Idioten

Idioten is a small park and green recreation area on a hillside in Oslo, in the St. Hanshaugen district. It sits in a built-up neighbourhood between General Birchs gate and Anton Schjøths gate, and locals use it for walks, jogging and a breather from the city.

Where is Idioten and how do you find it?

The park stretches along a slope between those two streets, right in the middle of the urban fabric rather than on the city outskirts. It lies in St. Hanshaugen, next to Sagene. It is not a ticketed tourist sight but a typical neighbourhood green space of the kind Oslo has plenty of. The easiest way to reach it is on foot from the surrounding residential streets. Access is open and free.

Where does the name come from?

The name sounds startling, but it has a local historical explanation. An institution for boys with intellectual disabilities once stood nearby on Ullevålsveien, and so-called special classes were held on Bolteløkka allé in the same area. In everyday speech the boys from these institutions were crudely called "idiots", and the label stuck to the hill. Today it is simply the place name, but it is worth knowing the background and treating it as a trace of old terms that are no longer acceptable.

What is the sporting history of the site?

The slope also had a sporting past. From the 1930s it hosted organised ski-jumping competitions, and the activity continued until the 1960s. Ski jumping is a national passion in Norway, which is why even a city hillside park once had this kind of facility. The jump no longer serves any purpose, but the shape of the terrain recalls the days when the area belonged to athletes and spectators.

Beneath the park there is an underground car park, a neat example of how dense Oslo layers its functions: greenery on top, parking below.

What can you do at Idioten?

• Walk or jog: the park is popular with runners.
• Dog walking: a common pastime for nearby residents.
• Views: from the top of the hill you can see the surrounding neighbourhood and, in the distance, higher ground on the horizon.
• Rest: a good spot for a short pause while exploring the district.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Idioten free? Yes, it is a public green space.

Is Idioten a big park? No. It is a modest green slope valued mostly by local residents.

Is the name offensive? It comes from an old colloquial label for residents of a nearby institution. Today it works as an ordinary place name, but its origin is unfortunate.

Who is it for? Visitors who want to see Oslo's everyday green side away from the main tourist trails, and anyone interested in the city's local history.

How long should I plan? A short stroll is usually enough, ideally combined with exploring St. Hanshaugen.

Idioten is not a must-see, but it offers a chance to see the city as its residents do: with a ski jump in its past, a view from the hilltop and a patch of green in the middle of the buildings.