Top 11 Must-Sees in Oslo

Our Local Expert Says:

Seeing Oslo from the fjord when snow is falling is magical. Wear warm clothes, buy some delicious hot gløgg on board and imagine you're a Viking returning home.

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Take a minicruise on the Oslo fjord on board a traditional, wooden sailing ship. The cruise takes you past the new Oslo opera house, City Hall, Akershus Fortress and Bygdøy museum peninsula. Tickets and refreshments are sold on board. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. Ticket price: NOK 150, half price for children up to 16. Operates all year, 4 departures pr day. You can hop on and off at City Hall (Pier 3), Oslo opera house and Bygdøy. Approximately 30 minutes sailing between each stop.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nature is Oslo's premier attraction.

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Norwegians love being in nature and Nordmarka is the forest where Oslovians go at every opportunity. In summer, you'll meet people of all ages hiking. In winter, they can be found on cross-country skis (or pulled in pulks if they're too young to ski) along the Nordmarka tracks which stretch for miles and miles. Nothing is more Norwegian than cross-country skiing. A good starting point for hikes is Frognerseteren.

Description:

Located in Nordmarka forest, Kikutstua offers meals or accommodation and is often used for conferences and team building activities for companies. For larger groups, motorized transport can be arranged all the way in, but the most common way to get here is by cross country skis in winter. From Frognerseteren, it's a 14 kilometer trip. Skiers stop by for coffee and waffles, or spend the night. In summer, hikers and cyclists stop by. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at Kikutstua.

Our Local Expert Says:

Frognerparken is Oslo's best-loved attraction!

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Locals love strolling in Oslo's Frogner Park. Or walking their dogs, jogging, skateboarding, sunbathing, listening to concerts or enjoying ice cream or a beer in the cafes. Children run around, play in fountains or climb the statues of sculptor Gustav Vigeland. 212 bronze and granite nudes depicting all phases of life are displayed. In summer, Frogner Park is particularly lively. The park is open 24/7 all year; admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oslo's most spectacular building

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The Oslo Opera House is home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The innovative white marble building is designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta (of Alexandria Library fame) and like an ice floe, the roof gradually tapers into the waters of the Oslo fjord. This is an opera house for the people; anyone is free to hang around and walk on the roof. Fantastic fjord views from the rooftop.

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Karl Johans gate (Karl Johan street) is Oslo's main artery, a partially pedestrianised street leading from Oslo S (the central railway station) to the Royal Palace, with Parliament, the National Theatre and the old part of Oslo University (the present law faculty) in between. Plenty of shops and restaurants as well as a small park line this lively street. In summer, buskers and street vendors abound and people sunbathe and lounge around in the park. In winter, the park metamorphoses into Narvisen skating rink, especially pretty at night when it's illuminated.

Our Local Expert Says:

A vigorous hike, beautiful views, nature and culture - all rolled into one.

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Ekebergåsen (Ekeberg hills) is a residential area of Oslo, as well a large park and recreational area. Norway Cup, a large annual international football (soccer) championship for children, is held here every summer, bringing kids from all corners of the globe together to play. On top of the hill you're afforded fantastic views of Oslo and the fjord. Walk or bike up the hill and be sure to have a look at the Stone Age rock art along the way (sign-posted); people and animals are portrayed in these 5000-year-old carvings. If you don't feel like exercising just today, don't worry. From the city center, bus 34A or trams 18 or 19 will take you right up in minutes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bølgen & Moi Bar and Brasserie inside the art center has an excellent Sunday brunch.

Description:

This art center was established when famous Norwegian figure-skating star Sonja Henie and her husband Niels Onstad donated their private art collection to it. Located in impressive surroundings only 30 minutes from Oslo, with a sculpture park and its own little beach, the museum invites you to view temporary exhibitions of modern art, partly based on its own collections. The museum shop has a great selection of objects.

Our Local Expert Says:

Interesting architecture, centuries of urban history and the river - a great combination.

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Akerselva miljøpark (Akerselva Environmental Park) comprises walking paths along Oslo's river, Akerselva. Begin the walk at Vaterland Park, near Radisson Plaza Hotel and Oslo s, the main railway station. Along the paths, you'll see traces of Oslo's industrial part: old factories and mills. Further up, artisans' workshops are open to the public. The walk ends 8 kilometers upstream at Maridalsvannet, Oslo's main drinking water source. In Akerselva, you can swim, fish or paddle a canoe (for rent). Dock at the jazz cafe Blå by the riverside for some great music and food. The Museum of Science and Technology is also very close to the paths. Contact one of the tourist information centers for more info and suggested walking routes.

Our Local Expert Says:

700-year-old seat of kings and government

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Akershus festning was originally built as a seat for kings. Through the ages, the castle turned into a fortress overlooking the Oslo fjord. The present city center of Oslo was established below the ramparts in 1624. The fort is located on a hilltop in the center of Oslo and contains the original castle, the castle church, Norway Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. Walking the grounds, you very much get a sense of history, from its beginning in 1299 until the present. Norway's last death sentence was administered here in 1945. (You may have heard of him: Vidkun Quisling, convicted of treason.) To arrange a guided tour, call + 47 23 09 32 12. Admission to the fortress is free.

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A former ship yard, Aker brygge is a fashionable area with high-end shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, a cinema (including and IMAX-screen) and art galleries. In summer, Aker brygge is a favorite hangout for Oslovians for after-work beers. This is where people have their first utepils (meaning outdoors beer) of the year - or buy shrimps right off the boats. Aker brygge is lively at night as well.