Tøyenparken is one of Oslo’s most loved green spaces, a broad hillside of lawns and trees that rolls up above the vibrant neighborhood of Tøyen. Locals come here for lazy picnics, disc golf, city views, and long summer evenings that seem to stretch forever. As someone who grew up in Oslo and still spends plenty of time in this corner of the city, I think of Tøyenparken as the calm just a few minutes from downtown, with enough room to breathe and play without leaving the city behind.
If you are wondering whether Tøyenparken is worth your time, the short answer is yes. It is an easy park to reach, free to enjoy, with space for everyone and something to do in every season. You can combine it with the excellent Natural History Museum and Oslo’s Botanical Garden next door, grab coffee and lunch at Tøyen Torg, and still have room in your day for more exploring.
Let’s take a deeper dive into Tøyenparken so you can plan a visit that fits your trip and your pace.
Where Tøyenparken Is and What It Feels Like
Tøyenparken sits on the east side of central Oslo, just above the neighborhood squares of Tøyen and within walking distance of Grønland and Kampen. The park spreads across a hillside that catches sunshine from late morning to sunset, which is exactly why it becomes a favorite after-work gathering place for locals. Tall maples and birches create patches of shade, and the open lawns make it easy to find your own spot even on busy summer days.
Because it is built on a slope, you get lovely angles on the city. From the upper paths you can see rooftops, church spires, and on clear days a wink of the fjord. If you walk a little higher to the adjacent lookout at Ola Narr, you get one of the better informal viewpoints in the area. On winter days the same slopes double as casual sledding runs for kids, with parents standing by with thermoses and very pink cheeks.
How to Get to Tøyenparken
The simplest way is the Oslo Metro, called the T-bane. Ride to Tøyen station and follow the signs toward the park. You will come out at Tøyen Torg, the small local square, and from there it is a short uphill walk of about 5 to 10 minutes. If you prefer buses, several lines serve Tøyen and the stops around Tøyen Torg and Tøyengata. Walking from Oslo Central Station is possible if you like urban strolls, plan on roughly 25 minutes through Grønland.
If you are arriving by bike or e-scooter, there are bike lanes on the surrounding streets. Inside the park, stick to the paved paths and ride cautiously. Oslo’s rules ask riders to slow to walking speed when passing pedestrians, which is both polite and practical here.
Best Things To Do in Tøyenparken
Picnic on the lawns. This is the number one activity. Bring a blanket, a simple spread from a supermarket, and enjoy a long pause with room to stretch out. The hill catches light later than many parks, so it is excellent for late afternoons and evenings.
Play disc golf. Tøyenparken has a popular free disc golf course that we locals use all the time. If you are new to the game, start early in the day when it is quieter. A quick etiquette tip from experience: let faster groups play through and always check that fairways are clear before throwing. You will often see families and beginners here, which adds to the easygoing feel.
Stroll the paths and hunt for views. Walk a loop that climbs gradually to the upper edge near Ola Narr, then back across the middle lawns. The perspective shifts as you go, and there are benches tucked into shady spots for reading or people watching.
Bring a ball or a book. The central flats are great for casual games. If you are the reading type, this is where you will burn through chapters. It is quiet enough to hear birds in the mornings and lively by late afternoon.
Tøyenparken for Families
I brought my own kids here long before they could walk, and it still works now that they sprint. The sloping lawns are perfect for running and rolling, and there are small play areas on the lower edges. In winter, bring a sledge and try the gentler sections first. For a change of pace, the Botanical Garden next door is a wonder for curious kids, with winding paths, small ponds, and seasonal displays that make short legs forget they are walking.
If you need a bathroom or a snack, you are close to Tøyen Torg, where you will find cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores. In peak summer there are often portable toilets around the park. With small children, I plan breaks at the garden or a cafe because facilities in parks are not guaranteed off season.
Picnics, Grilling, and Local Etiquette
Grilling is usually allowed in Oslo’s parks, but use a stand to keep heat off the grass and follow any posted fire restrictions. Avoid grilling under low branches, and never dump hot coals in the trash. If there is a drought or wind warning, skip the grill entirely. Alcohol rules in Norway are strict, so keep it discreet and low key if you decide to have a drink, and know that police occasionally do checks in busy periods.
