Hovedøya

Overview

Hovedøya is located in the Oslo Fjord and is the closest island to the city centre. It boasts a fantastic beach, large field, hiking trails, and cafe. In the middle of the island, there are ruins of a Cistercian monastery from 1147.

The main paths throughout the island are wide and made of gravel, while the smaller trails in the forest are predominantly dirt. The island has a diverse landscape and geography, which is why sections of it are nature reserves. There are many great places to picnic or grill. Make sure you catch the last ferry back to the city because camping isn’t allowed.

Transport from Oslo

Take ferry number B1/B2/B3 from Rådhusbrygge 4 [City Hall Pier 4] (located near the “Rådhuset”, “Aker Brygge”, and “Nationaltheatret” public transportation stops) to Hovedøya. Ferry number B1 runs all-year long, but the best time to visit the islands is anytime between May and September. These ferries are operated by Ruter, so there is no need to buy an additional ticket if you already hold a Ruter pass.

Amenities

• Toilets (free)
  
• Kiosk