Free Outdoor Gyms: Tufteparks
Norway's best-kept fitness secret: free, open-air training parks in nearly every town.
What Is a Tuftepark?
A tuftepark is a free outdoor training park, named after Olaf Tufte — Norway's double Olympic gold medallist in rowing. They're built and maintained by the municipalities and are open 24/7, 365 days a year, completely free — no membership, no booking, no opening hours.
They're the perfect option for visitors: throw on your training shoes and get a full bodyweight workout with a view.
Typical Equipment
- Pull-up bars at multiple heights
- Dip stations and parallel bars
- Monkey bars
- Bench for sit-ups
- Balance beams
- Sometimes outdoor machines (air walkers, chest press, leg press)
Many parks also have running trails, benches and water nearby. In winter, the most-used parks are usually kept clear of snow by the municipality.
Where to Find Them
Most Norwegian towns and cities have at least one tuftepark or activity park ("aktivitetspark"). Oslo alone has over ten, including St. Hanshaugen and parks in the Frogner area. Kristiansand has parks at Baneheia and other green areas.
Gymlink's tuftepark directory lists parks by county with maps and equipment details — see all tufteparks in Norway.
Practical Tips
- Bring gloves in winter — metal bars get cold.
- Parks are shared public space: clean up after yourself, and be considerate of kids using the playground areas.
- Norwegians train outdoors year-round — don't be surprised to see people working out in the rain.