4 Perfect Summer Spots in Oslo You Must Visit

When Oslo's summer sun finally breaks through the clouds, the city transforms into something magical. Locals emerge from their winter hibernation, outdoor terraces fill with laughter, and the fjord beckons with promises of island adventures. Whether you're seeking waterfront dining, garden tranquillity, or authentic Norwegian summer experiences, these four destinations capture the essence of Oslo's warm-weather charm.

Kruttverket: Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Café Culture

Hidden along the Alna River in Gamle Oslo, Kruttverket stands as one of the city's most intriguing cultural spaces. This former gunpowder factory, marked by its towering brick chimney, has been transformed into a café, bar, and cultural venue that perfectly embodies Oslo's talent for repurposing industrial heritage.

What Makes It Special

The venue occupies a historic building from the 1800s, where exposed brick walls and vintage cinema seats create an atmosphere that's both industrial and cosy. During the day, you'll find excellent coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty toast options. As evening approaches, the space transforms into a lively bar serving craft beer and natural wines.

The real magic happens outdoors, where string lights illuminate the riverside terrace. You can sip your drink while listening to the gentle flow of the Alna River - a surprisingly peaceful experience considering you're still within the city limits.

Getting There and Practical Tips

Take tram line 17 or bus 20 to Kværnerbyen, then enjoy a pleasant 10-minute walk along the river. The venue accepts card payments (essential in Norway), and you'll want to check their Facebook page for upcoming events like concerts, film screenings, and weekend markets.

Opening Hours:

• Wednesday-Thursday: 12:00-22:00
• Friday: 12:00-00:00
• Saturday: 11:00-00:00
• Sunday: 11:00-23:00

Address: Arnljot Gellines vei 41B

Gartneriet Spiseri: Farm-to-Table Dining at Bygdøy Royal Farm

For a truly unique Oslo dining experience, venture to Bygdøy Royal Farm where Gartneriet Spiseri offers weekend brunches surrounded by working farmland. This greenhouse restaurant sources everything from their own kitchen garden, the royal farm, and the on-site dairy - making it perhaps Oslo's most authentic farm-to-table experience.

The Weekend Brunch Experience

The weekend brunch (495 NOK/€42/$49) operates as an all-you-can-eat affair featuring seasonal dishes crafted from ingredients harvested that morning. Expect focaccia sandwiches, fresh ricotta, inventive salads, and house-made panna cotta. The cheese selection comes directly from the farm's dairy, while vegetables are picked from the surrounding gardens.

Gartneriet greenhouse dining with garden views Dining in the greenhouse at Gartneriet offers views over the working farm and vegetable gardens

You can dine either in the atmospheric greenhouse or on the outdoor terrace, both offering views over the extensive fruit and vegetable gardens. It's not uncommon to spot the farm's cows grazing nearby - adding to the authentic rural atmosphere.

Planning Your Visit

Take bus 30 from the city centre to Bygdøy, getting off at Museumsveien. The restaurant only opens weekends during summer months, so advance planning is essential. Wine is available by the bottle, with limited by-the-glass options, plus refreshing non-alcoholic alternatives like locally-sourced berry juices.

Opening Hours:

• Saturday-Sunday: 11:30-17:30 (summer season only)

Address: Museumsveien 15

Lille Herbern: Island Dining with Fjord Views

Just a one-minute boat ride from Bygdøy lies Lille Herbern, a seafood restaurant that delivers authentic Norwegian coastal dining without leaving Oslo. This red wooden building sits on its own small island, surrounded by water and offering some of the city's most spectacular outdoor dining.

The Island Experience

The restaurant's large terrace wraps around the building and extends toward the fjord, creating an almost 360-degree water view. Flowers and trees frame the seating areas, while the gentle sound of waves provides a natural soundtrack to your meal.

As expected from an island restaurant, the menu focuses heavily on seafood. Highlights include traditional fish soup, fresh prawns, mussels, and their popular salmon burger. For special occasions, try the Lille Herbern shellfish platter (1,295 NOK/€109/$128) featuring prawns, crab claws, oysters, snow crab, lobster, scallops, and langoustines.

Getting There

The restaurant operates its own small ferry from Bygdøy, running continuously throughout service hours. The ferry costs 50 NOK (€4/$5) for adults and 20 NOK (€2/$2) for children, including return journey. The one-minute crossing adds to the adventure and helps create that genuine island escape feeling.

We recommend cycling to the Bygdøy ferry point or taking bus 30 to Herbernveien stop, then walking a few minutes to the departure point.

Opening Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 16:00-23:00
• Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-23:00

Address: Herbernveien ferry point

Gressholmen Kro: Traditional Island Retreat

For a more relaxed island experience, Gressholmen Kro offers the perfect blend of traditional Norwegian hospitality and stunning natural surroundings. Located on Gressholmen island in the inner Oslo fjord, this restaurant and kiosk combination provides both casual snacking and proper dining options.

Two Dining Options

The main restaurant features over 200 outdoor seats plus cosy indoor dining for less perfect weather days. The menu changes weekly but consistently offers generous portions of seasonal Norwegian cuisine. For lighter options, the separate kiosk serves sandwiches, ice cream, and their famous fresh prawns with sourdough bread, aioli, lemon, and dill.

Gressholmen Kro outdoor terrace overlooking Oslo fjord The expansive outdoor terrace at Gressholmen Kro offers panoramic views across the Oslo fjord

This summer's standout addition is fresh oysters - bringing a touch of luxury to this traditionally casual island destination. You can enjoy your meal at the restaurant or take kiosk purchases to one of the island's swimming spots for an impromptu beach picnic.

Ferry Information

Regular ferries run from Aker Brygge to Gressholmen, taking approximately 15 minutes. The island also offers walking trails and swimming areas, making it perfect for a full afternoon escape from the city.

Weather can affect ferry schedules, so check the restaurant's website or Instagram before travelling.

Opening Hours:

• Sunday-Tuesday: 12:00-18:30
• Wednesday-Saturday: 12:00-19:30

Planning Your Oslo Summer Adventure

Transport Tips for International Visitors

Oslo's public transport system covers all these destinations efficiently. Download the Ruter app for easy ticket purchasing and route planning. A day pass costs 108 NOK (€9/$11) and covers buses, trams, and ferries within the city zones.

What to Expect

Norwegian dining tends to be more expensive than many international visitors expect, but the quality and local sourcing often justify the cost. Most venues accept card payments exclusively - cash is rarely used in Oslo.

Summer weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers even for sunny days. Many of these venues offer indoor alternatives, making them viable options regardless of weather conditions.

Best Times to Visit

Weekends tend to be busier, especially at the island destinations. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on weekday afternoons when possible. Summer daylight extends well into the evening, giving you plenty of time to enjoy outdoor dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book in advance for these restaurants?

Gartneriet requires advance booking for weekend brunch. The island restaurants (Lille Herbern and Gressholmen Kro) accept walk-ins but booking is recommended for dinner, especially weekends. Kruttverket operates on a first-come basis.

Are these places suitable for families with children?

Yes, all four venues welcome families. Gartneriet and Gressholmen particularly appeal to children with their farm animals and island adventures respectively. Ferry rides to the islands often become highlights for young visitors.

Can I combine multiple venues in one day?

Gartneriet and both island restaurants are located on or near Bygdøy, making them easy to combine. However, each deserves several hours to fully enjoy, so we recommend focusing on one or two per day rather than rushing between all four.

For more Oslo dining inspiration, check out our guides to the best lunch spots in Oslo and traditional Norwegian food.