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4 Reasons to Visit Bogstad Manor This Summer

Spending your summer in the Oslo area? Experience a Norwegian "Downton Abbey" just 30 minutes from the city center. Beautifully situated by Lake Bogstadvannet, Bogstad Manor awaits. Here, you will find living history and authentic estate life, combined with beautiful scenery, cute animals, and free summer activities for the whole family.

1. Experience a Norwegian "Downton Abbey"

The main building at Bogstad Manor is a unique time machine. This is not a museum furnished long after the fact—it is an authentic manor home that has remained largely untouched since its golden age.

Here, you can experience magnificent, interconnected grand rooms filled with art and furniture spanning 250 years of style history. You will see Peder Anker’s unique 18th-century European art collection and hear about the dramatic historical events surrounding 1814 when Norway gained its constitution.

The guided tour also takes you down into the preserved blue kitchen from the early 1900s. Here, you get a fascinating insight into the contrasts between the grand life upstairs and the daily routines of the servants who kept the estate running.

Tour times this summer:
Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday–Sunday: 13:00 and 14:00
Tours are usually conducted in Norwegian. Please let the guide know if you would prefer English.

Gallery Østfløyen — A Taste of Bogstad
See a selection of interiors and objects not otherwise accessible to the public. The exhibition is free of charge.

  • Ballsalen på Bogstad Gård. Et flygel står midt i rommet.
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    Stian Nybru
  • Et dekket spisebord.
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    Anniken Mihle
  • En av stuene i hovedbygningen på Bogstad gård. En dør står åpen ut mot hagen og Bogstadvannet.
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    Stian Nybru
  • Detaljer fra interiøret i hovedbygningen på Bogstad gård.
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Beate Kjørslevik

2. Free Garden Games and Quiz

Summer at Bogstad Manor is all about relaxing and having fun. On the large lawn, we set up a croquet lawn and badminton nets, perfect for both groups of friends and families (from ages 5 and up).

Want to explore the grounds? Pick up a free quiz map in the museum shop and find the hidden checkpoints scattered around the historic park. A great activity for children between 5 and 12 years old!

All equipment for the garden games and the quiz can be borrowed completely free of charge at the museum shop.

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    Beate Kjørslevik
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    Christian Andre Strand
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    Beate Kjørslevik
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    Stian Nybru
We Are Live

3. Historic Landscape Park and Animals on Pasture

The 18th-century English-style landscape park is tailor-made for lazy summer days. Stroll along winding paths, cross idyllic small bridges, and enjoy the peace under the massive, ancient trees.

The best part for the little ones? Around the park, you can meet rabbits, chickens, turkeys, and sheep enjoying their summer pasture.

Local tip: Feel free to combine your visit to Bogstad Manor with a refreshing swim at the Bogstadvannet beach right nearby.

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    We Are Live
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    Christian Andre Strand
  • Lysthuset på Bogstad Gård
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  • Mennesker går på tur i parken på Bogstad gård. Sauer beiter.
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    Beate Kjørslevik
Anniken Mihle

4. Enjoy a Tasty Break at Kafé Grevinnen

When hunger strikes, step inside the charming old brewhouse—or find a table in the sun out in the courtyard. Kafé Grevinnen offers fresh rolls, open-faced sandwiches, delicious cakes, and refreshing cold drinks.

Before you leave, remember to pop into the museum shop. Here you will find everything from unique toys and local crafts to jewelry and soft sheepskins in all price ranges.

  • Et rekesmørbrød
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    Anniken Mihle
  • Rundstykker med pålegg. Peisen ses i bakgrunnen.
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    Anniken Mihle
  • Et stykke sjokoladekake og en kopp kaffe.
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    Anniken Mihle
  • En kopp kakao og en kanelbolle
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    Anniken Mihle

Practical information

How to find us:

Bogstad Manor is beautifully located at the entrance to Sørkedalen, in green surroundings approx. 10 km from Oslo city center — roughly 30 minutes by public transport.

  • From Bogstad Camping: If you are staying at the campsite, Bogstad Manor is just a short, scenic walk away along the lake!

  • Public transport: Take Metro (T-bane) line 2 to Røa. Right outside the station, catch bus no. 41. The bus connects perfectly and takes you to Bogstad Manor in under 10 minutes.

  • By car: Follow Vækerøveien from the E18 highway to Røa, then continue along Sørkedalsveien. We offer free parking right outside the museum.

  • By bike or on foot: Follow the lovely, green, and family-friendly trail all the way here (3.2 km from Røa / 1.5 km from Peder Ankers plass).

Address: Sørkedalsveien 450, 0758 Oslo

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance? We recommend buying tickets online in advance to secure your spot on your preferred guided tour. Remaining tickets are sold at the museum shop upon arrival.

Does it cost anything to visit the park or see the animals? No, the park, the natural grounds, and visiting the animals are completely free and open to everyone all year round.

Are the garden games and quiz included in the ticket? Yes, these activities are completely free and do not require a museum ticket. Simply collect your equipment and map at the museum shop.

How much time should we set aside? The guided tour itself takes about 45 minutes. Since we have a large park, farm animals, garden games, and a café, Bogstad Manor is the perfect place to spend a full morning or afternoon.

Can I bring my dog? Yes, four-legged friends are warmly welcome in the park! However, they must be kept on a leash (please show consideration for the sheep on the pasture) and are not allowed inside the café or the exhibitions.