Self-guided route in Oslo
The Perfect Summer Day Date
Want to impress your girl- or boyfriend? Start with breakfast and coffee at Kveitemjøl – a cozy little bakery that nails the baked goods. Then hop on the boat from Aker Brygge to Hovedøya (just use your Ruter ticket). Swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the fjord for a couple of hours. For lunch, take the boat again an grab something light – mussels, shrimp, or whatever fits the seaside mood. Gressholmen Kro is perfect for this! Add a shared activity back in the city center: paint ceramics at Creative Collective (or hit up a gaming bar if that’s more your style). As the sun sets, head to Park29. Their garden-like outdoor space is perfect for a summer dinner. Then seal the deal with a glass of wine at Becco. Enjoy!
6 stops from Kveitemjøl to Becco, starting 09:00, about 96 minutes of travel between stops.
The stops in order
- 1
09:00 · Bakery
Kveitemjøl
Shelf after shelf of freshly baked breads in all kinds of varieties, plus a large glass display packed with sweet and savory treats. School buns generously topped with icing and coconut, big chocolate chip cookies, lemon cruffins and delicious wholesome scones. Mm! This is a Norwegian artisan bakery focused on local and organic ingredients. The space has subtle Nordic touches with dark walls in black and deep blue, and furniture made from dark wood.
Then public transport about 23 min to the next stop (directions).
- 2
10:30 · Bathing spots
Hovedøya
A summer oasis and swimming paradise in the Oslofjord, known as the city’s closest summer getaway. It’s just an eight-minute boat ride from Aker Brygge! Here, you can dive into the clear fjord water from two beautiful sandy beaches on the west side or wander along the rocky shores to find your own quiet spot. In the middle of the island, there’s a large green lawn perfect for ball games or lazy sunny days, all while listening to the waves gently crashing ashore. The island is also rich in history. You can visit the 12th-century monastery ruins before or after your next swim.
Then public transport about 21 min to the next stop (directions).
- 3
14:00 · Lunch
Gressholmen Kro
A little summer paradise out in the fjord, offering one of the city’s best combos of sea views, simple seafood and relaxed island vibes. The spot is housed in a red-painted building with large windows, and the outdoor seating stretches along the water with room for over 200 guests. Perfect for sunny days! The menu has a bit of everything, but naturally focuses on seafood like mussels and shrimp. One of our favorite summer traditions is to take a trip here!
Then public transport about 24 min to the next stop (directions).
- 4
16:00 · Activities
Creative Collective
Right across the street from the National Museum, you’ll find this ceramics café bursting with color, laughter and creative energy. Here, you can paint your own pottery while enjoying coffee and good conversation – the perfect activity for a solo date or time with friends. Everything’s set up to help you unwind with brushes and colors, offering a perfect analog break from the daily grind. They also have a café bar serving coffee from Hakone, plus organic sodas and baked goods.
Then walk about 16 min to the next stop (directions).
- 5
18:15 · Restaurant
Park 29
Right behind the castle stands Oslo’s oldest wooden villa, featuring a lovely outdoor seating area filled with fragrant lilacs and enclosed by a quaint white picket fence. It’s simply a very charming spot in the summer and easily ranks among the top five in the city for outdoor dining experiences.
Then walk about 12 min to the next stop (directions).
- 6
20:15 · Wine bar
Becco
Right after our first visit, we fell in love with this place, and it’s become a local favorite for many in the city. The spot has a retro vibe, and the backyard feels urban and cozy – which we absolutely love. When they also host live music from time to time, the experience feels complete! Inside, it’s bright and airy thanks to a “hole” in the ceiling leading up to the second floor, plus plenty of windows letting in natural light. Wine and music are clearly Becco’s great passions. With a wide selection of drinks and talented staff behind the bar, we think most people will find something they love here.
See all walking routes in Oslo.