Jun 4, 2025

Ruter Boats Oslo

Boats to the islands

"The "Ruter Boats" take you to the Oslo islands where locals have their holiday homes. I recommend the restaurant Villa Malla in the fjord on a sunny day!"

Oslo is at the end of a long fjord, with lots of islands of varying sizes. In fact, many Oslo locals have their summer cabins on these islands so that they can easily escape to their summer retreat. The public transport company in Oslo, “Ruter”, runs regular summer services to these islands in addition to their regular commuter routes which run all year round.

The boats go from the pier at Aker Brygge, close to the town hall, and operate on the same ticket system as the bus and tram so it’s very handy to buy them through the app (your period ticket is also valid if you bought one of those). The closest island is Hovedøya (main island) which is not inhabited but perfect for a walk and a bite to eat in the café. In the summer I like swimming from the beaches on the western side.

During winter you really get a feel for how exposed to the elements Oslo is and how cold and grey the sea can be. 

Being on the water gives you a very different view of the city and the local commuter boats give you the experience on the cheap!

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Stranden 1

One-way from:

NOK

30

Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Oslo guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Oslo

Reading Booth

The world´s smallest library

These tiny reading sanctuaries are open 24/7 to anyone passionate about books. All the books are cost-free, and usually in good condition.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Synne

Dalen

Jun 24, 2025

Nordic Black Theater

African heritage in Norway

"Nordic Black Theater" goes to show how Oslo is a very multicultural city: this theater and cultural venue specializes in artists from the Global South...

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 24, 2025

Ullevål Hageby

True hyggelig neighborhood

"Ullevål Hageby" in Oslo was inspired by the English concept of the Garden City. Originally meant for the working class, today it makes for a cozy walk!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 24, 2025

Melahuset

The home of Melafestivalen

"Melahuset" is one of the flagships of Oslo's live music scene and home of the famous Melafestivalen...

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 24, 2025

Bonita Blomster

Coffee and Flowers

For over a decade, this Colombian family has been importing long-stemmed roses and coffee beans from Bogotá to Oslo, ensuring optimal quality & freshness.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Synne

Dalen

Jun 20, 2025

SebastienBruno

Sugar paradise

Immerse yourself in the French chocolate craftsmanship, where each bite tells a tale of creativity, and a commitment to redefining the chocolate landscape.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Synne

Dalen

Jun 20, 2025

Bogstadgård

A historical pearl in West Oslo

"Bogstadgård" is an impressive, historic manor from the 18th c. It combines what I like about Oslo: beautiful architecture, surrounded by forests.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Grønn Cafe

The colorful heart of Lilleaker

"Grønn Cafe" has been my local neighborhood café since I moved to Oslo - it's a place I stop by to grab a delicious coffee on the go or to meet a friend!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Vøienvolden Gård

Historical Oslo farm

"Vøienvolden Gård" is the best-preserved gårdstun (small farm cluster) in Oslo. You have to come here if you like the typical Norwegian red architecture!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Stovnertårnet

The longest tower in Norway

"Stovnertårnet" in the outskirts of Oslo is not the highest in Norway, but it's definitely the longest: it's a 265-meter windy walk to go up 15 meters!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Linderud Gård

Historical manor of Groruddalen

"Linderud Gård" in Northeastern Oslo is an elegant manor surrounded by graceful gardens, the best preserved of many 18th-century rural estates...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Albertine Spiseri

Best meze in town

"Albertine Spiseri" is a simple, hidden, typical neighborhood restaurant in Oslo. It's easily accessible and has honest & delicious Mediterranean food!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Rodrigo

Braz Vieira

Jun 20, 2025

Heading to Oslo?

115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Oslo?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

115 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Oslo

Our team loves Oslo

Get to know our other Spotters from Oslo

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7288
Filters