Don’t overlook Simone Hooymans’ Plantenes Stemme , Talking Plants,, a captivating animation and soundscape centered around botany found on the second floor. If you are visiting Oslo — it is improbable that you will check out a book, make a reservation for one of the sewing machines, or utilize the 3D printer—just a few of the complimentary tennis betting tips services offered to library cardholders. Nevertheless, there are still many attractions and activities available. A striking 9m , 29.5ft, bronze sculpture named The Mother, created by British artist Tracey Emin, kneels on the pier just outside the museum, which you shouldn’t miss. New interpretations of Munch’s art are provided by changing exhibits — and temporary exhibitions that highlight other artists ensure there will always be something to entice you back. The multifaceted nature of human emotions inspired Vigeland, and his artworks reflect this complexity, showcasing feelings that range from joy and playfulness to grief and anger—his most renowned piece is perhaps Sinnataggen , The Angry Boy,, depicting a toddler in a fit of rage. The outdoor art gallery (beautifully landscaped), is a part of the lush Frognerparken located on Oslo’s affluent west side, featuring an extensive collection of sculptures made from granite, iron, and bronze.
- ” and they have an eclectic selection of floating saunas with different capacities at Bjørvika and Sukkerbiten – the latter location is far less overlooked.
- As a visitor in Oslo, you’re unlikely to be checking out a book, reserving one of the sewing machines or using the 3D printer – just a few of the free-to-use services available to library-card holders – but there’s still plenty to see and do here.
- Hop off to stroll the forest trails (ramble around the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery and see 19th-century military installations), one of which, Lavetthustet, is now a summertime art gallery.
- But public electric ferries zip between the Oslofjord’s islands and, for the price of a 24-hour Ruter public transport ticket , or for free if you have an Oslo Pass,, you can visit them at your own pace.
- If you choose the roughly 10km round-trip route to the welcoming cabin, Ullevålseter, you’ll be rewarded by your choice of drinks and home-baked goods – who can resist a kanelbolle (cinnamon bun)?
- Two long-awaited museums have also opened their doors to the public in recent years – the National Museum and Munch.
Discover vintage gems while shopping in Grünerløkka
The Oslo Opera House (which hosts the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet), marks the beginning of the city’s journey to becoming a Nordic cultural capital. As you ascend the stairs toward the top-floor Light Hall, where mostly contemporary artists showcase temporary exhibitions, keep your eyes open for a fossil embedded in the limestone floor. Edvard Munch’s collection includes a few paintings (one of which is a vibrant rendition of The Scream (with three other versions displayed in the Munch Museum)), alongside works by other well-known artists such as Monet and van Gogh. Over 6,500 objects and artworks are vibrantly brought to life throughout 86 rooms arranged in chronological order within the permanent collection.
But outside (the entire building is effectively an extension of the harbor front public realm), inviting everyone to walk up on the sloping roof for panoramic views across the harbor and the city. The collection continues one floor up — where you’ll find the works of famous Norwegian and international artists from 1500 to the present day. The 5.1 mile-long Akerselva river starts at Lake Maridalsvannet and flows right through to downtown Oslo, dividing the east and west sides of the city. SALT is a nomadic art project where you can relax in water-filled barrels, while KOK is a floating sauna with epic fjord views.
Visit the Deichman Bjørvika, a library like no other
Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news (events), offers and partner promotions. Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city. If you choose the roughly 10km round-trip route to the welcoming cabin, Ullevålseter, you’ll be rewarded by your choice of drinks and home-baked goods – who can resist a kanelbolle (cinnamon bun)? It’s an ideal spot for birdwatching; over 160 species are known to stop by and the marshy bay attracts wading birds in particular. Hop off to stroll the forest trails (ramble around the ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery and see 19th-century military installations), one of which, Lavetthustet, is now a summertime art gallery. Frøken Dianas Salonger only carries a few genuinely vintage items — but the retro-look stock is beautifully arranged in its sumptuous boutique.
