As the title says its easy to access the island by boat. You can visit the ruins of a church, and in the summer season there is guided tours. We love going here in the summer because you can find a private spot by the sea with view of the city.

Perfect for a summers day outing, take the ferry from Vippetangen (10 mins walking distance from downtown Oslo) and it will stop by a few small islands before Hovedøya. Very charming island and well worth doing if you have a few hours to spend out of your day to walg around.

Take the boat from Vippetangen (15 minutes walk from the train station) and enjoy Hovedøya and the other small islands outside the Oslo city. Walk, enjoy the flora and the beach, and sunbathe on the vast grass during the summer time!

If you are in Oslo and want to swim, I would say you should take a boat or fery to this place Hovedøya. There are no fees, if you have the regular bus/t-bane-tickets. You can at the same time get to see Oslo from the sea and Oslo-fjorden. You take the boat from Vippetangen where the ferries to Denmark leave,... More

It is very easy to visit beautifull Hovedøya. Just tke the small ferry from Vippetangen ( Centrally located south of the Opera. It is a five min ferrytrip and the island is very beautifull with beaches a vast number of flowers and plants and ruins of a old monastery. Be sure to have time to spend some hours here. And... More

Going for a walk on Hovedøya is simply romantic. Stop at the cafe and have some snack, explore the ruins of the monastery, have a swim at the beach, really nice. The west island is a brilliant place for a picnic with a view.

A great island to take a relaxing walk, sit by the shores, stroll around the ruins of the monastery, or even do some fishing!

Hovedøya has to be my absolute Oslo favourite! Going there on an early boat to spend the day swimming and sunbathing and with the picnic basket filled with nice food and drink is about the best way of spending a hot summer day in the Norwegian capital. Go early to find a nice spot to stay! The best places fill... More

Oslo`s closest real skjaergaards island, easy accessed by communal boat ticket. In summer great beach and different theatrical plays in the old ruins of the monestary on the island.