo summer night.
The ferries (lines B1–B4) take 5–25 minutes. Check the last departure back before you settle on the rocks — they run less often in the evening.
Swimming in the city
Sørenga seawater pool in Bjørvika is the city beach: floating jetties, a children’s pool and lawns, five minutes from Oslo S. Tjuvholmen has a swimming spot by Astrup Fearnley, and on Bygdøy you find Huk (also a naturist beach) and Paradisbukta with sand and smooth rocks. The water holds 18–22 °C in July–August.
All year round: KOK and other sauna rafts in Bjørvika and at Sukkerbiten combine sauna and ice bathing in the fjord — book ahead.
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5–25 min
Ferry time from Aker Brygge
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Ruter ticket
Same price as bus/tram
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1147
Monastery on Hovedøya founded
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18–22 °C
Water temperature July–August
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Last ferry
In the evening the ferries run less often, and Langøyene has the fewest departures. Check the Ruter app for your return before you head out — or bring a tent to Langøyene.
Tips
- 🧺Bring food and water — only Hovedøya and Lindøya have any catering, and only in summer.
- 🔥Barbecue only at designated spots; open fires are banned in forests and fields 15 April–15 September.
- 🚲Bikes are not allowed on the islands — but the fjord promenade from Bygdøy to Sørenga is a great ride.
- 🚤Want to go further: the Nesodden boat leaves from the same pier and gives you a fjord cruise for a bus fare.
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