Noise carries on the hillside, especially late at night. Oslo has quiet hours after 23.00, and neighbors around the park appreciate it when gatherings wind down or move into indoor venues by then. It is common courtesy to collect your litter and leave the space cleaner than you found it.
When to Visit: Seasons and Weather
Summer is prime time, with long light, warm evenings, and frequent picnics and pick-up games. Bring a light layer even in July. The hill catches a breeze and it cools fast after sunset.
Autumn brings color and clear air. If you time it right, you will get golden leaves and crisp views of the city. It is one of my favorite times to walk up to Ola Narr with a takeaway coffee.
Winter simplifies everything. Snow flattens the noise and turns the slope into a family sled lane. Wear proper shoes because the paths can be icy. If you are visiting Oslo to feel winter, Tøyenparken is easy to access and gives you a proper seasonal mood without a long trip.
Spring arrives early in the Botanical Garden next door, then spills into the park. You will see the first outdoor lunches of the year as soon as the sun shows. The grass can be damp, so bring a groundsheet if you plan to sit.
Events and Live Music at Tøyenparken
Tøyenparken is occasionally used for large concerts and festivals, particularly in late summer. Schedules shift from year to year, so check event listings for your dates if live music is part of your plan. On event days, expect fencing, sound checks, and crowds that change the park’s normal rhythm. If you prefer quiet, choose a non-event day or come early in the morning.
Food and Drink Near Tøyenparken
For quick supplies, several supermarkets and kiosks cluster around Tøyen Torg. You will also find casual cafes for coffee, pastries, and simple lunches. The square has become a small hub in recent years, with a mix of pizza-and-beer spots, brunch places, and global food that reflects the diversity of the neighborhood. If you want more options, walk down to Grønland for budget-friendly eateries or up to Kampen for cozy, residential restaurants.
A tip from many park days: pack your main picnic items before heading up the hill. It saves you carting things back and forth, and you can keep your place on the grass when the park gets busy.
Nearby Attractions You Can Pair With Your Visit
Oslo’s Botanical Garden and the Natural History Museum sit just across the road. You can easily spend one to two hours wandering the themed gardens and greenhouses, and the museum’s exhibits are an engaging bonus, especially on a rainy day.
If you like viewpoints and quiet lawns, Ola Narr is immediately uphill from Tøyenparken. It is smaller and more intimate, a good spot for sunrise or sunset if you want a bit of privacy.
For architecture and city energy, stroll down through Grønland toward the center. You will pass markets, street art, and some of the tastiest budget food in town. If you aim for the waterfront afterward, you can reach Bjørvika and the Opera House in about 30 minutes on foot.
Practical Information and Local Tips
What to bring. A picnic blanket, a light jacket even in summer, and sunscreen for long days. If you plan to try disc golf, bring a mid-range disc or buy one at a sports shop in the city. Water fountains are limited, so carry a bottle.
Facilities. Toilets may be seasonal. For a sure thing, use cafes around Tøyen Torg or facilities at the Botanical Garden when open. Litter bins are dotted around, but they fill up on sunny weekends, so be ready to carry your trash out.
Safety. The park is widely used and generally feels safe. As in any city park, keep an eye on your belongings, especially during crowded events or busy evenings. If you are here late, stick to the main paths. The area has plenty of foot traffic.
Photography. The upper paths and the edge near Ola Narr give you the best angles on the city. Late afternoon light is flattering on the slopes, and after a summer shower the grass glows.
Weather reality. Oslo’s weather changes fast. If you wake up to clouds, do not cancel. Some of my favorite Tøyenparken hours are the quiet ones under moody skies, with a thermos of coffee and half the city to myself.
Getting your bearings. If you come out of Tøyen station and feel unsure which way to go, aim uphill. The park rises directly above the square. Once you reach the grass, wander. That is the point here, to let the day be loose.
One last local tip. The hillside cools as soon as the sun dips, even after a hot day. Pack an extra layer so you can stay for the pink-and-gold half hour when the city softens and Oslo feels small and kind. That is when Tøyenparken shows you exactly why we love it.