Langøyene Island: The best sandy beach in Oslo

Swim at Oslo´s only sandy beach, sunbathe, play volleyball, and camp up to a maximum of 2 days.

Want to camp on an island created by garbage that's now the fjord's only legal camping spot? Langøyene (Long Islands) is an inner-Oslofjord island park that combines a long sandy family beach, sports fields and a large grassy plain that sits over an old municipal landfill. The island originally consisted of two separate islets, North and South Langøy, which were joined when the city used the channel between them for refuse filling in the early 20th century; landfill activity lasted until 1948.

This is the "rebel" of Oslo islands. While Hovedøya attracts history buffs and Lindøya belongs to cabin owners, Langøyene draws campers, swimmers, and those looking for freedom. It's the only inner fjord island where camping is allowed. The large flat plain (the old landfill site) and tree-shaded areas host tents under strict rules: maximum 2-day stays, quiet required between 11pm-7am.

The north side has a long sandy beach rare for Oslo (most islands are rocky). Family-friendly and shallow. The southern tip has a designated naturist beach (Naturiststrand), one of Norway's most popular nude beaches. The large flat plain supports permanent beach volleyball courts and a football field, making this the best island for sports. Facilities include a seasonal kiosk selling ice cream, burgers, and basic supplies, newly renovated sanitary facilities (much better than old outhouses), and available drinking water. Bring a disposable bbq and food from Oslo, there are no shops on the island.

The grassy plain that formerly was garbage dump was safely sealed in 2022. The 1908-1948 landfill that connected two islands was environmentally renovated and capped. You're literally camping on transformed trash, but the 2022 sealing makes it safe.

Highlights

Camp on the grassy plain (the former landfill site now safely sealed) or under trees for maximum 2 days. Respect quiet hours 11pm-7am or enforcement happens.

Swim at the north side sandy beach for family-friendly shallow water. This long sandy beach is rare for Oslo where most islands are rocky. The gentle slope and sandy bottom make it ideal for children.

Play beach volleyball or football on permanent courts in the large flat plain. The former landfill's level surface makes this the only island suitable for serious sports beyond swimming.

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Best time to go

Weekday visits (Tuesday-Thursday) June through August for camping and swimming without weekend crowds. Ferry B2 runs primarily May-September so outside this window access may be impossible (check Ruter app). Weekend camping attracts massive crowds creating the festival atmosphere but also reducing space and increasing noise.

Time needed

1–4 hours (half-day to a full afternoon)

Getting there

Ferry B2 from Aker Brygge (City Hall Pier) to Langøyene stop, roughly 15-20 minutes depending on stops at other islands, uses standard Ruter Zone 1 ticket (or free with Oslo Pass/day pass).

What to do nearby

1.5km

Gressholmen Island: Lighthouse, swimming & summer dining

Hike to a red-topped wooden lighthouse that looks like a Wes Anderson set, swim from flat rocks with clearer water than closer to the city, then eat your lunch at the charming Gressholmen Kro.

2.6km

Hovedøya Island: Oslo's 5-minute fjord escape

Inner-Oslo island where substantial 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruins sit alongside visible quarry geology and 19th-century military remains, all reachable by a short ferry from the city.