Tøyen Park

Tøyen Park is a public park in Oslo, Norway, on the city's eastern side. It lies to the north-east of the old Munch Museum and directly neighbours the University of Oslo Botanical Garden. It is a grassy, tree-dotted recreation area that locals use all year round.

Where is Tøyen Park?

The park sits in the Tøyen district of Oslo. Its best-known neighbours are the old Munch Museum building to the south-west and the University Botanical Garden next door, so a visit to the park combines easily with a walk through the garden. The coordinates are roughly 59.9175 N, 10.7775 E.

What can you do in Tøyen Park?

The park is open, green recreation ground rather than a formal garden. In summer people come to barbecue on the lawns and to play frisbee. The park also has playgrounds for children and sports fields, which makes it a practical stop for families and for anyone who wants to spend an afternoon outdoors without leaving the city.

Winter changes the character of the place. When snow lies on the slopes, tobogganing is popular here, and the park becomes a simple, free sledging hill close to the city centre.

What is the history behind the park?

The park belongs to the old Tøyen estate. The land was originally owned by Nonneseter Abbey. Around 1640 Chancellor Jens Bjelke acquired the property. The current Tøyen Manor house dates from 1679 and is one of Oslo's oldest timber buildings; its main wing is probably the oldest wooden building in greater Oslo.

In the early nineteenth century King Frederik VI bought the manor and its estate and, in 1812, donated it to the university, with the intention that it should include the campus of the new University of Oslo. In 1814 the botanical garden was founded on part of the land. Only about 5 percent of the estate, around 7.5 hectares, was set aside for the garden. It is Norway's oldest botanical garden, belongs to the Natural History Museum of the University of Oslo, and has about 800,000 visitors a year.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tøyen Park good for children? Yes. The park has playgrounds and open lawns, and in winter its slopes are used for tobogganing.

Can you have a barbecue in Tøyen Park? Barbecuing on the grass is a popular summer activity here. Check current local rules and any seasonal restrictions before lighting a grill.

What is next to Tøyen Park? The University of Oslo Botanical Garden is a direct neighbour, and the old Munch Museum building is nearby to the south-west. Historic Tøyen Manor is also part of the area.

What is the best time to visit? Summer suits picnics, barbecues and games on the grass, while winter suits tobogganing when there is snow.

Is the park far from the centre of Oslo? No. Tøyen is an inner-city district on the eastern side of Oslo, a short distance from the centre.