How to get to the islands
The inner islands — Hovedøya, Gressholmen, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, and Langøyene — are all served by Ruter public ferries departing from Rådhusbrygge (City Hall pier). Line B1 runs a circular route year-round, with ferries every 15–20 minutes in summer. Line B2 serves Langøyene in summer only.
A single Ruter day pass covers unlimited ferry rides to all inner islands for the entire day. The Oslo Pass also covers all Ruter ferries, making island hopping effectively free if you already have one. Buy tickets via the Ruter app, at Narvesen or 7-Eleven kiosks, or on board. The ferry ride itself is part of the experience -- have your camera ready as you cross the harbor.
Inner vs outer fjord
The inner islands (north of Drøbak) are sheltered, easy to reach, and perfect for a half-day escape. You can combine two or three in a single afternoon -- each is small enough to explore in one to three hours. The water is calm, the ferries are frequent, and you are never more than thirty minutes from downtown Oslo.
The outer fjord is different. Hvaler, Tjøme, and Oscarsborg require more planning — a train, a bus, or a longer drive -- but reward you with wider horizons: marine national parks, dramatic coastlines, WWII fortress history, and the kind of sun-warmed granite that makes Norwegians dream all winter. If you have a full day, the outer islands are worth the journey.
What to bring
Not all islands have cafes or kiosks, and those that do have limited hours and menus. Pack food, water, and sunscreen. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to walk the rockier coastal paths. A swimsuit and towel are essential in summer -- even islands without official beaches usually have rock ledges for swimming. Binoculars are worth their weight for birdwatching, especially on Bleikøya and the Steilene. If you are camping on Langøyene or Håøya, bring everything you need from the mainland.
Toilet facilities are limited on most islands. Use the facilities at ferry terminals and cafes when you can. Carry out all rubbish -- several islands are nature reserves with no waste collection.
See the islands by boat
The ferry shows you the islands from the dock. A private boat shows you everything else: the hidden coves, the lighthouse approaches, the rocky skerries where seals haul out, and the perspectives that make the Oslofjord feel genuinely wild. For a deeper look at the islands and their stories, read our complete guide to Oslo's islands. To see the sunset light on the water between them, check Oslo sunset times. Or explore the fjord yourself on a private cruise.