Review: Gressholmen Kro (2018) Islet Gem in the Oslo Fjord

When the Oslo weather is at its best in June and July, with temperatures sometimes reaching highs of 25-30ºC, it’s delightful to get some wind in your hair and smell the fresh ocean breeze. Not to mention a change of scenery from an urban jungle to a nature reserve. Take one of the public ferries out to the small islet of Gressholmen in the inner Oslo fjord. Here you find Gressholmen Kro, which has been run and operated by the dedicated restaurateur Ann Sung-an Lee since 2017. Serving food all days throughout July, with the kitchen open between 1:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

Looking for more great spots for food and drinks in Norway’s capital? Check out our city map of Oslo!

Nye Gressholmen Kro
Nye Gressholmen Kro

The main focus on the menu is simple seafood like shrimps and mussels, with daily specials including one meat, one fish, and one vegetarian option. We tried the food here last year and was slightly disappointed, but I really wanted to like this place so we went back again this year. Luckily, the food has improved and we enjoyed a wonderful dish of salmon with baked potatoes, arugula, orange, and butter sauce. The fish could not have been better cooked – full of juice and flavor. Roasted potatoes with a soft core and crispy, almost caramelized exterior. The rich butter sauce was nicely balanced by the sweet-acidic oranges. Don’t forget to tan on the bare rock face near the water afterward.

One of the many public ferries that will take you to Gressholmen
One of the many public ferries that will take you to Gressholmen
Approaching Gressholmen
Approaching Gressholmen
Arrived at Gressholmen
Arrived at Gressholmen
Gressholmen Kro
Gressholmen Kro

Gressholmen Kro

Salmon, potatoes, arugula, radish, butter sauce and oranges
Salmon, potatoes, arugula, radish, butter sauce and oranges
The daily special with fish. Simple and tasty dish!
The daily special with fish. Simple and tasty dish!

Gressholmen Kro

Gressholmen Kro

Approaching Oslo again. Akershus Festning in the back
Approaching Oslo again. Akershus Festning in the back
Rådhuset-ahoy!
Rådhuset-ahoy!

What’s your favorite summer getaway spot in Oslo? Drop a comment below.

Anders Husa

Anders Husa and Kaitlin Orr are food & travel bloggers and creative content creators. From their base in Copenhagen, they operate the largest and most influential restaurant-focused travel blog in Scandinavia.

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