Your first time 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.

Description:

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:

Oslo's most spectacular building

Description:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bygdøy is home to Oslo's best museums, great walks and beaches.

Description:

The Bygdøy peninsula has Oslo's best museums: the Viking Ships are here, as is the Cultural History Museum, Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon-Tiki, the Polar ship Fram, the Maritime Museum, the summer palace Oscarshall, and more. You need a few days to see them all. Bygdøy also has great beaches and pleasant walks. During the short summer season, Oslovians use every opportunity to hit the beaches. The most famous one, Huk (clothing optional), is a at Bygdøy. Bygdøy is also an affluent residential neighborhood with beautiful old villas and the King's farm, complete with horses and apple orchards. You can also visit Oskarsborg Castle. From the city center, bus no. 30 takes you to Bygdøy all year. In summer, the best option is by ferry from the pier by City Hall. Or you could walk or ride a bike. read more

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're in need of some inspiration for unusual ways of traveling the world, this little museum is an excellent choice.

Description:

This Kon-Tiki museum displays the vessels of world-famous scientist, explorer and early environmentalist, Thor Heyerdahl and his passion for the relationship between early man and the oceans. In 1947, he set out to prove his theories of Pacific migration by crossing from South America to Polynesia in the raft Kon-Tiki. Later, with the Egyptian papyrus vessel Ra, he crossed the Atlantic from Morocco to Barbados. His crew members comprised different nationalities, proving that people could co-exist admirably, despite differing cultures, religions and political beliefs.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're interested in Polar exploration, walking on board Fram will be a treat.

Description:

Norway has been a major force in Arctic and Antarctic exploration and the ship Fram (meaning Forward) was an integral part of this exciting era. Polar explorers Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup all used Fram on their expeditions. Most famously, perhaps, Roald Amundsen sailed Fram to Antarctica for the race to be first to the South Pole. Fram is preserved as it was, and visitors are welcome onboard. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in summer; shorter opening hours in winter. Admission NOK 50 for adults, 20 for students and children.

Our Local Expert Says:

A captivating look at our Viking ancestors' way of life

Description:

Three Viking ships are displayed in this specially designed building, two of which are very well-preserved. Built around 900 AD, the Gokstad Ship was unearthed in 1880. The beautiful Oseberg Ship is from around 815 and was discovered in a burial mound in 1904. Both were used as boat graves. 1100-year-old skeletons found in the ships are displayed. Also on display are Viking artifacts and ceremonial objects buried alongside them. There's a small book shop selling books, cards, posters and Viking jewellery and souvenirs. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October - April; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in May - September.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun and educational outing for kids - and very interesting for grown-ups too.

Description:

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History was founded in 1894 as the world's first open-air museum. More than 150 buildings are exhibited, representing daily life during the last 500 years. The most famous building is the 13th-century Gol Stave Church. Several events are organizes throughout the year, including dance and music performances, as well as a great Christmas Fair every December. Open Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat - Sun: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: NOK 70/25 adults/children.

Our Local Expert Says:

Frognerparken is Oslo's best-loved attraction!

Description:

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.

Description:

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.

Description:

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.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoying Grand Café's extensive and delicious breakfast buffet is a treat after a very late night on the town. Open from 6:30 am.

Description:

Grand café is one of Oslo's legendary restaurants. It was a favorite haunt of the Christiania Bohemians, a band of 19th century artists and intellectuals who used to hang here, often drinking absinthe. They can all be spotted in the large mural on the back wall. To the left is pictured famous playwright Henrik Ibsen. He had his own table at Grand Café and used to come twice a day to read and have a beer. His table is still there. The central location on Oslo's main street, along with the excellent food, makes it a popular choice for business lunches. Grand Café offer a popular jazz brunch every Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 pm.

Our Local Expert Says:

Across the street from the National Theatre, Theatercafeen is an excellent place for celebrity spotting

Description:

The New York Times, with a great deal of justification, listed this cafe as among the 10 most famous on the planet. If you like to eat and drink in opulence, head here for your grand fix. The last of the grand Viennese cafes in the north of Europe, this long-standing favorite was founded a century ago to rival the Grand Café. Each has its devotees, although we like this one better because of its Viennese schmaltz. Serenaded by piano and a duet of violins, the style might have pleased the Habsburg emperor Franz-Josef had he ever ventured this far north. It attracts present-day boulevardiers and businesspeople. With soft lighting, antique bronzes, cut-glass lighting fixtures, and Art Nouveau mirrors, it's the type of place that encourages lingering. Menu items are well prepared and traditional, and are adjusted accordingly to get the best flavors out of each season. That might mean white wine-steamed mussels or grilled monkfish served with bacon and summer cabbage. Also tantalizing is the fried trout with a truffle hollandaise or marinated salmon with dill-stewed potatoes.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Nobel Peace Center offers a guided tour, including lunch or dinner at Pascal Café de la Paix, an irresistible combination.

Description:

Pascal has 6 branches in Oslo and Cafe de la Paix in the Nobel Peace Center is the latest one. In addition to delectable French pastries, you can have lunch or a la carte dinner. From May to September, Pascal provides a delicious picnic basket with parma ham, melon, shrimps, entrecote, salads, pannacotta, antipasti, cheese and dessert.

