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Oslo

What to see & discover

My 3 Fav-Spot's in Oslo

Oslo has many sights to offer. But there are three places in particular that I really like:

Vettakollen

Vettakollen rises in the Nordmarka forest between Holmenkollen and Lake Sognsvann. If you hike up the mountain, you will be rewarded with one of the best views over Oslo!

The hike to Vettakollen takes approx. 30 minutes over a distance of 1.5 km and an elevation gain of approx. 220 meters. It is therefore an easy hike which starts only a few minutes away from Oslo city center. If you don't have a car, you can take the metro to "Vettakollen" and start the hike from there.

We parked at the metro station and started from there - unfortunately we got it wrong! Our navigation had misdirected us. However, our false start led us onto a beautiful path into the Nordmarka forest. After some time on the wrong route, however, the path seemed strange to us and we walked back. Back at the starting point, we then followed a few people until blue markings finally appeared, which we followed. Eventually you have to follow the sign towards “Vettakollen” (and not “Vettakollen St”!).

However, our highlight was not the hike itself, but rather some children who had obviously taken a trip up to Vettakollen with their kindergarten. They were totally fascinated by our drone! This moment put a smile on all our faces...


"Dilemma" from Elmgreen & Dragset

Dilemma is a statue in Ekebergparken. The special thing about it is its location. The statue of the little boy standing on the edge of a diving board is located on the edge of a mountain overlooking the Oslo Fjord. The statue is draped there in such a way that it looks as if the little boy is considering whether to jump into the depths. The location makes the art here.

But that's not all! The location also invites you to watch the sunset. As the statue is a little off the beaten track, with a bit of luck you'll be all alone and can enjoy the sunset in peace and quiet.

A little tip: it's best to use the map here to find the statue. Otherwise, you'll find yourself in a dilemma just like us and you'll be looking around until you finally find the statue.


Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge is a harbor promenade in Oslo city center. The former shipyard was converted around 1986 and is now home to several retailers, restaurants and bars. The entire complex has its own unique charm.

You can go shopping here during the day and fill your belly in the evening. Aker Brygge is particularly busy in the summer months! This is when the promenade is THE meeting place for Oslo locals and tourists. So if you want to mingle with the locals, make sure you head to Aker Brygge.

But it's also worth a visit for a walk along the promenade, the impressive architecture or a snack at one of the food trucks.


The sights of Oslo


 

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park

Ekebergparken is a large forest that is home to several sculptures by well-known artists. The park is located right next to the Ekeberg campsite. So a visit there was literally a no-brainer. All the better that admission to the sculpture park is free.

The most famous place in the sculpture park is Munch Point. The viewpoint probably inspired Edvard Munch to create his famous painting “Scream”. The “Dilemma” statue is also located here in the park.


 

Festung Akershus (Akershus Fortress)

Akershus Fortress is an old fortress in the heart of the city. It comprises the castle, the inner bastion fortress and the outer fortress area. The fortress is characterized above all by its location: It stands directly on the banks of the Oslofjord. This makes it a beautiful welcome sight for all ship travelers.

My favorite spot was the meadow in front of the fortress, right on the shore. Here you have the best view of the fortress in one direction and the open sea in the other!


 

Holmenkollen ski jump

Holmenkollen is actually the most visited tourist attraction in Norway! So the ski jump is not just for ski enthusiasts. It is very impressive how the ski jump towers over Oslo and the view from the panoramic roof is also worth seeing.

The ski museum costs around EUR 14 for adults and around EUR 12 for students. You can learn all about the history of skiing and ski jumping. There is also an elevator to the start of the ski jump. From there, you have the opportunity to fly over the jump on a rope tow to experience the feeling of the professionals who plunge down here every winter during the Nordic Ski World Cup. However, the experience was too expensive for us at around 50 EUR per person, which is why we only enjoyed the view over Oslo.


Royal Castle (Det kongelige slott/ Slottet)

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Norway. The castle itself is not necessarily spectacular (at least from the outside). But it's worth taking a short break on the steps in front of the castle and watching the hustle and bustle around you!

You can also relax in the freely accessible castle park. In summer, the people of Oslo like to picnic here.

By the way: every day at 13:30 you can see the changing of the guard in front of the castle.


Opera House (The Norwegian Opera and Ballet)

The opera house is worth seeing both from the inside and the outside. So you should definitely pay it a visit. The walk-on roof is also great, from where you can enjoy a (windy) view of Oslo harbor! Unfortunately, we did not attend a performance.

Crazy tip: pay a little visit to the toilets in the opera house! They look like a 5-star restaurant and you'll also get a glimpse of the inside of the opera house, which is mainly made of oak.


Oslo Business District

The Oslo Business District is not really a tourist attraction. But if you are interested in architecture, then the district is definitely worth a detour! The best architects from all over the world have had their fingers in the pie here. Just take a stroll through the district and take in the interesting buildings!


Astrup Fearnley Museum (Astrup Fearnley Museet) & Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

The Astrup Fearnley Museum with its adjacent Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park is already architecturally interesting (like many things in Oslo). But above all, its location is outstanding! The museum is located directly on the open sea. There is even an opportunity to jump into the sea. So you can also stop by for a swim and do somersaults into the sea.


What else to see:

Of course, there are sooo many more sights in Oslo. So here is a small selection of places worth seeing:

  • Mathallen Food Market
  • Sauna at Sørenga Seaside Bath
  • Former industrial area Vulkan
  • Karl Johans Gate with the parliament Stortinget and the National Theater
  • Nobel Peace Center
  • Munch Museum
  • Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset)
  • Resistance Museum
  • Norwegian Open Air Museum
  • Vigeland Sculpture Park


I have put together a list of all the places on Google Maps.

You can find the list here.