The Oslo Opera House is a notable building that hosts the Norwegian National Ballet, the Opera Orchestra, and the Ballet School. Situated right by the harbour, its unique angled, white exterior looks as if it rises from the water, allowing visitors to climb the roof for stunning views of Oslo and the fjord throughout the year.

At street level, large windows offer a peek into rehearsals and workshop activities inside. The interior features mainly oak, and the main hall has a horseshoe shape, similar to traditional theatres. Designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, the building has won several prestigious awards.

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet offers a diverse program from three stages: The Main House with 1369 seats, the Second House with 400 seats, and the Studio with 200 seats. Additionally, the opera roof and foyer are used for concerts. Guided tours are available in both Norwegian and English.

The Munch Museum, situated in Oslo, is a dedicated art institution that honors the life and artistic creations of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. His most renowned masterpiece, "The Scream," has transcended into an iconic emblem of global artistry. While Munch's art is profoundly personalized, many of his artworks possess a universally captivating essence, leaving a significant mark on the realm of art. Within the past century, Munch has emerged as arguably the most recognizable Norwegian painter.

The museum's compilation comprises Munch's original works and artifacts, generously bequeathed to the city of Oslo following his demise. Additionally, contributions from his sister Inger Munch, along with various other artworks acquired through the exchange of duplicate prints, enhance the collection.

Presently, the museum's permanent assemblage encompasses well over half of the artist's entire oeuvre, encompassing paintings, prints, sculptures, books, and a range of other items. With a staggering count of over 1,200 paintings, 18,000 prints, six sculptures, 500 plates, 2,240 books, and assorted artifacts, the museum vividly showcases Munch's prolific output. Moreover, the institution accommodates sections dedicated to education and conservation, as well as provisions for the performing arts.

Originally established at Tøyen in 1963, the museum later relocated to its contemporary home in Bjørvika, officially inaugurated on October 22, 2021.

Tip:
Check out the coffee shop (with tables inside and outside) and the gift shop right at the entrance. As an added bonus, you also get to watch interesting videos in the downstairs.
There's a booklet which has a lot of information on many of the important pieces. You can pick it up and turn it back in when you're done.
Once you've paid for your ticket you can access to the exhibition area for the rest of the day.

Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning), also known as Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott), is a medieval fortification in Oslo, central to the history of Norway. The exact date of its construction is unknown but is believed to have started in the late 1290s under King Haakon V. The fortress is the namesake of the county of Akershus, which used to encompass most of Eastern Norway.

Throughout its history, Akershus Fortress has withstood numerous sieges, including those by Swedish and Danish forces between 1308 and 1532. Despite these attacks, the fortress was never captured by a foreign enemy. However, during World War II, it surrendered to Nazi Germany without a fight and later became a site for executions by the German occupiers and post-war trials. The fortress was liberated in 1945 by the Norwegian resistance.

Akershus Castle also served as a royal residence during the Middle Ages, playing a key role in the shift of Norway's capital from Bergen to Oslo. Several notable Norwegian royals, including King Haakon V, resided there. After a significant fire in 1624, King Christian IV ordered the relocation of Oslo closer to the fortress, subsequently renaming the city Christiania. The fortress was modernized into a Renaissance-style castle and continued to function primarily as a palace until the 19th century.

In addition to its military and royal functions, Akershus has also been used as a prison, holding many rebels and criminals throughout its history. Some prisoners were famous, like the notorious criminal and writer Gjest Baardsen, who served there 18 years after being given a life sentence; the legendary bank robber Ole Høiland, who committed suicide at Akershus upon his second internment; and Lars Haetta, who was sentenced to death for rebellion but was later pardoned when he began translating the Christian Bible into Sami.

Today, Akershus Fortress is still a military area but is open to the public daily. Visitors can explore the castle, the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, and Norway's Resistance Museum. The fortress also houses the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place for several Norwegian monarchs. The Office of the Norwegian Prime Minister is temporarily located near the fortress, and the site is still guarded by His Majesty the King’s Guard.

Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) is a mainstay of civic life in the Norwegian capital. Designed by architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson, its construction took place between 1931 and 1950, with a pause during World War II. The red-brick structure features two towers – 63 and 66 meters tall. The eastern tower houses a carillon with 49 bells that chime every hour.

Historically, Oslo had different city halls, including one reportedly housing a public wine cellar. The Old City Hall (Gamle rådhus) was built near Akershus Fortress in 1641. As the city expanded, the need for a larger facility became evident by the 1800s. The idea for the current City Hall emerged in 1906 but was delayed for financial reasons.

When the building was officially opened in 1950, its brick style looked (at least to some) a bit outdated compared to the modern steel-and-glass architecture of the time. Influenced by functionalism, the design included two oblong, industrial-style office towers. The overall appearance combined modern forms and styling from the medieval era, including statues mounted on the walls and an ornate astronomical clock on the north face.

