For more than 150 years, the peninsula of Bygdøy has been a destination for recreation. The peninsula was originally a royal property going back to the late 13th century, but in the end of the 18th century it was opened to the public. “Strandveien”, a path along the coast has since then been a popular promenade.
The area is situated on a lime bedrock which gives it a nationally unique flora. Due to this the upgrading of the path has given grounds to an ongoing debate between historical and biological interests.
Østengen & Bergo was first engaged to evaluate the current state of the historical coastal path. This resulted in a plan for a step-by-step reconstruction to its original state. One of the first reconstructed parts is the promenade which now connects the historical coastal path to the harbour and promenade towards Oslo centre. In this area near Frognerkilen, the coastal path goes through muddy beach thick with brushwood and around an outcrop. To ease accessibility, the path was built as a pier on oak poles.
In 2016, the part near “Oscarshall” castle was renovated as well. Finally, the stone built piers of "Thulstrupbryggen» and «Badehusbryggen» have been renovated with their adjacent paths.
The coastal path connects the historical and contemporary Bygdøy, and when the last parts eventually will be renovated, the coastal path known as Strandveien will stretch itself in one body along the shoreline for both royal and public amusement.