hat better way to enjoy the most of this special time and place than to head for the beach - there are so many possibilities and it barely ever gets crowded. Whether you are single or with children, there is always a good spot to go to. But do not forget to bring sunlotion, there are already plenty of red lobsters in the fjord ;) Whether you just want to get a tan, or are brave enough the take a dip in the water (temperatures get only "warm" towards the end of July into August), it's all there. And the best way to take in the beautiful scenery of the fjord with it's islands and mountain hills in the distance is to be au-naturel.

here is no greater feeling of freedom and one-being with nature then when you are free to slip out of your swim costume and feel the warm sun and a fresh breeze of wind all over your body - you are at one with nature, finally. Many of the beaches around the Oslo fjord offer a great deal of privacy and, if you look for the right place, solitude. These are great places to be, soak in the sun and experience a healthier and more natural you. There are naturist beaches which are especially suited for families with children as there are for those who mainly want to "see and be seen" (this is distinctly different from gawking (kikkern in Norwegian), which is a very rude and unacceptable. Men (it's always men) take notice and check out some basic beach-etiquette! otherwise, bugger off). Wherever you go, please keep our beautiful beaches clean by taking your rubbish with you and check out some basics of (naturist) beach etiquette, it will be much appreciated.

fter reading all this you will most likely want to check out the (naturist) beaches in the area and find out where to go and how to get there! Surprisingly maybe, there is very little information let alone images to be found anywhere on the web on naturist beaches around the Oslo fjord. Well, here you will be able to find out all... And if that is not enough, check out our yahoo club Natural Fjord for more info or post your own questions or experiences!.

ere is a short overview of the main beach areas, detailed overviews are presented further below (please note, this page is under construction and will be updated regurarly).

• Bygdoy - the museum peninsula - sports a number of fine beaches both rocky as well as sandy (near all of the latter are textile) and is a very popular destination for many. There are excellent walking and cycling tracks and beaches can be reached easily by ferry, bus or car. Huk naturist beach is well known, but has lost some of its shine.

• Islands in the inner Oslo fjord The scenery and nature at the islands in the inner Oslo fjord is just fantastic and no suprise there are many fine beaches. Both Rambergoya (Gressholmen; our favourite desitination au-naturel) and Langoyene have extensive naturist bathing possibilities along mostly rocky beach sections. (Bleikoya, Nakholmen and Lindoya do not have public beaches; pretty Hovedoya is textile only (?)). All islands are easily reached by ferry from Vippetangen.

• Sandvika/Kalvoya - Kalvoya is an island in the Oslo fjord just off Sandvika and is a very popular (family) destination. It boasts many fine beaches, some which are sandy and very suited for children. Towards the east is the Asker and Baerum Naturist Society naturist area with a fine sandy and very shallow beach - family friendly!

• Bunnefjord - Bunnefjord is the part of the Oslo fjord between Oslo and Nessoden (east side) and has a number of beaches. Strandskog fristrand is the local naturist beach with sun until late.

• Oslo marka - while not directly at the fjord, Oslo marka - the large forest area around Oslo city - has many lakes with nice secluded bathing spots that are perfect for going au-naturel. Svartkulp lake near popular Sognsvann is a designated fri-omrade.

ou can click on the map-image below or, even better, open the image in a new window to see a map of the inner Oslo fjord area with indication of textile (blue lines, "T"), naturist beaches (red lines, "N") and mixed beaches (blue/red lines). These beaches will be described in more detail below.

       

Bygdoy is the penisula at the west side of Oslo. It is conveniently reached by Bus, or ferry from Radhusplassen (Munkholm will take you straight to Huk in summer months, if you take the museum ferry (exit at Fram-museum) you will have to walk some 20mins), or car (large paid-parking near Huk and east of Bygdoy Kongsgard - do not park illegal or without ticket because you will be fined!), or by bike (you can rent a bike on Radhusplassen opposite the tram station). It is a very pretty walk or cycle along the east side of Bygdoy along Paradisbukta. There is a simple restaurant (kro) with popular outdoor terrace at Huk (open until 9pm).
• T1: Huk regular beach, very popular with families, and youth. There is a sandy strech down from the Huk restaurant, + facilities for disabled. East side very popular with people bringing a minigrill (a must do!)

• T2: Paradisbukta beach, a long stretch of rocky slopes (except for one part which is sandy and very popular with families) all along the east side of Bygdoy. There is a scenic cliff-path winding all along the top with small trails descending to the beaches.
  Along the northmost part of paradisbukta (north of N2) it is quite ok although not very common if you want to slip-off your swimwear.

