Public bath · Oslo

Rambergøya Badeplass

AT A GLANCE

Why go?

Rambergøya Badeplass is a recently opened public beach on a small island in the inner Oslofjord, just a short ferry ride from City Hall. Known for its mix of smooth gravel beach and rocky shore platforms ideal for swimming and sunbathing, the beach was made accessible to everyone in 2019 after decades of private ownership.↗↗

Set within a protected nature reserve among three connected islands—Rambergøya, Gressholmen, and Heggholmen—the bathing area offers a rare combination of fjord swimming, birdlife, and island exploration just minutes from central Oslo.↗↗

From Private Paradise to Public Beach

For years, the shoreline on Rambergøya's south side belonged to a single private cabin, keeping one of the Oslofjord's most charming small beaches hidden from public view. In 2019, when the cabin was demolished, Oslo's City Environment Administration opened the roughly 50-meter stretch of coast to everyone. The beach comprises several small coves where swimmers can choose between bathing from smooth rock platforms or a fine-grained gravel shore, making it appealing to a range of preferences.

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Public bath · Oslo

Rambergøya Badeplass

Oslo, NO 4.6 (21 Google reviews)

Photo: Google Maps

AT A GLANCE

Why go?

Rambergøya Badeplass is a recently opened public beach on a small island in the inner Oslofjord, just a short ferry ride from City Hall. Known for its mix of smooth gravel beach and rocky shore platforms ideal for swimming and sunbathing, the beach was made accessible to everyone in 2019 after decades of private ownership.↗↗

Set within a protected nature reserve among three connected islands—Rambergøya, Gressholmen, and Heggholmen—the bathing area offers a rare combination of fjord swimming, birdlife, and island exploration just minutes from central Oslo.↗↗

From Private Paradise to Public Beach

For years, the shoreline on Rambergøya's south side belonged to a single private cabin, keeping one of the Oslofjord's most charming small beaches hidden from public view. In 2019, when the cabin was demolished, Oslo's City Environment Administration opened the roughly 50-meter stretch of coast to everyone. The beach comprises several small coves where swimmers can choose between bathing from smooth rock platforms or a fine-grained gravel shore, making it appealing to a range of preferences.

↗↗

The local authority noted at the opening that they work to make as much of the shoreline publicly accessible as possible, and that early usage data showed people were already enjoying the beach. With a solid 4.6-star rating from reviewers, Rambergøya has quickly become a beloved summer escape among Oslo's swimming spots.↗↗

Swimming on the Fjord

The south side of Rambergøya offers multiple swimming options. Ruglete svaberg — undulating bedrock shelfs that slope gently into the water — provide natural sunbathing surfaces and easy entry points for swimmers. Interspersed between these rocky stretches are patches of fine gravel beach. The area is recommended for those who enjoy a more natural, unstructured bathing experience rather than a serviced pool complex.↗↗

Bathing water quality at the Gressholmen–Rambergøya area is generally rated as good, though Oslo municipality advises against swimming for 24 hours after heavy rainfall. A basic outdoor toilet and litter bins are available on the island, but facilities are minimal — the appeal here lies in the natural setting.↗↗

A Nature Reserve in the Fjord

Rambergøya and the northern parts of Gressholmen are protected nature reserves, where wildlife and vegetation are legally safeguarded. The bay between the two islands serves as an important nesting area for seabirds, making the spot attractive for those who want to combine a swim with quiet nature observation. Visitors should remember not to pick flowers, break branches, or disturb the landscape — the reserve rules are there to keep the environment intact.↗↗

Gressholmen was once famous for its wild rabbits, but these were removed because they were grazing away the protected flora. The island's history runs deeper too: in 1927, Norway's first scheduled-flight airport was established here, and the Gressholmen Kro restaurant from 1930 still serves refreshments during summer months.↗

Getting There

The simplest way to reach Rambergøya Beach is to take the summer ferry from Rådhusbrygge 1 (City Hall Pier 1) near Aker Brygge to Gressholmen. The crossing takes only a few minutes, and from the Gressholmen landing you follow a path heading south for roughly ten minutes until you arrive on Rambergøya, where several swimming spots open onto the fjord. If you have your own boat, you can moor at Gressholmen's small-craft harbour, though it's worth checking availability with the local boat association.↗↗↗

Exploring the Island Group

Rambergøya is one of three connected islands — Gressholmen, Rambergøya, and Heggholmen — joined together by stone causeways so you can walk between them easily. A stroll to Heggholmen is well worth the detour to see one of the oldest lighthouses in the inner Oslofjord, a charming landmark that adds a layer of maritime history to a swimming outing. The combined island walk makes for a pleasant half-day summer excursion.↗↗

Practical Tips for Visitors

Bring water shoes — the rocky shelf terrain (svaberg) can be uneven and sharp in places. Camping and open fires are prohibited on the islands since they are nature reserves. Grilling is permitted only on gravel or sand surfaces. Be aware that Oslo municipality has issued a warning about pollution from an old shooting range affecting parts of Gressholmen and Rambergøya; follow the municipality's recommendations when visiting.↗↗↗

The beach has no lifeguard, changing rooms, or full facilities — it's best suited for those who appreciate a raw, natural bathing experience. During the ferry season, Gressholmen Kro provides a place to grab food and drinks if you want to extend your visit.↗

What makes it special

01

Recently opened to the public in 2019 after decades of private ownership↗

02

A short ferry ride from Aker Brygge puts you on a nature reserve island in minutes↗

03

Combines fine gravel beach with natural rock shelf swimming platforms↗

04

Part of a walkable three-island group with historic lighthouse and seaside restaurant↗

A little planning goes a long way

Bring water shoes — the bedrock shelfs are uneven and can be sharp underfoot.↗
No camping or bonfires allowed; grilling only permitted on gravel or sand surfaces.↗
Avoid swimming for 24 hours after heavy rain, as water quality may temporarily decline.↗
The ferry from Rådhusbrygge 1 operates in summer season — check schedules before visiting.↗
This is a nature reserve: do not pick flowers, break branches, or disturb wildlife.↗

About this guide

Compiled with AI assistance from the sources below; this is not a first-hand visit. Place details collected October 5, 2026. Hours, access and ratings can change; confirm with the venue before visiting.