Klosterenga

Klosterenga is a park in Oslo, set between two neighbourhoods: Gamlebyen (the Old Town) and Grønland. It blends greenery, sculpture and traces of urban history, and it is only a short walk from the city centre.

Where is Klosterenga and how do you find it?

The park runs along a strip of land between Grønlands park (Botsparken) in the west and the Galgeberg hill in the east. Oslo Prison's wall marks its northern edge, while Nonnegata and the buildings on the north side of Schweigaards gate lie to the south. The approximate coordinates are 59.908° N, 10.776° E. It is an easy walk from the centre, and public transport serves the area well.

Why was it created?

The park was developed as part of a housing project and a wider neighbourhood renewal effort. In the early 1990s, this part of inner-east Oslo struggled with heavy traffic, drug and violence problems, a shrinking population and the closure of the local school. The "Miljøbyen Gamle Oslo" initiative aimed to improve everyday life for residents, and green space and public art became a key part of it.

What can you see in the park?

• Sculpture park. Much of the park is shaped by works from Norwegian artist Bård Breivik, created in cooperation with the Gamle Oslo district administration. The pieces are placed along the paths, so the park feels like an open-air gallery.
• The Hovinbekken stream. It was piped underground in the 1920s and brought back to the surface in summer 2023, returning running water to the landscape.
• Sports ground. The eastern part was known as Oslo Sportsplads from 1894 to 1917, and international athletics meetings were held there in 1894 and 1895. Today it is called Klosterengen idrettsplass.
• Galgeberg. The hill at the eastern end of the park route, a handy goal for a longer walk.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes, it is a public city park.

How long does a visit take? Usually 30 to 60 minutes at an easy pace, longer if you want to look at every sculpture.

Is it a good place to relax? Yes, it is a green strip for locals and visitors who want a break from central Oslo traffic.

What else is nearby? Gamlebyen, the oldest part of Oslo, and multicultural Grønland with its shops and cafés.

Who is this park for?

It suits fans of public art, urban history and walks off the main tourist trail. Klosterenga shows how a neglected corner of a city can gain new life through greenery, sculpture and careful planning. It is worth a stop on the way between Grønland and Gamlebyen, especially on a warm day when the park fills with walkers, joggers and families. You will see a more everyday side of Oslo, away from the waterfront and main promenades. It fits well into a day plan covering the Old Town and the eastern districts of the Norwegian capital, and it makes a pleasant backdrop for photos, particularly in spring and early autumn when the trees are at their most colourful.