A Charming Cafe in Oslo - Lille Café at Hjemmets Kolonihager

July 13, 2025
by Oslo Explore staff
5 min read
A Charming Cafe in Oslo - Lille Café at Hjemmets Kolonihager
Lille Café at Hjemmets Kolonihager community garden in Oslo. (Photo: Taran Hofvind)

Lille Café at Hjemmets Kolonihager is a hidden gem in Oslo. This cafe feels like a fairytale. It's like a timeless Scandinavian midsummer. It also hosts Norway's most famous cottage, Portveien 2.

The cafe rests in Bjølsen's community garden, between Voldsløkka Sports Complex and Bjølsenparken, in the Sagene district. On a sunny Sunday, it's the perfect place to escape city life. Swap concrete pavements and busy streets for colorful cottages and cozy gardens lined with white picket fences.

Coffee and Freshly Baked Waffles

Lille Café is primarily an outdoor cafe tucked neatly into lush gardens. It opens every Sunday during summer from 12 pm to 3 pm. Garden members run the cafe, serving coffee, soft drinks, and tasty freshly baked waffles. Guests can also buy homemade cakes when available.

Exterior view of Lille Café in Oslo's community garden Fresh waffles served at Lille Café

Relax under the sunshine at cheerful tables and chairs in a casual atmosphere. Bring your whole family or unwind alone with a good book. Visitors can also rest on benches placed around the garden.

Enjoy your waffle while dreaming of owning one of the 109 charming garden cottages, or perhaps you're already among the lucky ones. The cafe opens every Sunday throughout summer, with its final day this year on Sunday, August 29.

After your visit, stroll through the gardens. Explore delightful cottages and admire gardens blooming with fruits, vegetables, and colorful flowers.

Beautiful garden view at Hjemmets Kolonihager Cozy seating area at Lille Café

Table Tennis, Quizzes, and Festivals

Next to the cafe stands a small outdoor stage. "Sagene Hagefest" was held here before. It was a lively festival. Cottage owners and visitors enjoyed DJs, live music, and a happy atmosphere. Artists like Girl in Red have even performed here. The community hopes to revive this popular event soon. Lille Café held fun quizzes this summer. People are already excited for next year.

Garden pathway at Hjemmets Kolonihager Outdoor stage area at Lille Café

Near the stage, discover a charming red telephone booth filled with books you can borrow for free. Further along, you'll spot a table tennis table available to everyone. Kids will love the playground located right next to the cafe.

Spend your weekend at Lille Café in Oslo and explore everything this lovely spot offers.


Oslo
Coffee
Cafés
Specialty Coffee
Food & Drink
Travel

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