Guide to Oslo city

Metropolitan Oslo

The capital of Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities. International media is constantly writing about Oslo’s innovative architecture, museums, and neighbourhoods, as well as everything that moves on the food, fashion, art, and music scenes.

Over the last few years, several new quarters have been established in the city centre, with exciting new activities and attractions. The high-rise buildings in Barcode and captivating landmarks like the Opera House and the Astrup Fearnley museum are changing the face of the city, and will soon be accompanied by a new Munch Museum and the new National Museum.

A green capital

Oslo is a green city and was awarded the prestigious title European Green Capital in 2019. More than half of the municipality of Oslo is covered by forests and parks, and the fjord extends all the way to the city centre. The centre itself is becoming increasingly car-free and easy to explore on foot or by bike. An efficient public transport system makes the rest of the city easily accessible.

The capital is full of green experiences, whether you want to swim, kayak or go island hopping, relax in lush parks or walk, cycle or ski in the forest. And when was the last time you were in a big city with urban farms and a separate motorway for bees? In the Botanical Garden you can visit the Nordic region’s first Climate House and see exhibitions on climate and climate change. And in addition to all of this, more and more restaurants are focusing on green menus, while the number of environmentally certified hotels is increasing every year.

The taste of Oslo

Oslo has long since established itself as a culinary destination. Eateries range from distinguished Michelin restaurants to trendy food halls and hip food trucks. New restaurants are constantly popping up, many of them with creative approaches to Norwegian ingredients and food traditions. In recent years, a number of organic, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants have also appeared in the city. Natural ingredients and high quality are also important keywords in Oslo’s cocktail and coffee bars, which are constantly receiving international attention.

A city for all seasons

While autumn is a perfect time for exciting art exhibitions, spring is synonymous with drinking beer outside, second-hand markets, and a bustling life in Oslo’s parks and streets. In winter, you can combine urban experiences with kayaking on the fjord, tobogganing down a sledging hill, and ski slopes a short metro ride from the city centre. In the Oslomarka forest, more than 2,600 kilometres of cross-country tracks await – as well as several cabins with cafes that serve food, fresh buns, and hot chocolate. Try a refreshing dive into the fjord after a visit to a sauna by – or on – the water. And if you are the type who want winter to last all year round, your wish will come true in SNØ, one of the world’s only indoor arenas for skiing.