Oslo

Oslo – The Vibrant Capital

Located a scenic drive from our port in Gothenburg, Norway’s capital is a vibrant, energetic city surrounded by epic beauty. It’s home to a world-class food scene, extraordinary history and enchanting landscapes sure to take your breath away. 

Oslo is home to a wealth of natural splendour, from city parks and to dense forests and the dreamlike archipelago. The centrepiece is the Oslo Fjord, whose waters can be explored via sightseeing cruises or kayak. The fjord is also the centre of the city's popular urban sauna culture. In the city, you'll find two small-but-popular urban beaches, while visiting islands offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the fjord..

In this highly walkable city, exploring by foot is the key to getting to know its unique neighbourhoods. Once industrial, Aker Brygge is now a hub of restaurants, shops, art and nightlife. Tjuvholmen is the thriving arts distric, while the ultra-hip Grünerløkka is homoe to great bars, restaurants and boutiques. Each of Oslo's neighbourhoods has its own unique personality worth knowing.

Oslo’s status as a world-class city begets a world-class cullinary scene where street food, seafood markets and fine-dining destinations coexist with the many, many kiosks selling pølse – Norway’s twist on the hot dog. Food halls like Mathallen, Vippa and Barcode Street Food draw tourists and locals alike with their mix of local beer, international food and Norwegian flavours like raspeballer (traditional potato dumplings), cloudberry jam and fresh seafood.  Don't leave without trying “brun ost” – brown goat cheese, which is delicious on a waffle – and saying "skål” as you sample local spirits like aquavit.

Oslo is also a dream for museum-goers. Learn about Norway’s pop music history at Popsenteret or see the famous ski jump at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum. Discover the history of the strongest wooden ship ever built at the Fram Museum or travel back in time at the Norsk Folkemuseum, a “living history” site that brings centuries of Norwegian tradition to vivid life.. Both are located on the Bygdøy museum island, where you will also find the Norsk Maritimt Museum and the Kon-Tiki-Museum.

No visit to Oslo is complete without a visit to the Munch Museum, which recently relocated to a gorgeous waterfront facility featuring 13 floors or works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch and others. The museum is home to multiple versions of Munch's most famous painting, The Scream.  More of Munch's works – including Madonna and the original version of The Scream – are on display at the National Museum, Norway's largest collection of art, architecture and design. 

For architecture fans, Oslo’s mix of traditional Norwegian design and modern aesthetics make exploring a joy. Central Oslo’s Bjørvika Barcode consists of 12 narrow high-rise buildings of different heights and widths that, together, resemble a barcode. Located beside the harbour, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet offers panoramic views of the fjord for those who climb the steps to its roof.  For some peace and quiet, step into Deichman Bjørvik, which opened in 2020 and was named one of the world’s most stunning libraries thanks to its unique design.

Art in Oslo is not just limited to museums and architecture: The city itself is packed with public art that makes wandering its streets feel like you’re strolling an outdoor gallery. A great example is the sprawling Frogner Park, home of the world’s largest sculpture park, Vigeland Park. Between the many public sculptures and murals, you’ll find endless artistic treasures hidden throughout the city.

Whether you’re on a summer holiday or a winter ski trip to Skimore Oslo, Oslo is sure to wow you every time you visit.