“Island Hopping on the Oslofjord” by Dr. Jon

I lead a variety of tours at Viking Biking and Hiking. First and foremost there is the Oslo Highlights bike tour, a 3-hour city tour visiting Oslo’s most popular attractions by bicycle. Then  there is the Authentic Oslo tour, which takes you to an alternative Oslo, to some beautiful waterfalls, hip cafes, and one of the best food markets in the country. My winter schedule also includes Oslo’s only winter bike tour, during which we stud our tires before cycling to admire Oslo’s stunning cityscape and Christmas market. Nevertheless, my favorite tour has to be our Island Hopping tour: a nature walking tour where we can enjoy some quiet time away from the city. Taking advantage of the new battery-powered vessels, this guided tour takes us to the idyllic and charming islands of the Oslofjord, from which we can admire the incredible views across the water, immerse ourselves in the summer ambience, and discover Oslo’s rich culture and history. One of the best things about this excursion is experiencing each island’s unique personality and charm. The picturesque Lindøya island, for instance, is known for its 300 red, yellow, and green summer cottages. This is the perfect place to learn all about “Hytteliv”, the cabin life cherished by Norwegians as a way to unplug from the world of technology, spend time
with family and friends, eat some favourite sweet treats, and relax in a tranquil environment. On our popular nature walking tours, Lindøya is also a fantastic spot for a picnic and the chance to go swimming! In contrast, Hovedøya, which is just a few minutes by boat from Lindøya, has no cabins. Instead, the focus here is on cultural heritage. On our excursion to this island, we tour the impressive ruins of a medieval Cistercian monastery, as well as two cannon batteries built to defend the city of Oslo during the Napoleonic era. Hovedøya is simply teeming with intrigue and adventure!

Despite their differences, all of the islands in the inner Oslofjord have one thing in common: nature. Large areas of the islands are designated as nature reserves, with protected species
of trees and plants, fungi, mosses, butterflies, insects, beetles, salamanders, birds, and much more! Several of the plants found here cannot be found anywhere else in Norway, including Oslo’s county flower, the Bakkekløver (Trifolium montanum, a.k.a the mountain clover). The islands also offer an opportunity to explore some spectacular geology, including sedimentary rocks, brimming with fossils, folded like pages in a textbook. My understanding of the islands’ nature grows with every visit– yet there will always be more to discover.

For those seeking some peace and quiet outside of the city, or those seeking to experience Norwegian culture in its natural environment, I highly recommend our public or private Island
hopping tours. I am delighted to be the leader of this guided tour, as it is always a memorable, entertaining and informative experience!