Langaardsløkken

Langaardsløkken is a small public park in Oslo, set in the Briskeby district close to the dense city-centre streets. It covers roughly 6 decares (about 0.6 hectares) and is the kind of green corner you stumble on during a neighbourhood walk rather than find in a typical guidebook. For anyone who likes quiet, lesser-known places, it makes a rewarding stop.

Where is Langaardsløkken?

The park lies in Briskeby, bordered by Professor Dahls gate, Industrigata, Briskebyveien and Schives gate. It was laid out in the garden of Professor Dahls gate 32, on the grounds of the former Rolighed estate. Its position inside a built-up district makes it more of a neighbourhood oasis than a large recreational park.

Where does the name come from?

The name honours Mads Ellef Langaard, a brewery owner who inherited the Rolighed estate in 1874. Locals also call the park Youngsparken or Youngs hage, after the last private owner before the municipality took over the property in 1964. You may also see the spelling Langgaardsløkken, which the City of Oslo itself uses.

What does the park look like?

The park has two clearly different halves. The northern part is a Renaissance-style garden with roots in the 1700s. The southern part is a landscape-style park with large mature trees. That contrast makes it a neat example of how garden fashions changed within one small plot.

A historic bowling alley building also stands on the grounds. It is the only preserved bowling alley of its period in Oslo, which adds real heritage value to the site.

How was the park saved?

In the late 1980s the area was threatened by development. After a conservation plan in 1987 it was restored and opened to the public. The park itself opened in 1994 and is maintained today as public green space.

Who is it for?

• people interested in Oslo's history and its old estates,
• garden lovers who enjoy old trees and calm walks,
• anyone wanting a break from the traffic on nearby Briskeby streets.

Frequently asked questions

Is Langaardsløkken a large park? No. At about 6 decares it is a small neighbourhood park.

Is there an entrance fee? It is a municipal park, open to the public since 1994.

Why does the park have several names? The official name comes from brewery owner Mads Ellef Langaard, while the local nickname, Youngsparken, refers to the last private owner of the property.

What is worth seeing there? The Renaissance-style garden in the north, the landscape section with large trees in the south, and the historic bowling alley.

Since when has the land belonged to the city? The municipality took over the property in 1964.