I am always surprised to learn that a fellow Oslo-dweller has never visited the islands. Hiding in plain sight out in the water, they somehow (camouflage?) manage to elude people. During a visit to Oslo, they make for the perfect alternative to the standard mainland sight-seeing. And on certain days, nice weather almost demands that you just pack some food and head down to Vippetangen to cast off for the afternoon. With a number of islands to choose from, however, it can be difficult to actually settle on a destination. While I’ve already shared my partiality for Langøyene, I have to admit that there’s another island which I actually visit more regularly: Hovedøya. Meaning “the head island” in Norwegian, Hovedøya is, in my opinion, one of Oslo’s best parks-it just happens to sit in the middle of a bay. Like Langøyene, it’s endowed with plenty of green space, rocky coasts and pebbly beaches to trapse around on and cold water to swim in. Still, it has its quirks-no, not another nude beach. Aside from offering a unique view of the city from the northern shore, Hovedøya is home to the ever-explorable ruins of a Cistercian monastery from 1147. Like other islands in the Oslofjord, Hovedøya is accessible with a city metro pass. It’s tempting to take one of the toursity fjord cruises offered near Aker Brygge, but you will always be better off, I believe, sticking to the boats part of the public transportation. Public transportation is, after all, the Norwegian way. Details about this spot (Show on map).jpg)
Image by Kelly McKowen
Hovedøya | Relaxing
Hovedøya | Centre
Always, check boat schedule
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