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 robust food scene, extraordinary history and enchanting landscapes sure to take your breath away. 

Oslo is home to a wealth of natural splendour, from lush city parks and urban beaches to dense forests and the dreamlike archipelago just outside its city limits. The centrepiece is the Oslo Fjord, whose azure waters can be explored via sightseeing cruises or kayak. For a gorgeous panoramic look at the city, hike to top of Vettakollen hill and be rewarded with beautiful views and delicious waffles.

In this highly walkable city, exploring by foot is the key to getting to know its unique neighbourhoods. Once a shipping harbour, Aker Brygge is now the city’s premiere shopping centre. After you’ve finished shopping, stop off at the Tjuvholmen arts district or the ultra-hip Grünerløkka for great bars, restaurants and boutiques. Each area 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 forget to shout “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 iconic Holmenkollen Ski Museum. Discover the history of the strongest wooden ship ever built at the Fram Museum or travel back in time at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, a “living history” site that brings centuries of Norwegian tradition to vivid life.

No visit to Oslo is complete without a visit to the Munch Museum, which recently relocated to a gorgeous waterfront facility featuring 13 floors contemporary art by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, Tracy Emin and others. (Munch’s most famous painting ‘The Scream’ is on display at the National Museum.)

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 fjords with large windows that allow passers-by to peek into rehearsals. 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.