Baby-friendly beaches in Oslo
By baby-friendly we mean sandy beaches that are easy to bathe and play on with small children. Remember armbands or a life vest for the kids – see the Norwegian Sea Rescue Society's tips, and don't forget sunscreen – the Norwegian Consumer Council has advice on which sunscreens to use on children.
18 beaches
Sørenga sjøbad
The city's most central sea bath, with its own sheltered children's pool, bathing ladder and large sun decks. Open day and night, with a lifeguard on duty during summer season.
Walking distance from Oslo S/Bjørvika.
Read moreTjuvholmen sjøbad
Sea bath with a bathing platform, diving tower and large grassy areas to relax on right by the city centre. The shoreline has small stones, so water shoes are handy for the youngest ones.
Walking distance from Aker Brygge/city centre.
Read moreParadisbukta
A sheltered, child-friendly bay on Bygdøy with fine sand, calmer and less crowded than Huk. Good for those who want to avoid crowds with small children.
Bus 30 to Huk, then walk about 15 minutes to Paradisbukta.
Read moreHuk
One of Oslo's most popular bathing spots, with large grass and sand areas, a new toilet building (18 toilets, two accessible toilets), a kiosk, shower, drinking water and courts for beach volleyball and basketball.
Bus 30 to Huk. Parking available at Huk.
Read moreBygdøy Sjøbad
A slightly more sheltered bathing spot on Bygdøy with nice smooth rocks and patches of sand, a good alternative when Huk is full.
Walk from Huk or Skøyen, or drive – parking available at Bygdøy Sjøbad.
Read moreSognsvann
A lake in the Oslo forest with a sandy beach, three bathing platforms along the water, a kiosk, a beach volleyball court, six toilets (four wheelchair-accessible) and a universally accessible path and ramp down to the water.
Metro line 6 to Sognsvann. Large parking area at the southern end.
Read moreHovedøya
An idyllic island eight minutes by boat from Aker Brygge, with several lovely bathing and sunbathing spots (sand, smooth rocks and grassy areas), a kiosk/café by the monastery ruins, and toilets with wheelchair access in summer.
Boat from Rådhuskaia.
Read moreLangøyene
Oslo's longest and perhaps best sandy beach (about 250 metres, crescent-shaped), with a kiosk, toilets, drinking water, barbecue spots and the option to camp for up to two days in a designated area.
About a 15-minute boat trip from Rådhuskaia.
Read moreKatten (Ljan/Nordstrand)
A child-friendly bathing spot with a nice sandy beach, smooth rocks, a diving board and a cosy kiosk/toilet building from 2009. A grassy lawn with tables and benches for picnicking.
Bus 83 from Jernbanetorget towards Tårnåsen, get off at Katten.
Read moreLutvann
A bathing spot with clean water in Østmarka, more natural and closer to the forest than the sea baths near the city centre – a good option for a quiet day by the water.
Metro line 2 to Haugerud, then walk from there.
Read moreHvervenbukta
A bathing spot at Holmlia with plenty of room to play on land and a large parking area, popular among families from southern Oslo.
Bus 83 from Jernbanetorget, get off at Fiskevollen.
Read moreBogstadvannet
A popular lake with a sandy beach, a bonfire spot, toilets (incl. accessible), an outdoor shower, a kiosk in summer, a nice floating dock and good parking. Universally accessible with a bathing ladder and ramp.
Drive, or take metro line 5 to Røa and bus 41 to Bogstadvannet.
Read moreBadedammen (Grorud)
A smaller, local bathing spot at Grorud – a nice and often quieter alternative for families in the neighbourhood.
Metro line 5 to Vestli or bus to Grorud, about a 15-minute walk.
Read moreHellviktangen
An idyllic bathing spot on Nesodden with a sandy beach and smooth rocks offering good fishing opportunities, and a lovely view over Bunnefjorden. Can be combined with food from Hellviktangen art café, located right nearby.
Bus/boat from Oslo to Nesodden, then a short walk to Hellviktangen.
Read moreStensrudtjern
A bathing spot at Klemetsrud in southern Oslo, a quiet local alternative away from the most visited sea baths.
Parking available, or bus 501.
Read moreVesletjern
Nice bathing water with a small sandy beach at Ammerud, well suited for a quiet afternoon with the youngest children.
Metro line 5 to Ammerud or bus 62 to Ammerud T. Parking available at Greibanen.
Read moreNordstrand Bad
A bathing spot with a long tradition (a bathing community since 1890), with a bathing pier with steps down to the water, diving opportunities from the pier, toilets and a lovely beach promenade with views towards Ulvøya.
Bus 81A from Tollbugata.
Read moreSvarttjern (Romsås)
An outdoor recreation area with a sandy beach, modern granite ramps along the water, fixed barbecue spots, several grassy areas, a boules court and playgrounds.
Metro line 5 to Romsås, or by car (parking at Romsås senter).
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