Bleikøya

Bleikøya is a small island in the inner Oslofjord, situated just southeast of Hovedøya and a short ferry ride from downtown Oslo. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, the island combines natural beauty with traces of social and medical history. Bleikøya was historically used as a quarantine and isolation site for infectious diseases during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when several hospital buildings and a sanatorium were established there. Some of these structures still stand today and are protected as part of Oslo’s cultural heritage. Despite its somber past, Bleikøya is now a beloved recreational area featuring meadows, forests, and rocky coastlines ideal for hiking and swimming. The island has a small number of private cottages and gardens that are carefully maintained under strict conservation rules, ensuring that development remains minimal. Accessible only by passenger ferry, Bleikøya is part of Oslo’s island-hopping network and offers visitors a tranquil escape from city life while remaining close to the urban core. With its mixture of nature, history, and views toward the city and the surrounding fjord, Bleikøya represents a unique balance of Oslo’s maritime culture and its ongoing commitment to preserving the natural and historical character of the Oslofjord islands.