Oslo has stolen our hearts. Not only did we find Nordic style, great architecture and design in the Norwegian capital; Oslo breathes a very relaxed atmosphere and we met the friendliest people and an authentic Scandinavian taste. Copenhagen and Stockholm seem to draw most of the attention in the field of Scandinavian design, creativity and lifestyle, but don’t underestimate Oslo. Sharing a city walk with you. A small guide on some cool hotspots, not only in the touristy parts of Oslo, but also in the nice residential area of Briskeby and Uranienborg.
Tjulholven //
Start in the Tjulholven, the newer part of Oslo. Take a stroll down the harbour, watch the people, the fjord, great architecture and the waterfront.
The area known as Tjuvholmen is a recent addition to Oslo’s varied collection of boroughs. The buildings that create this area are drawn by 20 different architects, giving a concentrated display of current trends in architecture. Tjuvholmen is also characterised by elaborate outdoor spaces, including several humorous outdoor artworks. At the point where Tjuvholmen meets the fjord you find one of Oslo’s new main attractions, master architect Renzo Piano’s Astrup Fearnley Museum.
Have breakfast at The Thief or Smagen av Sørlandet, a very nice bakery across the coolest and hippest hotel of Oslo.
Royal Palace //
Walk uptown and go to Slottsparken, where the Royal Palace it located. Enjoy the park or visit the palace. The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer.
Uranienborg, Frogherveien and Briskeby //
Take the south-west exit of the park and continue on Colbjornsens, entering the nice residential area Uranienborg. Enjoy the beautiful old houses and the calm of the stylish streets. Have a coffee at Apent Bakeri on the corner of Incognito Terasse. Apent Bakeri is a hands-on bakery that uses old traditions and simple, natural ingredients.
Continue your walk and visit some stylish shops, like Briskeby Goods or MA for vintage clothes and shoes and continue your walk on Frogherveien towards The Vigeland Sculpture Park.
The Vigeland Sculpture Park //
The Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland’s lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron.
Gustav Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850 meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children’s playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau and the Wheel of Life.
Walk back towards the city centre taking some alternative streets. Combine your visit to The Vigeland Park with a healthy lunch at Albin & Cecilies Kafe og Butikk on your way back, the cutest place! Cross the city centre. The city centre is nice, but not the most interesting part of Oslo. It’s like any other city centre and filled with tourists. Walk passed The Parliament and the Cathedral to the Operahuset…
The Norwegian National Ballet & Opera //
The Norwegian’s are very proud of their Ballet and Opera, the Operahuset being a tribute to the arts. Just enjoy it, spend some time here, it’s very welcoming and the roof gives you some new views of the fjords of Oslo.
Akerhus Fortress //
On your way back to Tjuvholmen, go to the Akerhus Fortress, especially recommended at the end of the day, combining great views, sunset, drinks, DJ-sounds and a romantic dinner at Festningen Restaurant.
Dining // Other great restaurants are Solsiden, Lofoten, Tjuvholmen Sjomagasin, Fru K at The Thief. End your day at the rooftop bar at The Thief.
Info and Pictures // Rosan Gompers
Hotel, shops and restaurants //
The Thief
Smagen av Sørlandet
Apent Bakeri
Briskeby Gods
Ma Vintage Clothes
Albin & Cecilies Kafe og Butikk
Festningen Restaurant
Solsiden Restaurant
Lofoten Restaurant
Tjuvholem Sjomagasin
Fru K
