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
Once you step inside the hotel reception, Kafé Lucy warmly welcomes you, immediately setting the tone for a relaxed, casual and enjoyable visit.
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Here you'll find Italian sausages, British teas, French cheeses, Russian caviar, locally sourced meats, fresh fish, baked goods and much much more.
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Under one roof, you'll find a diverse selection of venues. Navigate the grand halls to discover everything from aquavit and whiskey to exotic cocktails.
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Here you can discover Norwegian films, foreign films, cult classics, regular 35mm screenings and family matinees. They also organize special film events.
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With 34 beer taps offering local and international brands, there's a beer to suit every taste. And they provide beer tasting samples!
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Made up of 150,000 LED light bulbs that changes color, this massive 14-meter-tall luminescent installation is made by American artist Alexander Green.
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The sculpture park was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and the sculptures are playful, inviting the audience to sit, climb or crawl into them.
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"Farine" in Kampen, one of Oslo's most charming neighborhoods, is a lovely bakery in a peculiar yellow house. Its kardamommebolle are now local favorites!
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R21 is located in the center of Oslo and is home to "Grafill", an organisation for students/workers in graphic design, illustration, animation and more...
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"Happy Foods" Cafe in Oslo is just a couple of minutes away from Frogner Parken and the name couldn't describe this plant-based place better!
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"KUMI" in Oslo's Bjørvika is the perfect spot for a relaxed vegan/vegetarian breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack. Come enjoy the sea breeze!
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"Koie Ramen Munch" makes the tastiest ramen I have discovered in Oslo so far. The portions are big and the steaming broth packed with flavor!
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115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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