The artistic decorations, selected through contests in 1937, feature contributions from eight painters and 17 sculptors. The main hall features wall paintings by Henrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen, depicting Norway’s history. The City Council Hall is semi-circular, adorned with oak and tapestries, including one showing Saint Hallvard (the patron saint of Oslo) and the seven virtues, meant to inspire ethical governance.

Each year, on December 10th, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place at the Oslo City Hall, attended by the Norwegian royal family and prime minister. Barack Obama was among the first to be honored in the banqueting hall here after the ceremony was moved from the University of Oslo’s main building.

The City Hall is open to the general public. Apart from its decorated halls, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view of the harbor from the main balcony.

Tip:
Make sure to read the English captions under the wood carvings as you walk up to the City Hall.
Free guided tours in English (lasting approximately one hour) are also available, during which the guides explain the murals & artworks and their symbolism, as well as the functioning of the municipal government, in an entertaining way. Something not to be missed!

The Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter) is a showcase for the Nobel Peace Prize and one of Oslo’s most recognizable sites. Overlooking the city’s harbor, it is located on City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen) near the City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place every year, on December 10, commemorating Alfred Nobel's death.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a Norwegian committee supported by the Norwegian Nobel Institute, founded in 1904; other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Sweden.

The center opened in 2005 in a ceremony attended by His Majesty King Harald V and the Norwegian Royal Family. Today, this is one of the most popular museums in Norway, receiving annually some 250,000 visitors.

The center is housed in a cream-colored, elegant building constructed in 1872 by architect Georg Andreas Bull. Previously, it served as the Oslo West Railway Station (Oslo Vestbanestasjon). After the station closed in 1989, the building was converted for its current use by British architect David Adjaye; the American designer David Small developed all its hi-tech installations.

The center uses a wide range of multimedia and interactive technology to present information on all the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work, as well as the story of Alfred Nobel himself – a renowned physicist, who directed his fortune to fund prizes in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

As a part of a network of Nobel institutions, the center hosts regular exhibitions, meetings, debates, and conferences, as well as offers a broad educational program and guided tours.

Aker Brygge in Oslo is a vibrant neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Once an industrial area with a shipyard that operated until 1982, it underwent significant redevelopment starting in the mid-1980s, transforming into a commercial and residential hub.

This redevelopment involved a mix of demolishing old industrial buildings and repurposing workshop halls into shopping areas, culminating in a modern district completed in 1998. The area now features shops, restaurants, a cinema, offices, residential apartments, a small boat harbor, and a ferry terminal. Further reorganization between 2010 and 2014 enhanced public spaces and added a new district.

Today, Aker Brygge attracts around 12 million visitors annually and is a leader in waterfront development in Norway. It combines public areas with cultural sites, such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and various artworks like the 'Sundial for Spatial Echoes' by Tomás Saraceno and the 'South Oslo' sculpture by Jacqueline Donachie.

The local pier is a popular spot for people-watching, dining at food trucks, and relaxing. The Aker Brygge Marina offers boat rentals, kayaking, and saunas, making it a great place to experience the Oslo Fjord.

Still, the most popular activity at Aker Brygge is strolling along the promenade, which offers abundant outdoor seating-estimated at around 2,500 seats-allowing visitors to enjoy the blend of old-world and modern architecture. The wharf frequently hosts pop-up shops, fashion shows, concerts, and art exhibits, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Aker Brygge provides enough entertainment for a visitor to easily spend an entire day enjoying the sights and activities.

Nestled within Frogner Park, a sprawling green expanse in the western outskirts of the city, lies the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Encompassing an impressive 80 acres, this park boasts a collection of 212 statues, all masterfully crafted by the renowned Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Adjacent to the park is the Vigeland Museum, a repository for many of the artist’s smaller sculptures and paintings. These two attractions came into being when Vigeland generously gifted several of his works to the city of Oslo in 1919. Following meticulous planning, the park was unveiled to the public in the year 1940.

At the heart of the park takes center stage a bridge that stretches from the Main Gate to the focal point, the Fountain sculpture. Along this bridge route, a third of the park's sculptures are gracefully displayed, each adorned in striking bronze. Notably, the beloved Angry Boy sculpture can be admired here. Culminating the bridge's path is the Fountain-an elaborate bronze Gothic masterpiece originally conceived for a location outside the Norwegian Parliament. This splendid sculpture is encircled by an expansive mosaic showcasing bold black and white designs.

Crowning the highest elevation within the park is the Monolith, indisputably the most celebrated attraction. Purposefully positioned, this colossal granite tower, hewn from a singular massive rock, showcases an assembly of over one hundred intricately carved human figures. The park has served as a wellspring of inspiration for music, literature, and even made a notable appearance in the successful Norwegian independent film 'Elling'. As a welcoming gift to the public, this park remains accessible throughout daylight hours all year round.

Tip:
Combine with the Vigeland Museum located right outside the park. Do it on the same day so that you can compare what you saw in the park to what you see in the museum.

