Hovedøya

Hovedøya is an island in the Oslofjord, located just east of central Oslo and part of Oslo municipality. It forms part of the inner Oslofjord and is a short distance from the city’s coastal areas, making it a popular recreational destination in the summer.

The island’s most notable feature is the ruins of Hovedøya Abbey, a Cistercian monastery established in the 12th century (around 1147). The abbey played a role in medieval ecclesiastical life in the region but was dissolved during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, and its buildings were dismantled. Today, visitors can see the church foundations and surrounding walls, which are protected as cultural heritage and provide insight into the site’s historical significance.

In later centuries, Hovedøya saw various military uses and remained largely uninhabited. In contemporary times, the island is mainly a natural and recreational area with pine and birch woods, coastal meadows, and several beaches and coves suitable for swimming and picnicking. Marked trails provide opportunities for coastal walks and wildlife viewing, including seabirds and other shorebirds. The island’s landscape and ruins contribute to its character as a quiet escape from the city.

Access is by seasonal passenger ferry or water taxi from central Oslo, and by private boat. There are limited on-island facilities; visitors should bring food, water, and camping or picnic supplies as appropriate. Visitors are expected to respect the protected ruins, local regulations, and the natural environment to preserve the site for future generations.