City walks:
Experience Oslo in one day
Norwegian cities are compact and very walkable.
Experience the city highlights in Oslo in just 10 000 steps!
Oslo is as built for walking! Go trekking in Nordmarka, take a stroll beside the Akerselva river, or walk for almost 10 kilometres along Oslo's waterfront without any obstacles or detours. The harbour promenade is an urban hike like no other, with the soothing fjord on one side, and delicious and hip food trucks, fun activities, and captivating landmarks like the Deichman Library and the MUNCH museum on the other.
Scroll down, and find your favourite among our walking route suggestion.
If you want some inspiration, follow in the footsteps of Sioban. A lively 58-year-old woman from England who has been fortunate enough to travel extensively through her job over the years. Sioban not only loves to walk, but she also loves everything that has to do with water, whether it be floating on a SUP, swimming, or sailing.
In the Norwegian capital, urban life and outdoor activities go hand in hand, so Sioban also had a swim just meters away from the Oslo Opera House, during her walk. Are you in?
Sioban does Oslo
Length: 10 000 steps
Route: OSLO'S WATERFRONT
Length: 4 km
Start in peaceful Royal Palace Park, where you can wander among beautiful greenery while exploring the Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park and admiring the great Royal Palace itself. You might even get to see the changing of the guards ceremony in front of the palace if you are there at 13:30.
Make your way down towards the waterfront. It’s easy to find! Let Oslo City Hall, with its two characteristic red brick towers, act as your landmark. City Hall itself is worth a visit. It's full of impressive artwork and commissions by famous artists, including Edvard Munch, both inside and outside the building.
Visit Akershus Fortress overlooking the fjord, and experience a piece of Oslo history which has been at the site for almost 700 years. Next, continue on to Vippa, a big food hall where you can sample food and drink from all over the world!
Follow the waterfront to SALT, a place where art, music, and saunas combine to create a wonderful leisure and entertainment space. Why not catch a concert here, or build up a sweat in the sauna?
The most eye catching and prominent building on Oslo’s waterfront is the renowned Oslo Opera House. This marble building looks like it's floating in shallow water. The roof is a popular place to hang out!
There are several good fjord swimming spots by the Opera. Operastranda is a recently opened beach where locals love to cool down during warm summer days.
Visit MUNCH, the new waterfront museum dedicated to the art of Edvard Munch. In addition to amazing art, you’ll find a cafés, restaurants, and special cultural events.
End your day by Oslo’s waterfront at one of the many restaurants by the bay. How about some spicy Indian food with a modern twist at Nimbu? Ramen lovers will find happiness at Koie Ramen Munch, and Talormade Oslobukta serves exquisite doughnuts for those with a sweet tooth.
[Vin] Bjørvika is a wine bar where you can select from hundreds of wines, with the help of knowledgeable staff members.
Route: A HALF DAY IN OSLO
Length: 4 km
Start by the famous Tiger statue at Jernbanetorget in front of Oslo Central Station, before making your way to the spectacular new Deichman Bjørvika public library. Continue to the Oslo Opera House by the fjord, and walk around on the roof!
Between the Opera and the walkway over to Sørenga, you will find Oslo’s newest beach, Operastranda, as well as a popular hang out spot called Sukkerbiten. Grab some food, have a beer, attend events, or book a sauna session with Oslo Fjord Sauna! You can even rent a færing, a traditional Norwegian rowboat, and explore the Oslo fjord like a true Viking!
Cross the walkway over to the recently revived neighbourhood of Sørenga, which is one of the most popular places to sunbathe and have a swim in the fjord.
You will also find plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious lunch. Mirabel serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, while Sørenga Social Club has excellent seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. We also recommend Hakkaiza‘s dim sum, and Bun’s Burger Bar.
Route: ART AND CULTURE WALK
Length: 6 km
Start at the waterfront Astrup Fearnley museum, and enjoy some excellent contemporary art, and the spectacular architecture of the building itself, designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano.
Only a few minutes’ walk away, you will find Fineart Oslo, Norway’s largest art gallery. Make your way up to the Royal Palace Park, where you’ll find The Queen Sonja Art Stables. These used to be the Palace’s actual stables, but are now used to show changing exhibitions of pieces from the Royal Art Collection.
On the opposite side of the Royal Palace Park is Kunstnernes hus, an artist-run museum for Norwegian and international contemporary art.
You might be feeling quite hungry by now, which is perfect, since the gallery also houses Lofthus Samvirkelag, one of the best places in Oslo to get an excellent pizza! Or how about a little literarily refreshment and lunch at the House of Literature?
Afterwards, take a relaxing stroll through the quiet Briskeby neighbourhood behind the Royal Palace, and make your way to Galleri Albin Upp, located in a former farmhouse that dates back to the 19th century. Here you can also grab a bite to eat or have a drink in the gallery’s own café!
After a stroll through broad, tree-lined avenues past colourful apartment buildings, you will reach the museum Vigelandmuseet. This is perfect place to get a behind the scenes look at one of Norway’s greatest artists, Gustav Vigeland, and his famous work. Cross the road and enter Vigelandsparken sculpture park. This is a definite must-see when you're in Oslo, with one of the highlights being the famous Sinnataggen (Angry Boy) statue, featuring a boy with a furious expression and a hand that has become worn from many years of being touched by visitors. In the middle of the park, Anne på Landet is a good place to get coffee and a snack. The café is located in a building that's over a century old.
To reach the city centre after your long walk art-filled walk, make your way to the Majorstuen metro station.
Route: DO AS THE LOCALS DO: GRÜNERLØKKA
Length: 3-4 km
Start with a stroll in Botanisk hage (the Botanical Garden) among majestic trees and gorgeous flowers. Grab some coffee and a pastry at the cosy café in the middle of the garden.
Make your way to the popular Grünerløkka neighbourhood for some shopping, delicious snacks, and tasty drinks. Liebling is a cosy, independent café where you can play boardgames while enjoying your coffee. Further down in the Grünerløkka area you will find the Grünerløkka Brygghus microbrewery with an impressive selection of beer.
Grünerløkka is a goldmine for lovers of vintage clothing and independent niche shops!
Find your next outfit at Velouria Vintage or Frøken Diana’s Salonger, and check out the amazing handmade pottery and jewellery at BRUDD. If you need an energy boost when shopping, check out the delicious waffles at Harald’s Vaffel, which have become a true Oslo staple.
Cross the Akerselva river, and make your way to Vulkan, where the Mathallen food hall awaits with numerous eateries to choose from. Next up are Ingensteds and Blå, two neighbouring venues nestled on the riverbank, where you can catch all kinds of concert and events. They even host a flea market on Sundays! End the night with a bang at SYNG, a fun karaoke bar!
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