When most of us think of Scandinavia, Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen come to mind. Oslo often seems to be neglected, but that’s entirely unjustified. Oslo is the capital of Norway, and the largest city at that, yet almost everything is within walking distance. Going sightseeing in Oslo is the perfect long-weekend activity, but be warned, you can easily keep yourself busy for a week here.
Before I moved here, I had already been here numerous times. Firstly, I fell in love with the city after my first visit in 2006, and secondly, I have friends here. And even though two months have passed, I discover something new every day and every weekend.
In addition to the usual highlights recommended in every travel guide, I’d like to share my favorite spots with you. Let’s go!
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In the city center
You can walk through the city center in just under an hour. Accordingly, the sights are located close to one another, which gives you plenty of time to explore everything at your leisure, truly at your leisure. Hardly any other city can be explored in such a relaxed manner. After all, the more time you have to explore, the higher the likelihood of discovering something you hadn’t expected, let alone planned.
Opera
An architectural masterpiece on the waterfront: The Opera House in Bjørvika was designed by Snøhetta and is one of Norway’s most striking buildings. With its walkable white marble roof, it attracts both architecture enthusiasts and strollers. Whether for a performance or just for the view, a visit is a must and almost impossible to miss.
Aker Brygge
The modern harbor promenade combines urban lifestyle with maritime flair. Aker Brygge invites you to linger with its numerous restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Tjuvholmen delights with modern art, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, and small bathing bays. A place where art and everyday life meet.
Akershus Fortress
The medieval Akershus Fortress is one of Norway’s most important historical sites. It is situated on a hill above the Oslofjord and offers impressive views. As a bonus, it contains fascinating insights into Norway’s military history. The atmosphere here is particularly magical at sunset.
Royal Palace and Palace Park
The Norwegian royal couple resides in the palace at the end of Karl Johans gate. The building is surrounded by a spacious park ideal for strolling and relaxing, and a fun fact: The ceremonial changing of the guard takes place daily at 1:30 p.m. This is a popular spectacle for locals and tourists alike, and on May 17, National Day, the royal family can be seen waving from the balcony.
Rådhuset (City Hall)
A symbol of Norwegian democracy and the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, the City Hall impresses with its monumental murals inside, depicting scenes from Norwegian everyday life, mythology, and history. It appears simple from the outside, but it surprises with its colorful design inside.
Nobel Peace Center
An interactive museum dedicated to the world’s most important prize. It tells the stories of Nobel Peace Prize winners and current global challenges. The multimedia installations in the dark room are particularly impressive.
Karl Johans Gate
The city’s central boulevard runs from the main train station to the Royal Palace. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic buildings, cafés, street performers, and the vibrant hustle and bustle of the city. In winter, the street is aglow with lights, and in summer, flowers bloom everywhere.
Parliament Building (Stortinget)
The Parliament Building, with its yellow and beige facade, stands enthroned in the heart of Oslo. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into Norway’s political system and offer a glimpse into the plenary hall.
St. Olav’s Monastery
A quiet, almost forgotten corner of Oslo. The remains of the medieval monastery are a reminder of the city’s religious life in the Middle Ages. Today, you can stroll between old stone walls and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Barcode
A modern district full of futuristic high-rise buildings right on the Oslofjord. The narrow, differently designed buildings give the district its name, like lines in a barcode. It is a symbol of the new Oslo. Akrobaten Bru offers a particularly beautiful view of the district.
Grünerløkka
A former working-class neighborhood that is now considered the hipster heart of Oslo. Grünerløkka combines vintage shops, creative cafes, street art, and secondhand stores with cozy parks like Olaf Ryes plass. Perfect for a relaxing stroll through the city off the beaten track.
Oslofjord & Brim Explorer
The Oslofjord is the maritime heart of the city. A cruise on a Brim Explorer boat offers a sustainable option.The electric boats glide quietly through the water, giving you the opportunity to experience birds, fjord landscapes, and waterfront life.
Food
Market Hall
The market hall in Vulkan is the perfect place for foodies, because here you can sample Norwegian delicacies such as cheese from small farm productions, and fresh fish, but you’ll also find dishes from all over the world, from Vietnamese pho to Mexican tacos.
