[Oslo] Best Oslofjord islands for a day trip: which one is easiest by ferry + walking (and still feels special)?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

Let’s build one practical thread for choosing a simple island day trip from Oslo: ferry out, walk around, swim/picnic, and ferry back—no car, no stress.

If you’ve done this recently, please share:

• Which island you chose and why it worked (views, calm vibe, beaches, easy paths)
• A simple “3–6 hour” itinerary (ferry timing approach + best walking loop)
• What surprised you (packed ferries, slippery rocks, limited food options, wind)
• Your best “bring this” tip (water, snacks, towel, wind layer, traction if needed)

If you had one sunny day, which island would you recommend to a first-timer—and what’s the one stop they shouldn’t miss?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

For an easy Oslofjord islands win that still feels like you escaped the city, Gressholmen is my reliable pick, mostly because the ferry is painless and the walking paths don’t try to humble you. You can do a relaxed loop in a few hours, swim off the rocks if the weather behaves, then picnic without feeling like you’re trespassing on someone’s private paradise. From what I’ve seen, the biggest surprise is how fast the ferries fill up on sunny weekends, so go early and bring everything you want to eat unless you enjoy hunger as an aesthetic. Am I underrating Lindøya or Langøyene here, or is Gressholmen still the best first-timer island when you want zero stress and maximum payoff?

 

[Alex Turner]

For a first-timer, I usually point people toward Hovedøya, because it really hits that sweet spot between easy and special. The ferry ride is short, the paths are clear and mostly flat, and you can walk a relaxed loop in about two to three hours without ever feeling rushed. I like taking an earlier ferry, wandering the west side for the best fjord views, then settling in near the old ruins for a swim or picnic. It feels surprisingly calm for something so close to the city. The main downsides are busy ferries on sunny weekends and slippery rocks after rain, so decent shoes and some patience help. Bring water and a wind layer even if it’s warm. After heading back, I always recommend grabbing a cold beer or glass of wine at Aker Brygge and watching the boats roll in.