The Royal Palace (Slottet) in Oslo was constructed in the first half of the 19th century as the residence for King Karl III Johan of Norway. Originally from France, the king (also known as Karl XIV Johan of Sweden) reigned over Norway and Sweden from 1818 to 1844. Today, the palace serves as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch (whereas the Crown Prince resides at the Skaugum estate in Asker, west of Oslo).

Situated at the end of Karl Johans Gate, the palace is surrounded by Palace Park (Slottsparken) and is fronted by Palace Square (Slottsplassen). Before its completion, Norwegian royalty resided in Paléet, a grand townhouse in Christiania (now Oslo). The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1824 and lasted for nearly 25 years, based on the designs by Danish-born architect Hans Linstow.

Despite adopting a simpler three-story neo-classical design, the palace remained unfinished when King Karl passed away in 1844. His son and successor, Oscar I, and his wife, Queen Josephine, became its first residents five years later.

The Royal Palace Chapel, consecrated in 1844, is used for religious services and various events of the Norwegian royal family, such as baptisms and confirmations.

Following the dissolution of the Union with Sweden in 1905, the palace became the permanent royal residence of Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VII. Significant renovations were undertaken during the reign of King Harald V to address structural issues and modernize the building. Public access to the palace began in 2002, and the daily changing of the guard has since become a popular attraction for visitors.

Moreover, in 2017, the former palace stables were renovated and converted into a versatile art venue called The Queen Sonja Art Stable (Dronning Sonja KunstStall). Open to the public, this building serves as an art gallery, museum, and concert hall.

Guided tours of the palace, predominantly in Norwegian, are offered throughout the afternoon during the summer months. However, English-language tours are also available daily at 12 pm, 2 pm, 2:20 pm, and 4 pm. Tickets for these guided tours can be purchased online starting from the 1st of March each year.

Tip:
Changing of the royal guards is at 1:30 pm daily. You can always politely approach one of the guard soldiers and take a nice photo or have a chat with them :)
The garden is peaceful and freely accessible – you can have a picnic there and quietly enjoy nature.

If your stomach can't make up its mind-and let's face it, whose can?-Mathallen Food Hall is your deliciously trusty culinary compass in the heart of the Vulkan district. The area’s pedestrian-friendly charm pairs nicely with a walk to the nearby Vulkan Arena or a scenic wander down Oslo’s own “Trail of Love.”

With over 30 specialty shops, cafés, and eateries all tempting you with everything from Norwegian classics to global street eats, this buzzing indoor market is a full-blown flavor rodeo and a choose-your-own-adventure where the prize is always edible.

Feeling adventurous? Start with Hungarian goulash so rich, it practically sings folk songs. Nibble your way through the refined Southeast Asian plates at Atelier Asian Tapas, then give your inner Viking a nod with the wild game dishes at Helt Vilt.

And in case you're still hungry, there’s artisanal cheese that bites back, cured meats that whisper of smoke and tradition, and dreamy chocolate (which, come to think of it, should probably be illegal), not to mention enough craft drinks to wash it all down.

All of this unfolds inside a lovingly restored early 1900s industrial building perched along the scenic Akerselva River. It’s got just the right amount of rustic charm to make your Instagram jealous. Regardless of whether you're grazing now or stockpiling for later, there’s a stall ready to feed your cravings or future self.

Operating Tuesday through Sunday (because even food halls need a nap on Mondays), Mathallen is open from 10 am to 8 pm. Alternatively, you can swing by on Sundays between 11 and 6. Just be warned: once here, your taste buds may never want to leave...

Grünerløkka, situated within the city of Oslo, was incorporated into the city (then known as Christiania) in 1858. Historically, Grünerløkka was recognized as a working-class enclave; however, since the latter part of the 20th century, it has been progressively undergoing gentrification. Despite its location in the East End, Grünerløkka boasts higher property values compared to other neighborhoods in that vicinity. The name Grünerløkka honors Friedrich Grüner (1628-1674), who held the positions of chief administrator and master of the mint in Christiania.

In 1861, Norwegian businessman Thorvald Meyer acquired portions of the Grünerløkka region. He was responsible for the construction of Grünerløkka's primary thoroughfare, now called Thorvald Meyers gate. Over the 19th century, Grünerløkka transformed into a hub for the working class, attracting numerous factories due to its advantageous proximity to the Akerselva River.

Grünerløkka is situated within the vicinity of Paulus Church (Paulus kirke). By 1866, the population of the Paulus parish stood at 13,600, a figure that surged to 22,000 by the year 1900. Interestingly, at that time, only five streets in Oslo could boast populations exceeding 3,000, three of which were located within Grünerløkka: Markveien, Thorvald Meyers gate, and Toftes gate.

Grünerløkka also features Olaf Ryes Plass, a park square named after Norwegian-Danish General Olaf Rye (1791–1849). Initially an open field, it remained so until the 1880s. In 1883, Oslo kommune acquired the property from members of the Grüner family. Subsequently, a narrow diagonal street was constructed, connecting Markveien to Thorvald Meyers gate, with a midway stop for horses and carriages. Today, this area has transformed into a pedestrian park square.