Sofienbergparken

Sofienbergparken is one of the most heavily used parks in Oslo, set in the Grünerløkka district. Today it is a place for relaxing, playing and meeting friends, yet its story begins as a burial ground for the city's poorest residents.

What kind of place is it?

Sofienbergparken is a large city park in the middle of the densely built-up Grünerløkka neighbourhood. Green space is precious here, so the park works as a shared living room for the area: people come for a stroll, to use the playground, to play table tennis or simply to sit on the grass. Public toilets on site make it easy to stay a while, especially with children.

What is the history of the park?

The site was consecrated in 1858 as a cemetery for the poor of Christiania, today's Oslo. Sofienberg gravlund operated until 1931 and received around 60,000 burials, including urn interments. The location was chosen after the Ankerløkken cemetery closed following the cholera epidemic of 1853. The Sofienberg meadow, between Grünerløkka and Trondheimsveien, lay outside the city at the time and suited the purpose.

As the city grew around it, residents objected to a graveyard so central in a dense neighbourhood. Between 1918 and 1972 the area was gradually converted into a city park. The western part opened as a park in 1961, and the eastern part was finished in 1972.

Are there traces of the cemetery left?

Yes. Most of the graves were removed, but the Jewish section was preserved. A small fenced Jewish burial ground lies north of the church. It is an important, if easily missed, part of the site's history.

What stands in the middle of the park?

Sofienberg church stands in the centre of the park. It was built in 1877 on the old meadow, first named Paulus' church, later Petrus' church, and since 1962 simply Sofienberg. It is a clear landmark and a good backdrop for photos.

What can you do here?

• Stroll and relax on the open lawns, which fill up with locals on warm days.
• Bring children to the playground.
• Play table tennis at the tables in the park.
• See the church from 1877 and the fenced Jewish burial ground.
• Combine the visit with Grünerløkka, the neighbourhood of cafés, shops and local life right next door.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Sofienbergparken free? Yes, it is an open public park.

Are there toilets in the park? Yes, there are public toilets on site.

Was it really a cemetery? Yes. The cemetery operated from 1858 to 1931, and the park was created on its grounds between 1918 and 1972. The Jewish section remains.

Is it a good place for families? Yes, there is a playground and plenty of open space for play.

Where exactly is it? In the Grünerløkka district of Oslo, near Trondheimsveien.

Why visit?

Sofienbergparken shows how a city repurposes its space: a former cemetery became one of residents' favourite parks. If you want to see everyday Oslo, sit on the lawn, look at the church and visit the preserved corner of the Jewish burial ground. It is a calm stop on a walk through Grünerløkka that also offers a glimpse into the city's past.