Hovedøya Swimming Area: A Serene Coastal Escape
Discover Hovedøya Swimming Area, Oslo's tranquil beach retreat, where sun, sea, and history blend seamlessly for an unforgettable experience.
Nestled just off the coast of Oslo, Hovedøya Swimming Area offers an idyllic retreat for sun-seekers and water enthusiasts alike. This public beach is easily accessible from Oslo harbor, making it a convenient getaway where visitors can bask in the sun, swim in the refreshing waters, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a relaxed setting. With its picturesque surroundings and family-friendly atmosphere, Hovedøya is the perfect spot for a day of fun and relaxation by the sea.
A brief summary to Hovedøya swimming area
- Hovedøya, Oslo, Gamle Oslo, 0150, NO
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring your own food and drinks for a perfect beach picnic.
- Visit early in the day for a quieter beach experience.
- Pack a pair of walking shoes to explore the hiking trails on the island.
- Check the ferry schedule ahead of time to plan your visit.
- Bring sun protection, as there is limited shade on the beach.
Getting There
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Ferry
To reach the Hovedøya swimming area from Oslo city center, make your way to the Aker Brygge waterfront. From the Aker Brygge area, locate the ferry terminal, which is well-signposted. Look for the ferry heading to Hovedøya, which is operated by Ruter. Ferries to Hovedøya run frequently, especially during the summer months. Purchase your ticket either at the terminal or via the Ruter app. Once you board the ferry, enjoy a scenic 10-15 minute ride across the Oslo fjord. Disembark at the Hovedøya stop, which is the only stop on the island. From the ferry dock, follow the path signs leading to the swimming area, which is a short walk away.
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Public Transport + Walking
If you prefer to use public transport, take the metro (T-bane) Line 1 (Frognerseteren) or Line 2 (Aker Brygge) to the National Theatre station. From there, exit the station and walk towards Aker Brygge, which is about a 10-minute walk. Once at Aker Brygge, follow the instructions above to board the ferry to Hovedøya. This method allows you to experience more of the city before heading to the beach.
Discover more about Hovedøya swimming area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Normandieplassen
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Historical Building
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Akershus Castle Chapel
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National Monument for Victims of War 1940-45
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Stiftelsen Akershus festning for Kunst og Kultur
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Aker Brygge Promenade
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Grev Wedels Plass 1
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Oslo sightseeing fjord Tour
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Festningsallmenningen
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Aker brygge
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100% Electric Oslofjord Sightseeing Cruise
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Ragnar Kalheims plass
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Hafen oslo
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Myntgata 2
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Statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Unmissable attractions to see
Vestre kanonbatteri
0.1 km
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Høvedøya kanonbatteri
0.1 km
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Portstuene
0.2 km
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Hovedøya kloster
0.3 km
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Hovedøya
0.3 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Hovedøya, a serene island retreat near Oslo, rich in nature and history.
Østre kanonbatteri
0.4 km
Explore Østre Kanonbatteri, a captivating historical site on Hovedøya Island, revealing Norway's military past amidst stunning natural beauty.
Lindøya
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Bleikøya
1.0 km
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Vippetangen - Bleikøya
1.1 km
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Gressholmen
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Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
1.3 km
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Fenaknoken Fish Market
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Astrup Fearnley Museum Of Modern Art
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Albert Nordengens plass
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Norwegian Armed Forces Museum
1.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Vippetangen Fisk & Kolonial AS | Oslos ferskeste skalldyrkasser
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The Salmon
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Solsiden Restaurant
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Skur 33
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Lofoten Fiskerestaurant
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Rorbua Aker Brygge
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Festningen
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Arts restaurant
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Louise Restaurant & Bar
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Seaport Restaurant - Sørenga/Bjørvika
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Savage
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Rest
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Skansen
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Gamle Raadhus Restaurant
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Statholdergaarden
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gallery Haaken
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Aurora Souvenirs
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Alle Tiders
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Bottega Veneta Oslo Prinsens Gate
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Freyja Shop
2.1 km
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UFF Vintage Heaven
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Livid Oslo
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Steen & Strøm Department Store
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DIOR Oslo
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Way Nor Munch Brygge
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HERMÈS Oslo Store
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EGER
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Shangri-la
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Paleet
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Posthallen Drinkhub
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Dr. Jekyll’s Pub
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Bar *ISM
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BAR BOMAN
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