Island hopping in the Oslofjord — Summer adventure

Islands in the Oslofjord — small worlds with their own rhythms

A day of island hopping can begin almost anywhere, but it usually started at Aker Brygge. In summer sun and light breezes, people sit along the pier edge with ice, bathing suits in their bags and sunglasses on their noses -- ready for adventure. From there, ferries depart to some of the Oslofjord's most beautiful small islands, all with their own distinctive features.

Main Island

The main island is the first stop. Here you will find ruins from the Middle Ages, tall trees and small, cozy coves that invite you to swim. The paths wind through the forest, and you hear both seagulls and the faint sound of boats drifting past.

Gressholmen

Gressholmen is quieter, almost like a small nature reserve — a place where you can walk barefoot in the grass and hear the wind playing in the bushes. Here time passes slowly and you get the feeling of discovering an idyllic summer garden along the fjord.

Lindøya

Lindøya offers colorful summer houses, small paths and a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a small fairytale village. It's good for a quiet picnic, an evening bath or a stroll through areas where people still greet each other as they pass.

Each island provides something of its own: tranquility, proximity to nature, little gems of views, and a digg summer feel.

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When Summer Opens Its Doors — Free Arranged Tours

Every summer, informal, free tours are organized where travelers can join island hopping along with others. This is a low-threshold offer that provides a social and pleasant entrance to the fjord — especially for those who do not know the islands from before, or who just like to explore in good company.

It never feels like a guided tour in the traditional sense. It's more like joining a small group of people who just want to get out in the sun, bathe a little, watch a little, and share the day in a simple way. You walk at your own pace, stop when it suits, and let nature decide how long you stay in each place. It will all be a summer day where nothing is urgent, but with a little guidance.

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A day of island hopping -- what it actually feels like

Imagine a warm morning where the city is behind you. You stand on the deck as the boat glides out from Aker Brygge, and the impression of the fjord hits you with the screams of seagulls in the background and the smell of harbor and sea seaweed. In the bag you have a water bottle, a towel, maybe some fruit or something good from the grocery store around the corner.

The first bath may already be happening on the main island. Later you lie in the grass on Lindøya, or sit on a small rocky ledge and let your legs dangle over the sea. When the afternoon comes, you might sit with a cold drink on Gressholmen, while the low sun settles over the waters in golden shear.

Finally, the trip goes back to the city -- the boat is filled with sunburned shoulders, good conversations, reflective thought bubbles and calmness of the body. That's the feeling only the Oslo Fjord, on a lovely summer day can give.

A little adventure — just outside the city

Island hopping in the Oslo Fjord is one of those experiences that create great summer memories. It is light, beautiful, facilitated, and full of small and big moments that make you wonder and be grateful for existence. Next time you're in Oslo in the summer: set aside a day, take the ferry, and let the fjord show you its soft, warm side.

After such a day, do you feel free to visit the urban area, perhaps after a little rest stop at the hostel? From HI Oslo Haraldsheim, it's just a short walk to Oslo's most funky environments; Grünerløkka - where nightlife, bars, pubs, food, street art and good vibe take center stage.