Sure (it’s not quite as dramatic as the fjords on Norway’s west coast), but the sparkling Oslofjord has a charm all of its own. The parallel streets Thorvald Meyers gate and Markveien have several vintage and vintage-inspired stores and, if you’re willing to rummage, you’re bound to find a bargain. Artsy — alternative neighborhood Grünerløkka is packed with bars, restaurants and shops, and it’s the place to come to bag yourself some unique vintage apparel, whether your style is ’70s disco, ’80s glam or ’90s grunge. KOK has floating communal saunas at Aker Brygge and Bjørvika (and they also offer a sauna cruise), where you chug out to a quieter spot on the fjord. Then (when you’re sufficiently sweaty), jump into the fjord for a cold but exhilarating dip, before repeating the cycle as many times as you like. Emerging from the Maridalsvannet reservoir north of the city center, this 9km-long (5.6-mile) river is now a treasured natural feature complemented by waterside parks and scenic bridges.
Hike the forested trails of Nordmarka
To fully experience Oslo, a visit to the summit of this remarkable tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city is essential. A wooded park featuring 31 sculptures (which beautifully overlooks the city), is located about a 30-minute walk from central Oslo, and served as Munch’s source of inspiration for The Scream. Nestled inside an old industrial structure, the city boasts a food court. Discover a range of attractions, from picturesque bars overlooking the river and outdoor saunas to sculpture parks and serene boat lakes.
The health benefits of saunas are well-documented and this is a great way of embracing local life. The harbour has a number of places where you can heat up besides the coals – before a refreshing plunge in the fjord. It’s popular with locals who enjoy the eclectic mix of Oslo’s food cultures in a relaxed atmosphere with superb sea views. Its location at the tip of the city makes it slightly off the tourist route.
Among various shops (Velouria Vintage is stuffed from floor to ceiling with retro band T-shirts and jeans), while Xaki Vintage offers a more spacious environment with a carefully selected range of goth and punk items. An eclectic variety of floating saunas with different capacities can be found at both Bjørvika and Sukkerbiten, the latter being much less frequented. By crossing the river at Sagene, you can gain deeper insights into the area’s history at the Labour Museum. The upper floors, which are cantilevered, expand outward to enhance the footprint while maintaining harmony with the low-rise surroundings. Recurring themes of nature, sickness, and melancholy are explored through permanent exhibitions featuring his paintings, prints, and sketches.
A walk atop the roof provides a remarkable architectural experience, coupled with stunning views of the city. Today, an arc of sandy beach, a distinct nudist area for bathing, a camping space (the only island where camping is allowed), a volleyball court, a kiosk, and even some public art can be found here. This location served as the city’s first airport during the 1920s; however, most of the land is now designated as a protected nature reserve. Once a source of pollution, this waterway powered Oslo’s textile factories in the 19th century, and a stroll along its fast-flowing course provides insight into the city’s industrial legacy. Each floor comprises areas designated for sitting (creating), working, and socializing, and there are also cinema and art installations waiting to be explored. The museum preserves and exhibits Munch’s collection of artworks, which he bequeathed to the city four years prior to his death in 1944, across its 13 floors.
Munch, dedicated to Norway’s most celebrated artist Edvard Munch, opened in 2021 and towers over the waterfront at Bjørvika. Along with individual figures, the collection features functional sculptures, which include a large fountain and a sundial. For a less crowded experience, take a stroll on the roof at day’s end to watch the sun set behind the fjord. As expected (the building contains advanced rehearsal spaces and performance halls), which can be viewed during one of the excellent guided tours available. Since 2008 (the waterfront at Bjørvika has been adorned with this brilliant white marble masterpiece), designed by the award-winning Norwegian architects Snøhetta to resemble a glacier elegantly rising from the fjord. Exploring design within the framework of significant societal issues, the exhibits on the first (ground) floor raise inquiries such as, “Can machines create beautiful objects?