Oslo - Norway - page 132

The southwestern shore of otherwise rocky Hovedøya ( Offline map ) , the nearest island
to the mainland, is popular with sunbathers. The island is ringed with walking paths to old
cannon emplacements and the 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruins .
South of Hovedøya lies the undeveloped island of Langøyene ( Offline map ) , which has
superb swimming from rocky or sandy beaches (one on the southeastern shore is desig-
nated for nude bathing). Boat 94 will get you there.
The Bygdøy Peninsula has two popular beaches, Huk ( Offline map ) and Paradisbukta
( Offline map ) , which can be reached on bus 30 from Jernbanetorget to its last stop. While
there are some sandy patches, most ofHukcomprises grassy lawns and large smooth rocks
ideal for sunbathing. Separ-ated into two beaches by a small cove, the beach on the north-
westernsideisopentonudebathing.IfHukseemstoocrowded,a10-minutewalkthrough
the woods north of the bus stop leads to the more secluded Paradisbukta.
SWIMMING POOLS
Oslo has two outdoor municipal swimming pools: Frognerbadet Swimming Pool Offline
map Google map ( Clickhere ; 23 27 54 50; Middelthuns gate 28; mid-May-mid-
Aug) in Frognerparken (entry via Middelthuns gate); and Tøyenbadet Swimming Pool
Offline map Google map ( 23 30 44 70; Helgesens gata 90) ,whichisneartheMunch
Museum. Entry costs the same for both pools (adult/child Nkr78/37).
OSLO FOR CHILDREN
After the long, dark winter nights, the arrival of spring and summer brings masses of
baby carriages out onto the streets (we wonder if there is a connection between said
long, dark nights and the amount of children in Oslo…). Despite this, Oslo is not one
of Europe's more child-friendly cities, as many of the sights and restaurants are
aimed squarely at adults, and it can sometimes feel as if children are tolerated more
than welcomed. Note also that most of the museums and galleries insist on making
you use one of their own baby carriages - something guaranteed to please every par-
ent who has just managed to get their little darling off to sleep!
Despite this, you can still visit Oslo with children and enjoy the experience. Most
Oslo parents will tell you that the best activities are often the simplest and free. There
are no rules against climbing the statues at Frognerparken, for example, or chasing
your little sister around the garden's 3000m mosaic labyrinth. The park also has one
of the city's best playgrounds. Nearer the centre, the cannons and fortifications at
Akershus Fortress are great for sparking the imagination.