Island hopping in Oslo's spectacular archipelago

The fact that Norwegian nature is so spectacular is a poorly kept secret, and tourists from all over the world travel across the country to feel the fresh air in their lungs and view the wonderful scenery. But did you know you can easily get extraordinary nature experiences staying in the capital? Read on to find out the best ways to explore it.

The Oslo Fjord measures no less than 100 km from the Færder lighthouse to the city. In it there's a whole little world of islands for you to enjoy, each with its own history and character. During the summer, many of the islands are popular spots for swimming and beach activities. Langøyene is one of the islands that is perfect for a summer day, with nice beaches, a volleyball court, and excellent hiking opportunities.

Another good place for enjoying life on the beach is Hovedøya, where you can enjoy a tranquil day on the coastal rocks, while viewing the city from a far. The island is also home to monastery ruins from the Middle Ages, perfect for those who get restless relaxing all day.

Not only is the Oslo Fjord beautiful to look at, it is also a paradise for those wanting to be active and explore it up close. The best way to do this is definitely by jumping in a kayak, and gliding among the gentle waters. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or it's your first time, a guided tour is recommended to get the most out of your fjord adventure.

Oslo Kayak Tours offers various trips for those wanting to combine seeing both the city and nature. Join a 3-hour trip for a short introduction to kayaking, before paddling to see the capital's highlights and its beautiful surroundings. If you want to experience Oslo from a different perspective, join the sightseeing tour and enjoy the view of the stunning Opera House and the Fram Museum, to name a few. Experienced paddlers can book the 10 kilometer tour lasting for 4 hours, while inexperienced paddlers may request a slightly shorter trip, but still get to see the most important sights.

For an even more special experience, request a tour based on your own wishes. Combine kayaking with visits to museums, sunset tours or swimming, maybe for your birthday, a family get together or as a team building activity. The guides even offer tours with special kayak chefs, preparing beach brunches, picnics and dinners, lasting 4-6 hours.

If you are looking for a more relaxed way of experiencing the fjord and the archipelago, take the ferry and go island hopping. From Rådhusbrygge 4 you can catch the ferry to idyllic Lindøya, with approximately 300 charming Norwegian summer cottages. Rambergøya, Gressholmen and Heggholmen are fantastic places for lazy days in the sun, and Heggholmen houses one of the oldest lighthouses in the fjord. Bird lovers will be pleased to know that Rambergøya and parts of Gressholmen are nature reserves, and that sea birds are nesting between the two islands. Updated ferry routes are always available at Ruter, where you'll also find information about tickets.

If you were ever in doubt, the Norwegian capital, like the rest of the country, boasts beautiful nature experiences, and the Oslo Fjord is definitely worth paddling. The city of Oslo itself is worth touring, especially the district of Nydalen. Although it is known for being a business area, there are, nevertheless, plenty of attractions to visit such as the Royal Palace or the Botanical Gardens. You can easily access these sites from the Radisson Blu Hotel Nydalen, Oslo which provides modern and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Nydalen.