Oslo boasts an incredibly vibrant culture. Home to Michelin-star restaurants, popular music festivals, and an active art scene – Oslo attracts visitors from both Norway and internationally.
Norway is known for its two-tower City Hall, constructed in 1950 and featuring paintings by Edvard Munch including “The Scream.” Furthermore, Oslo is known for being an easy city for pedestrians to navigate.
Fjord Views
Norway’s fjords are an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Boasting stunning mountains and deep blue waters, their beauty makes for breathtaking photos. Though Oslo might not offer as dramatic an experience when it comes to its fjords, you’ll still get some stunning sights here.
Hjorundfjorden is widely considered one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. Boasting clear waters, gorgeous mountain landscapes and picturesque villages teeming with life, Hjorundfjorden should not be missed by visitors to Norway. There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails here as well as year-round alpine ski resort Stryn. Additionally, for an amazing panoramic view take a ride on Loen Skylift!
Fjord Tours Oslo offers another outstanding option – their scenic cruise will take you around several islands of Oslo Fjord from an elevated position and allow you to see its landscape from all sides. Plus, as seasons change so will your views: snow-capped mountains, green birch trees and golden red hues all await your view!
From Oslo, you can experience the stunning natural beauty of Norway’s fjords on an unforgettable day trip. Take an excursion from Oslo to Stryn and marvel at Jostedalsbreen and Briksdalsbreen glaciers – two of Europe’s most accessible glaciers with jaw-dropping scenery that is sure to leave an impression.
Aurlandsfjord is another favorite among hikers and tourists. This tranquil fjord provides the ideal setting to appreciate Norway’s picturesque landscape without climbing dizzying heights. One of its most impressive viewpoints is Stegastein – an amazing rock formation that looks like an elongated wooden platform located 650m above sea level for stunning panoramic views of Norwegian scenery.
If you prefer staying closer to home, Oslo waterfront hotels provide breathtaking views of its various bodies of water and can also give visitors great access to famous museums and landmarks while providing soothing fjord views.
Art & Culture
Oslo is an essential stop for art enthusiasts due to its rich heritage and vibrant contemporary arts scene. Home of Edvard Munch’s monumental museum as well as Gustav Vigeland’s sculpture park, Oslo stands out as an artistic hub in Scandinavia.
Oslo boasts an eclectic and dynamic arts scene, from large museums and galleries exhibiting world-class collections to smaller venues offering highlights from local art scenes. From Nordic design at the Designmuseum to Tracey Emin’s groundbreaking exhibit at Munch Museum – Oslo boasts an eclectic and influential cultural landscape that is constantly surprising visitors.
In 2012, the Astrup Fearnley Museum made headlines around the globe upon its reopening, as its astounding modern art collection became one of Europe’s premier displays. Additionally, visiting exhibitions were frequently hosted at this European institution and have included collaborations between Satyricon (Norwegian black metal band) and Japanese dot queen Yayoi Kusama as well as immersive installations by her.
Oslo is an epicenter for design, housing renowned fashion houses and furniture manufacturers that make an impactful mark in fashion and furniture production. Oslo’s contemporary architecture showcases various architectural styles ranging from Neoclassical city apartments to modernist concrete and glass low-rise buildings that dominate its urban landscape – one such structure being Radhuset; an eye-catching red brick Modernist tower renovated into a public art venue featuring Dagfin Werenskiold pine friezes of folkloric figures as well as stately sculptures of King Harald III on horseback.
Oslo is well known as a cultural mecca, boasting museums, galleries and an energetic music scene that attracts millions each year. But Oslo’s artistic scene extends far beyond these venues to include theatre, dance and opera productions at Norwegian Opera & Ballet as well as its flagship concert hall since 1952, Oslo Concert Hall.
Food & Drink
Oslo’s dining scene has evolved rapidly over time, moving beyond serving only traditional Danish fare such as cured meat and variations on potatoes. Now, Oslo offers an abundance of exciting restaurants serving modern Norwegian cuisine with international influences or world-class international flavors.
Oslo’s cafes are some of the finest in Norway. Enjoy a cup of delicious coffee at Supreme Roastworks, once just a garage-based roaster but now one of Oslo’s most acclaimed cafes; or Fuglen which has been operating since 1963 while maintaining an interior unchanged since that time; both offer delicious beverages while providing vintage furniture stores on top!
Game meat is a beloved delicacy in Norway and you’ll find it served at various restaurants year-round. It is typically roasted or braised before being served alongside traditional sides like mashed potatoes and root vegetables – for something truly distinctive try reindeer meat; its lean yet tender texture and unique flavouring make this an experience you won’t soon forget!
Oslo offers plenty of places for guests to relax with a drink, from cozy neighbourhood bars to elegant cocktail lounges. A good beer is never out of place; many local breweries provide unique varieties; Nogne O, Amundsen Bryggeri, and Oslo Brewing Company are popular examples.
Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian spirit crafted from fermented potatoes or grains and flavored with herbs and spices, makes for an exciting aperitif or digestif beverage. Enjoy with some lemon for maximum enjoyment!
Smalhans has become a neighborhood favorite since 2012, offering both shared plates and natural wine in an inviting, homey atmosphere. Smalhans’ specialty dishes include their famous Veal Tartar and Sami-inspired Gahkko Bread; for something a bit fancier try Savage: an Oslo culinary icon led by chefs with Michelin-Bib Gourmand credentials who specialize in extracting value from overlooked ingredients while using quality suppliers that come together seamlessly throughout each course of their multi-course tasting menus.
Nightlife
Oslo may be Europe’s smallest capital city, but that doesn’t stop its nightlife from offering something for every taste and budget. From elegant wine bars to hip music venues and more affordable bars like Grunerlokka district. Culture Trip spoke with Ola Smith-Simonsen from one of Norway’s local clubs who recommended it as the place for big nights out!
Gamla, Cafe Amsterdam, Horgan’s and Kulturhuset are popular dancing bars in the area; you’ll also find cozy places where you can sit back and listen to some music such as Uhort next to Angst street art spot. Furthermore, rooftop bars like Summit or Thief Roof offer amazing views over both Oslo city centre and Oslo fjord!
Oslo offers some remarkable live music performances both at its large concert arenas like Oslo Spectrum and smaller clubs such as Bla. Bla is an innovative space offering indie and jazz bands in an energetic environment, while more classic venues like Gamle Logen were owned by composer Edvard Grieg himself!
For an elegant evening, try one of the high-quality restaurants serving gourmet fare using ingredients sourced directly from farms and producers in Norway. Mathallen Vulkan near Akerselva Park offers some delicious Norwegian cuisine at its famous indoor food hall; be sure to stop by!
Continue your evening at a lounge or cocktail bar like Radio Lokka with its antique furniture and other vintage collectibles, or perhaps Magic Bar’s ice cold wine and animal sculptures on display.
Crowbar & Brewery offers delectable pork knuckle wraps – a favorite treat among many Oslo residents – or you could opt for one from vegan restaurant Oslovegetaria instead.