As you step onto the ferry from Aker Brygge close to the Town Hall, you will quickly feel the nice summer breeze and smell of fresh saltwater. A perfect short little getaway from the noisy and touristy places downtown brings you to a hand full of islands in the skerries of Oslo. During the spring and summer seasons, the schedules of the ferries are quite frequent, docking at several islands. Either you enjoy long and bright pre-summer evenings in May and June or you are visiting during the warmer summer months of July and August, I recommend a stop at Gressholmen.
Here you can explore the lush island, with a nature reserve, several great places to go swimming, sunbathe, and relax on characteristic rock-based beach spots. The heart of the island, restaurant Gressholmen Kro, is only a 5 minutes’ walk from the dock and impossible to miss. It is a perfect place to just sit and relax, drink a cold beer or enjoy some fresh seafood. The restaurant has a simple but complete menu that you can enjoy with the feeling of being accompanied by locals and foreigners that wants to get away from the crowded public Oslo beaches while observing the city from a perfect distance. Memories of a great, bright evening fill you with inspiration as you take in the views of the city harbor line in the ferry on the way back.
During the winter season, the restaurant is closed, but Gressholmen is still worth a visit.
Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Ingierstrand" in Oslo is a nice beach southeast of the city with a characteristic diving tower. I love going there by bike in summer...
by
If you're going to Oslo's Nordmarka for some quality Norwegian forest time, make a point to swing by "Ullevålseter" cabin for a well-deserved waffle...
by
"Andre Til Høyre" in Oslo feels like a home party. It's a sophisticated apartment (complete with kitchen and hall) that's really a cocktail bar!
by
The newly refurbished "Jordal Activity Park" in Oslo is a great place to do activity workouts and play around, both for adults and children!
by
"Kuba Bridge" in Oslo is a short little bridge that is protected by this large tree (which is lit at night!) and brings together the whole community!
by
Going bathing in the river in Nydalen in Oslo is one of my favorite summer activities. Come join the locals looking for a refresher in their backyards!
by
Grains Bakeri is also a pastry shop that embodies a passion for food, high-quality ingredients, and handmade delicacies crafted with care by pastry chefs.
by
If I could recommend only one place for food lovers to visit in Oslo, it would be Kampen Bistro. I love the atmosphere, the leisurely pace, the food...
by
"Café Fiasco" is next to Oslo Plaza and the perfect spot for watching all kinds of stories unfold. It's also one of my favorite burger joints around.
by
115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 115 Insider Tips