If you looking to escape the city for the day then island hoping in the Oslo Fjords is great way to for some peace and quiet, great scenery and views of Oslo. The islands in the Oslo fjords offer peace and tranquillity, you can go a for small hikes, taking in the beautiful green scenery as well postcard views of Oslo. Each of the islands have something different to offer, from water sports during the summer months, a restaurant, a visitor centre and even a monastery ruins, the islands will not disappoint. There a few different options you have if you want to spend the day in the Oslo Fjords. If you purchase a travel pass, then this is valid on the commuter ferry, various ferries will take passengers from island to island, where you can spend thirty to sixty minutes or even on each island before heading for the next ferry to another island. This what I opted for, with this option you can visit one, to or even more of the islands and spend as long as you like exploring these Islands (I’ll talk more about the islands I visited soon). Other options are available however these come with a cost, one of the more popular options available to tourists is for NOK 390 (£35) you can take a cruise around the islands, which lasts around 90 minutes however you don’t have the opportunity to explore and islands and taking the scenery. There are also other cruises available which last around two hours, again these come with a cost, and also you do not get the opportunity to explore these islands Finally if you opt to purchase an Oslo Card, a tourist pass which gives you access to a number of attractions, museums etc, you get free public transport access, which will give you access to the commuter ferry, for unlimited travel around the island on the Oslo Fjords. All ferries regardless of the option you take depart from Aker Brygge. The local commuter ferries are not only comfortable but off indoor and outdoor seating. You get great views of Oslo and Oslo harbour from the outdoor seating on the ferry. The first Island I visited was Bleikoya, one the smaller and quitter, Islands, you can head up for a small hike through the summer cottages on the island and walk up a small bank where you are greeted some great view of the Oslo Fjords. There is literally nothing other than grass, trees, walks and cottages on this island, great for a nice little walk but that’s about all this Island has to offer. Whilst waiting for a ferry to the next Island, I got the opportunity to speak to one of the locals, who lives on island. Coming from Newcastle, I find it amazing how many overseas residents recognise the Geordie accent. I found humble speaking to this elderly gentlemen, a local born and raised in Oslo, he was telling me what life was like on the Islands, there is no sanitation and the locals and people who use the cottages, have to rely on outdoor toilets, something which must be an experience during the winter months. The second Island that I got to explore was Gressholmen, a slight larger island, is home to a nature reserve on the northern part of Island, a restaurant and a little forest hike. This particular island offers some great places for sunbathing and offer some gorgeous scenery along the forest hike. The third Island I visited was Lindoya. One of the largest islands in the fjords, this island has two ferry terminals, east and west. Each terminal giving access to different ferry’s routes and access to different islands, home to locals and summer cottages and a SHOP! One of the only islands with a shop where you can buy refreshments. You can take a hike from the west terminal through the east terminal, through the gorgeous red, green and yellow cottages, the island also has a football pitch, for locals staying in the summer cottages and you also have cattle roaming the green grass. It is this island where you can also take a summer dip, which makes Lindoya one of the more popular islands. My final Island that I visited was Hovedoya. One of the smaller islands of the Oslo fjords and the island closets to the city centre. As with all the Oslo Fjords Islands you can go for a hike through the beautiful green forests or even go for swim. The island also has a café, however with this being Oslo and not to mention this café been located on a remote small island, let’s just say, bring your own refreshments to eat or drink around the island as it is not cheap. But what this island has to offer is there is the remains of a Cistercian Monastery. So a little history for you lot, the monastery was founded by English Cistercian monks. Abbott Philippus arrived on the island from Kirkstead, Lincolnshire in May of 1147, together with twelve monks and some lay brothers, they built a monastery on the south side of the church and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In 1532 the monastery was pillaged and burned down, and the ruins weren’t excavated until 1845-47. So it Hovedoya has some English history to it. The island also has an ala carte restaurant, so if your feeling rich then this is somewhere you might like to visit. The one thing I will remember from this island were the number of sheep, that roamed around, they are clearly used to general public, and were not afraid of people. One thing I would recommend if your visiting the Islands, is to stop of at a shop and stock up on some refreshments, with only one shop and some expensive cafés, you will need some refreshments if you’re planning a long day visiting the islands. Also do some research before you head off, most of the ferries only run until 20.00 in the evening, so if you miss the last ferry, your stranded for the night. Finally camp fires, camping and barbecues are not allowed, small disposable barbecues are allowed on some islands, but these have to done on sand to prevent damages to the green space and to prevent fires.
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James CMy name is James, I'm from Newcastle UK, and wanting to share my travel experiences with everyone Archives
February 2020
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