Torshov kirkepark

Torshov kirkepark is a small city park in the Torshov neighbourhood of Oslo's Sagene borough. Its centrepiece is Torshov Church, and the whole area covers roughly 15.3 decares, or about 1.5 hectares. It is a green pocket for residents of the surrounding apartment blocks, and a quiet stop for anyone exploring the northern part of the Norwegian capital.

Where is Torshov kirkepark?

The park lies in northern Oslo, in Torshov, a district known for early twentieth-century housing. It is bounded by Åsengata to the northwest, Lammers' gate to the south and Nordkappgata to the east, with residential buildings to the north. It sits right in the urban fabric, so it is easy to stumble upon during a walk through the area.

What should you know about the name?

The park has no official name. Locals call it simply Kirkeparken (the church park) or Torshov kirkepark, after the church within it. In 2016 the area around the church was named Knut Nystedts plass, in honour of a church organist connected with the place.

Torshov Church in the park

The main building here is Torshov Church, consecrated in 1958. It seats about 400 people. It dates from the second half of the 1950s, when many new churches were built in Norwegian cities to serve growing districts. Being set among greenery gives the surroundings a calm feel, and the park acts as an open forecourt for the building.

What can you do here?

The park is above all a place for everyday relaxation. Listings mention a playground and a picnic area, so it suits families with children. The walking route Turvei B9 runs east to west through the park. The park is also part of the planned "Grønn rute" (green route), intended to link Sinsenkrysset with Skøyen through the city's green spaces.

Torshov kirkepark versus Torshovparken

Do not confuse it with nearby Torshovparken. That is a separate and much larger park of about 41 acres (roughly 16.5 hectares), established in the 1920s. If you want a longer stroll, you can link the two green spaces into one walk around the district.

Frequently asked questions

Does Torshov kirkepark have an official name? No. The name is informal, and locals also say Kirkeparken.

How big is the park? About 15.3 decares, so it is more of a small green square than a large city park.

Is there a playground? Yes, listings mention a playground and a picnic area.

When was the church in the park consecrated? In 1958. It seats about 400.

What is Knut Nystedts plass? The name given in 2016 to the area around the church, in honour of a church organist.

Is the park part of a walking route? Yes, Turvei B9 crosses it, and it is also meant to be part of the planned Grønn rute between Sinsenkrysset and Skøyen.