Our Local Expert Says:

The medallion of reindeer is mouth-watering.

Description:

This low corner building dates from the 1700s, and the restaurant has been in business for more than 140 years. Situated right across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art, it is within walking distance of the medieval Akershus fortress. Offering traditional Norwegian food, the emphasis of the menu is on Fish, but in the autumn there is always game. Coming here to eat the fantastic Lutefisk of the Christmas season is a tradition in Oslo. In the summer guests can enjoy the beautiful outdoor dining area.

Description:

This is a small, stylish Mexican restaurant with a white, yellow and black interior. All kinds of people come here, celebrities as well as good old east enders who want a great, cheap meal, or perhaps just a few beers. A few years ago this was voted Oslo's best hangout, because it is so much more than just a restaurant. People often stand at the bar and wait half an hour for a free table. In such a narrow, crowded and hectic place you don't do that unless the food and atmosphere make it worthwhile: and they do here. The food is traditional Californian-Mexican and all dishes come with vegetarian versions. You can choose from well-known dishes such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas and chilli con carne to name but a few.

Description:

One of the oldest and one of the most popular Irish pubs in Oslo, The Dubliner attracts ex-pats and locals alike. It's located near Akershus Fortress in the old part of town. The Dubliner hosts Irish dance classes on Monday nights, Irish jam-sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and often live music most other nights of the week as well. Offers nice Irish pub-grub after 2 - 9 pm. After Oslo's restaurants and pubs became smoke-free in 2004, The Dubliner opened up an outdoor smoking area, reputed to be the warmest in town.

Description:

Located in an old gold- and diamond-warehouse at the banks of Oslo's Akerselva River, BLÅ began operations in 1998, then focusing on jazz. Later, the repertoire has been extended to include all kinds of music genres. In summer, you could be sitting outside enjoying a beer in evening sunshine, thinking you're at a quite riverside cafe. Once inside, your eardrums will reverberate to the sounds of black and death-metal. Many events are free of charge. Blå also hosts a weekly Sunday Market.

Description:

Located behind the Royal Palace and close to the House of Artists and the new House of Literature, Lorry has been a favorite hang-out for artists and culture vultures. Lorry offers comfortable leather seats and 129 varieties of beer, local food and a vibrant, yet cozy atmosphere. When Oslovians go out for Yuletide-tables (eating and drinking with emphasis on the drinking) in the month leading up to Christmas, Lorry is a popular choice and tables need to be booked pretty far in advance.

Description:

The name gives it away: this is wet. Huge fish-tanks, marine colors and a slightly confusing architecture take you under water. And it gets even better: every Tuesday and Thursday night opera students perform known and unknown classical pieces in the stairwell, for free. Be there early, Underwater is always crowded on opera nights. The audience consists mainly of students from Oslo College and the University of Oslo, both located nearby. When there is no live music, trendy pop and famous classical music are most likely to be on the musical menu. The nice, green lounge St. Hanshaugen is just around the corner.

Description:

Rockefeller is one of Oslo's main arenas for local and international rock and pop concerts, consisting of 3 venues: Rockefeller Music Hall, John DEE Live Club & Pub and Sentrum Scene. Split into several smaller venues, the atmosphere is quite intimate. On the agenda in 2010 are old favorites like Joan Armatrading, Rickie Lee Jones and The Temptations, as well as 50 Cent and Mika. Most shows have an 18-year age limit as alcohol is served. Rockefeller Music Hall is often used for hosting TV shows, film screenings and book nights as it can accomodate 1350 people.

Description:

The brand new Holmenkollen (The Holmenkollen Tower and Ski jump) is ready for the World Ski Championship in February 2011. In addition to the ski jump, there's a fun ski simulator and Holmenkollen skimuseum, the world's oldest museum dedicated to the history of skiing. Located in the huge jump, the museum covers the 4000-year-old history of skiing. Skis exhibited include Viking skis and the ones used by famous Polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Fritjof Nansen, as well as the royal family's collection of skis. The view from Holmenkollen is fabulous on clear days; you see most of Oslo and the Oslo fjord.

Our Local Expert Says:

The perfect place to have hot chocolate after a vigorous hike in Nordmarka forest.

Description:

Frognerseteren is a great starting and stopping point for hikes in Nordmarka forest. The metro goes all the way and takes about 15 minutes from the city center. There's a cheerful cafe and a more formal restaurant serving traditional Norwegian fare, including salmon, moose and reindeer. On clear days, the view is fantastic, taking in all of Oslo and the Oslo fjord.

Our Local Expert Says:

Nature is Oslo's premier attraction.

Description:

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:

Bogstadvannet (Lake Bogstad) is a beautiful lake in the Sørkedalen area of Nordmarka forest. Fishing in Bogstadvannet is excellent, as delicious fresh-water trout, perch, pike, roach and rudd roam around the shallow water. Several paths and trails take you deeper into the forest. In winter, Bogstadvannet is an excellent starting point for cross country skiing. Skating on the lake is also popular. There is a public beach, a golf course and a campsite, as well as a lovely old manor house, Bogstad gård, which is open to the public. To get to Bogstadvannet from the city center, take bus no. 32.

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.