Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the ferry quay on the north side, paths lead west and south past the ruins of the Cistercian monastery founded in 1147, down the west side of the island to its southern tip and back across the middle. The way then runs east along the south side to the eastern point and returns over the open ground to the quay. On the way you pass one of the two cannon batteries built in 1808 to guard the harbour.
It is 3.7 km round with 63 m of ascent; allow about an hour. The grade is Easy: gravel paths and good tracks, much of it fine for prams.
The island was protected in 2006 and has two nature reserves, plant protection areas and a landscape protection area, so leave plants and animals alone. Climbing on the monastery ruins is not allowed. A café near the ruins opens in season, and there are beaches on the south-east side.
Ferries run all year from Rådhusbrygga, the quay in front of Oslo City Hall.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Ruins of a Cistercian monastery founded in 1147 and plundered in 1532
- Two cannon batteries built in 1808 to guard the harbour; two nature reserves and other protected areas
- Climbing on the ruins is not allowed
- A ferry runs all year from Rådhusbrygga in central Oslo
Getting there
Start: Hovedøya ferry quay. 59.89902, 10.73062
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Oslo: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.