• N1: Huk naturist beach, probably the most well known naturist beach of Oslo! The beach area boasts a nice grass field but otherwise has lost some of its shine of the early days. Nevertheless, the beach is busy as always (especially with men) and on nice summer weekend days can get very crowded and there is a lot going for "see and be seen". The location is very convenient with nearby parking and Huk restaurant and bar. Ideal for a late evening dip when the crowds have gone while the sun is still out: see the image below (click on image to get a large scale version) taken 19/06/01 in the evening sun. Note the couple playing around on the shallow offshore reefs, life cannot be better, can it? Men (of which there are many, as usual): next time make sure you bring your partner as well and join in - if this is not the best/better fun, I don't know what is ;)

• N2: Paradisbukta naturist "beach" is not sign posted and is little known. This is no suprise as it is a rather difficult to reach stretch of sand frequented by naturists at the bottom of the high cliff-top just north of the house that divides Paradisbukta in two. There is a very steep path going down the rocky clifface towards the beach. If anyone has more info, please forward it to NaturalFjord mail address.

Gressholmen, Rambergoya and Heggholmen, the three islands connected together are a still have the beauty of past history with many little trails going everywhere through the woods up and down the hills. Populated by little rabbits. Heggholmen is island towards the northwest where you can find one of the oldest wooden lighthouses still in use. The area was also the location of the first airport of Oslo, for waterplanes only! Here is a link to an interesting description of islands. Otherwise, there is nature and solitude only - this is pure nature, off the beaten track. Even when the queues for the ferry at Vippetangen can sometimes be long (be sure to arrive at least 20min in advcance to be guaranteed of a place) you will find that once on the island there is so much space that after a short walk you will find very people in sight. The ferry arrives at Gressholmen. There are a few fine beaches close to the ferry landing (head towards the left). Somewhat further to left you will find Gressholmen kro, a bar + simple restaurant which is open until late (dinner until 9pm - great place for meal outside!).

Overst: Ferge 93 fra Vippetangen kom an til Gressholmen, kaninoya i indre Oslofjord. Mid: Del av fristrand pa sor-vest siden (N3) og kledning-optional strand pa ostsiden (N4) av Rambergoya. Neden: Rambergoya er naturreservat med mange prakfulle planter og blomster, del av kledning-optional strand pa ostsiden av oya (N4/T6).

Langoyene, star of the Oslofjord - a pretty island that can be reached by ferry in the summer season only offer some of the nices

A family friendy and pleasant alternative to the hustle bustle of Oslo: welcome to Kalvoya island with its large play and sports fields and nice beaches (some smaller sandy beaches on the west side) and nice (hyggelig) naturist area and beach on the east side. The beach is sandy and shallow (one of the very few in the area!) and thus very well suited for families with children. There is a shower, toilets are near the playgrounds on the main part of the island. The naturist beach became an offical fri-strand in the 80's after lobbying by the Asker and Baerum Naturist Society. The latter keeps the beach in good standing and is represented by its members on most summer weekend days when barbecues maybe organised. Be sure to visit Kalvoya naturist beach!
Kalvoya is reached easily from Sandvika centre by foot. If you come by car, parking is closeby, just before the suspension bridge. After passing the bridge, take a left all the way to the end of the island where you reach the naturist area. Alternative, you can keep right and take the very nice path along Kalvoya west and south side. This will take you along the textile but otherwise very pretty beaches of Kalvoya. The south-west point is a very popular spot with those enjoying the late-evening sun in summer, highly recommended!

Strandskog

Oslo marka is the large area of forest and lakes surrounding Oslo and stretches well into Akershus fylke. There are countless lakes with crystal clear water that feaure excellent sun baked bathing spots for going au-naturel.

A designated fri-area has been established at Svartkulp, a beautiful lake near the northeast end of popular Sognsvann. From Sognsvann parking (end of T-banen #5) take the gravelpath towards Ullevalseter (east side of Sognsvann, going sligtly uphill). After a 10-15mins walk you will reach a dam and pretty lake on your right hand side: this is Svartkulp. Next, take one of the many trails along the northside and soon you will be one with nature. The north side of the lake catches the sun most of the day while about halfway along the south side there is one stretch that gets all the sun in the afternoon and evening. Svartkulp is a perfect place if you want to soak in some warmth and enjoy the long evening sun in scenic lakeside and forrest surroundings. Cooling-off is just a matter of letting yourself glide into the crystal clear water for a swim....
The images below show some views of Svartkulp taken from the north side - an area well worth your visit!

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