Blå
A café by day, a music club by night, and a flea market on Sundays. Located directly on the Akerselva River, Blå is one of the coolest spots in Grünerløkka. A meeting place for creatives, night owls, and lovers of alternative culture.
Salt
An urban cultural project on the fjord shore, consisting of Nordic-style wooden structures, Salt offers saunas, street food, art installations, and an open-air stage. It’s especially beautiful at sunset with a view of the opera house. Sauna tip: Music plays in the spacious sauna, and you’re allowed to drink beer. A perfect end to a day of sightseeing: music, beer, sauna, and a view of the opera. It really doesn’t get any better than this.
Vulkan
Once an industrial area, the Vulkan district is today a creative district with restaurants, coworking spaces, and street art. It stands for sustainability and innovation. It is ideal for an afternoon full of culinary discoveries and creative inspiration.
Talormade
This cute shop is famous for its colorful donuts and high-quality coffee. It is not only really popular on Instagram but also delivers extremely tasty donuts and coffee. There are several locations in Oslo.
Hrimnir
I still dream of the ramen at Hrimnir: a restaurant with a focus on naturalness, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Here, the product is the focus – whether fermented vegetables, homemade sourdough bread, or fish from Norwegian waters.
In Nature
Frognerseteren & Holmenkollen
Just 30 minutes by subway and you’re in the middle of the forest. Frognerseteren offers hiking trails, cross-country ski trails, and a traditional café with fantastic views. Holmenkollen, with its ski museum and famous ski jump, is nearby.
Vigelandsparken
Vigelandsparken is the world’s largest sculpture park dedicated to a single artist. Over 200 works by Gustav Vigeland depict people in all walks of life – from birth to death. A fascinating place for reflection and wonder.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Tøyen is a place of peace and diversity. Plants from all over the world grow here, lovingly arranged in themed beds. Ideal for a mindful walk or a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Walk along the Akerselva River
The Akerselva River is the river that flows through Oslo. The path along the river leads through waterfalls, old industrial sites, creative neighborhoods, and green oases. A walk, a swim at the upper end of the river, or a bike ride here will reveal the diversity of the city and Akerselva.
Boat to Hovedøya
The island of Hovedøya is just a short ferry ride from the center. Quiet bays, hiking trails, and monastery ruins await you there. A piece of nature with cultural history. Perfect for a summer day.
Museums
Nationalmuseet
The new National Museum at the harbor is an architectural highlight, bringing together art, design, and architecture under one roof. From Munch to Monet, you’ll find international masterpieces and Norwegian classics here.
Fram
The Fram Museum on Bygdøy is dedicated to the great polar expeditions. You can step inside the original, preserved ship and experience how Amundsen and his crew conquered the icy Arctic.
Viking Ship Museum
Currently under renovation, but a must-see for Viking fans once it reopens. The museum houses real ships from the 9th century and offers fascinating insights into the lives of the Norse seafarers.
Henie Onstad Art Center
A bit out of the way, but so worth the trip. The Henie Onstad Art Center in Høvikodden combines modern and contemporary art with a spectacular location on the Oslofjord. Ideal for art lovers who enjoy lingering with a view of the water. I saw the Yayoi Kusama exhibition here, and it’s still fresh in my mind four years later.
Summer Swimming
Hovedøya
Clear water, natural beaches, forests, and picnic areas: Hovedøya is Oslo’s most popular bathing island. You can reach it by ferry in just a few minutes and swim, hike, or simply relax. It’s the only island in the Oslofjord where you can stay overnight. Good to know: it has a campsite, restrooms, and security.
Sørenga
A modern urban beach with a large bathing platform, just a few minutes from the main train station. Office workers, families, and students gather here to sunbathe and take a dip in the cool water.
Tjuvholmen
Tjuvholmen is mainly known for its number of museums, but it’s also the home of Oslo’s best swimming spot, if you ask me. You can swim here among sculptures and designer buildings, and this urban feeling has made it my favorite spot since day one. Whether I wanted to relax, swim, read, or simply reconnect with myself, I could always be found here.