THE HARBOUR PROMENADE
in Oslo
Enjoy everything from world-class art, culture and museums to hot saunas and delicious eateries, where the big city meets the Oslofjord.
Have your camera ready, because you now have 9 kilometres ahead, full of surprises!
Oslo's harbour promenade stretches from Frognerkilen in the west to Kongshavn in the east.
If you want to enjoy a shorter stroll, choose a quick walk that snakes through some of the trendiest new neighbourhoods.
These orange information towers will show you the way!
1. Sørenga
Our walk begins in one of the newest parts of the Harbour Promenade, with an early morning coffee at Sørenga, where restaurants, cafés and swimming jetties line the shore like pearls on a string.
What can be more fitting than …
… a morning dip?
Afterwards, you can heat up in one of the many saunas along the promenade, like Oslo badstuforening.
Although we just got started, we can recommend a little detour here...
...just behind Sørenga lies the lush, hidden jewel Losæter, with its unique architecture.This urban farming centre is a communal farm where vegetables and herbs are cultivated (it even has its own artisanal bakery).
If you stop by on Wednesdays between 12-20 during the summer season, you can taste some of its produce yourself!
“Everything we grow and make here is consumed on site by people like me and you. Yesterday we made a fantastic communal six-course dinner for a big group of people.”
Øystein Hvamen Rasmussen
Urban farmer
2. Bjørvika
Continue across the pedestrian bridge across the water, to the newest and hippest neighbourhood in Oslo, Bjørvika.
Ride the lift to the top of...
… the amazing new home of the works of Edvard Munch. Enjoy majestic views over the vibrant Oslofjord and Vannkunsten, the capital city's “Little Venice”, with its many small canals.
When you're back on the ground again take a little break on adjacent Operastranden beach or indulge in some street food at Sukkerbiten.
Or how about an SUP or kayak trip?
There are rental companies along the entire promenade.
Continue on to the iconic roof of Oslo Opera House.
“The Opera House is really nice. We like the harbour area and all the houses with balconies.”
Paula and David
Visitors
After that, you should definitely stop by the Deichman Bjørvika library, which has been named one of the best in the world.
It's a building full of surprises, and was completed in the same year as ...
… Oslo was named European Green Capital – 2019.
Oslo has also been listed as one of the world's best cities in which to live in numerous rankings.
3. SALT
You will quickly notice the vibrant culture when you visit Vippetangen and stop off at SALT.
This culture venue has both one of Oslo's biggest open-air cafes, and offers saunas, swing dancing and concerts all in one place!
Are you starting to get hungry now?
4. Vippa
Head to Vippetangen, and the urban food and culture centre Vippa, which has both indoor and outdoor seating – with panoramic views of the fjord.
Here, you can sample street food from all over the world!
Afterwards, set a course for…
5. Akershus Fortress
Follow the cobblestone path past the ramparts up to Akershus Fortress, one of the most important fortress complexes in Norway's history.
Enjoy the view of the Oslofjord from the historic fort, which has protected Oslo's inhabitants for more than 700 years.
Some of the city's best open-air cafes are located down by the water. They are a bustling spot when the sun is shining!
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, there are ghost tours of the old castle. Come along, if you dare...
6. Rådhusplassen
More history awaits at our next stop: Rådhusplassen, outside Oslo City Hall.
Maybe you'll catch a concert or festival while you're there!
Visit Oslo City Hall and experience its impressive interior which features work by famous artists, including Edvard Munch.
You can experience even more art and culture at the Nobel Peace Centre and the National Museum, one of the biggest art and design museums in Europe!
7. Aker brygge
Thirsty? There are plenty of places to get a drink at Aker Brygge, a popular boardwalk area with lots of pubs, restaurants, and shops!
Behind its facade this building contains a big shopping centre – full of treasures great and small.
“There are many people here at our age, and it's a good place for young people.”
Marianne
Local in Oslo
8. Tjuvholmen
Continue on to Tjuvholmen, where you can admire innovative architecture, see fantastic contemporary art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum, and visit some of the premiere galleries in the country.
Sleep well (in style) at the five star hotel The Thief!
9. Filipstadkaia
This adjacent waterside area is still under development, with big plans for the future.
Take a picture of the 14-metre-high art installation the Oslo Tree, which is lit by a myriad of lights, go for a run in Tufteparken, or stop by Skur 13 to test your skills in the skate hall.
10. Kongen Marina
Your legs might be tired by now, so hop on an electric scooter or city bicycle and head for a cocktail and a bite to eat in tropical surroundings at Kongen Marina!
Do you still have some energy?
The last bit of your tour takes you along the popular jogging path by Frognerkilen.
Voilà! You've now reached the end of the promenade!