Be proud, feel the OsLove

Yes, you can hold hands. Yes, you can kiss your partner. Here’s how Kadir, Anna, and Klára experienced the Norwegian capital and Oslo Pride – Norway’s biggest celebration of love, freedom, and diversity.

“If we were to sum up Oslo Pride in just one word, it would be ‘moving’," Anna Grúňová (31) says with a smile.

Together with her girlfriend Klára Slivoňová (32), and Kadir Telli (23) she was invited by VisitOslo and Visit Norway to take part in Oslo Pride, the largest LGBTIQ+ event in Norway.

"Everyone we met was so friendly and supportive. The number of people participating in the celebration, including thousands of people who were not gay, was simply overwhelming. Even firefighters, police officers, and the army joined the parade! That made a big impression on us. The music was perfect, and so was the vibe. Every street was decorated with rainbow flags. It seemed like the whole city had prepared for the parade,” she continues.

Anna and Klára at Oslo Pride.
Photo: VisitOSLO

Dynamic Variation:

“We felt that Oslo was a place where people accept you for who you are” – Klára Slivoňová

The Palace Park in Oslo.
Photo: VisitOSLO

Except for the Pride, what did you do in Oslo?
“We explored several parts of the city by foot, bike, and boat. We visited the Oslo Opera house, which was an impressive piece of architecture. We dug into the Viking history at the Viking Ship Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula, and we studied the fascinating sculptures in the Vigeland Park in Frogner. Another highlight was to walk through Damstredet, a picturesque cobbled street in central Oslo with several charming wooden houses,” says Anna.

Dynamic Variation:

What makes Oslo an LGBTIQ-friendly travel destination?
“We felt that Oslo was a very welcoming city, a place where people accept you for who you are. For instance, nobody was looking at us when we were holding hands. Instead, some people actually walked up to us and said: ‘This is your celebration, but we will take part in it’,” Klára explains.

Anna and Klára at Oslo Pride.
Photo: VisitOSLO

Dynamic Variation:

Is there one advice you would give to newcomers in Oslo?
“Don’t be afraid to ask the locals. People in Oslo are very friendly and can often give you great advice. Get hold of a map, buy the Oslo Pass, and plan at least one picnic in a park. The distances are short but the experiences plentiful so it might be a good idea to make a plan before you start your exploration,” Klára recommends.

About Oslo Pride

Norway’s largest LGBTIQ+ festival, with concerts, art exhibits, shows, film screenings, parties, and debates. Oslo Pride consists of more than 150 small and large events over the course of ten days.

Oslo Pride was arranged for the first time in 1974, and although the event has changed a lot in the years that have passed, the message has remained the same: Openness and visibility are important.

Lonely Planet's best-in-travel list

In recent years, the publication of Lonely Planet’s annual lists has become a global event and is met with huge expectation from the press, the travel industry, and globetrotters around the world.

The lists – an equivalent of the Michelin-guide but for travel – is announced yearly by the world’s largest guidebook publisher. It includes the categories Countries, Regions, Value, and Cities.

Oslo is included on the 2018 top-ten cities list.

Lonely Planet’s editorial director Tom Hall explains his choice:

“Oslo has made our list of top ten cities in the world to visit in 2018 because visitors can discover innovative architecture and unmissable museums alongside cool bars, bistros, and cafes. With lots to see and do next year, there’s never been a better time to visit this cool Scandinavian capital city”.

About the Oslo Pass

Gives you free entry to several museums, free travel on public transport, and discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, and more.

Check out the places they visited

About Oslo Pride

Oslo Pride was arranged for the first time in 1974, and although the event has changed a lot in the years that have passed, the message has remained the same: Openness and visibility are important.

Lonely Planet's best-in-travel list

In recent years, the publication of Lonely Planet’s annual lists has become a global event and is met with huge expectation from the press, the travel industry, and globetrotters around the world.

Oslo is included on the 2018 top-ten cities list.

Lonely Planet’s editorial director Tom Hall explains his choice:

About the Oslo Pass

Gives you free entry to several museums, free travel on public transport, and discounts on sightseeing, restaurants, and more.