What to do in Oslo: Top 05 Best Beaches in Oslo

Norway is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful fjords, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In addition to its majestic landscapes, Norway also boasts beautiful beaches that delight visitors. Although it doesn't have any famous beaches, Norway's capital, Oslo, offers several spots where you can indulge your passion for swimming, with many of the best beaches near the center of the city. Wondering what to do in Oslo? Here are the 5 best beaches to visit in Oslo.

1. Huk Beach, one of the best beaches in Oslo

Located close to Oslojord, Huk Beach is the perfect destination if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Oslo. A beautiful beach very close to downtown Oslo, Huk Beach offers stunning views of the Oslo Fjord, the surrounding lush greenery and the majestic nearby mountains. Backed by a park with numerous shade trees, Huk beach is divided into two parts separated by a small entrance. The eastern part is a regular public beach, while the western part is a naturist beach.

“Huk is one of the best beaches to visit in Oslo for swimming, with even a small sandy beach. It is located a good distance from the city center, 30 minutes by scooter and 40 minutes by bus number 30.” - Antoine Laurent

2. Paradisbukta, best swimming spot in Oslo

It would be a big mistake not to mention Paradisbukta when talking about the best beaches in Oslo. The name Paradisbukta means Paradise Island. It is located in the Søgne archipelago with large rocks all around and some small beaches. Paradisbukta is a popular resort town with sandy beaches and ample recreational areas. Its proximity to downtown makes it a convenient getaway, where guests can enjoy designated grilling areas and picnic areas. Besides the sea, Paradisbukta also offers cycling trails, hiking trails and a large surrounding forest to guarantee visitors shade from the summer sun.

“We were wondering what to do in Oslo and discovered Paradisbukta. It was absolutely amazing, we drove there and parked nearby. The path is well marked and very clear through the park. The beach on this island, as the name suggests, is truly a beautiful and open beach.” - Lucie Simon.

3. Sørenga Sjøbad

Sørenga Sjøbad is probably a swimming activity complex. This place is basically a large fjord pool with sea water from the Oslofjord, a swimming pool, a beach, a children's pool and a large entertainment area with a large number of visitors on summer days. Sørenga Swimming Pool is open to the public all year round and in winter cold water swimming and saunas are popular activities. In addition, visitors can also stroll near the seaport and visit restaurants and cafes with open outdoor spaces.

“I made a great discovery in Oslo! An original beach with a diving board and a body of water for swimming. It was really awesome and unexpected. If you want to enjoy one of the beaches near Oslo, this is the perfect place.” - Paul Robert.

4. Sjøsanden Beach, considered one of the best beaches in Norway

Although Sjøsanden Beach is not the closest beach to Oslo city center, it is still known as one of the best beaches to visit in Oslo. Sjøsanden is a good distance from Oslo, requiring a four and a half hour drive. This makes this beach an ideal destination for your long trip to Oslo. Located in Mandal, at the mouth of the river, the soft sand of this beach combined with its protected location make it an ideal place to swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy the scenery. Surrounded by small islands, this beach has the calmest waters you will find in Norway. Even on windy days you will find that the water here has few waves and the sand slopes gently into the water. In addition to swimming, visitors can also hike in Furulunden Nature Park and then sip a cup of coffee at the Risøbank cottage cafe on the beach.

“We have been here several times with a caravan and we love it here! Really nice staff, great parking spaces for the cart (asphalt and grass area). The toilets/showers are clean and tidy. It is a short walk from the center of Mandal. The beach in the immediate vicinity. We will be returning here to this gem of southern Norway many times! Highly recommended from us if you are wondering what to do in Oslo. I’ve also had friends here who have the same impression of the place as we do.” - Emma Petit.

5. Ingierstrand, one of the beaches near Oslo

Ingierstrand Bad is one of the best beaches to visit in Oslo for those looking for fun, making it a great place for families. Located not far from the city center, this beach offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained for a full day or more. The beach is rocky, so don't expect to relax on soft sand. However, the rocky coastline results in exceptionally clear water and the excellent facilities make it one of the best beaches in southern Norway for swimming. Although you won't find fine sand here, there is a high diving tower and a swimming raft, perfect for enjoying the water. Additionally, there are restrooms, benches, and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend some time.

“We can say that it is one of the best beaches I have ever been to. I was here Saturday evening and watched the sunset. The area is beautiful and the swimming opportunities are good. Svabergen are similar to those found in southern Norway. I highly recommend everyone to come here at least once if they visit Oslo. Ingierstrand is just a 20-minute drive from central Oslo.” - Jacques Moreau.

Here is a selection of the 5 best beaches to visit in Oslo. Even if swimming isn't your favorite activity, you can still relax and recharge by enjoying the peaceful water view with your friends and loved ones. For those who love swimming, these beautiful beaches offer the best experiences in Oslo. What to do in Oslo? Try swimming, it could be a lot of fun!