Parks and the outdoors in Oslo

Parks and the outdoors in Oslo

1. SeeInner North

   Aamot bridge

   Pedestrian suspension bridge, crossing the Akerselva river

   One of the earliest chain hangers in Europe and the earliest in Norway, leading from the river side park, across the river to the park by the neighborhood of Grünerløkka.

2. SeeInner North

   Aker river

   Akerselva

   Akerselva is Oslo's main river as it flows from Maridalen lake (Oslo's main water reservoir) to the fjord near the Central station. Previously Oslo's industrial heartland, now the river and its shores is converted into a green corridor almost the entire length from Grünerløkka to Maridalen. Bicycle and pedestrian paths along. Several small waterfalls. Industrial facilities remain as memories of Oslo's manufacturing origins.

   24 h·Free

3. SeeWest

   Astrup Fearnley Museet

   at Tjuvholmen

   Astrup Fearnley Museet is a private collection of contemporary art, founded in 1993. The museum was relocated to Tjuvholmen, Aker Brygge in 2012. The building - designed by Renzo Piano - is spectacular in itself, and the museum offers a small green oasis with a beach, very welcome in the concrete surroundings of Aker Brygge. The museum offers temporary exhibitions, and is an established and central institution in Norwegian contemporary art.

   Tue Wed Fri 12:00-17:00, Thu 12:00-19:00, Sat Sun 11:00-17:00, Mon closed·Adult 120 kr, student 80 kr, children under 18 free; included in Oslo Pass

4. EatWest

   Beach Club

   Classical diner, opened 1989. Best burgers in town? Relaxed atmosphere, pleasant staff. Busy during summer. Hip, timeless and family friendly, all at the same time.

5. DoInner East

   Birkelunden

   A cool park in eastern Oslo, the uppermost park in Grünerløkka neighbourhood, a so-called Greenwich village look-alike area. On Sundays, there is a second-hand market. The name refers to the birch threes there. The park covers one block.

   24 hours·free

6. DrinkInner North

   Blå

   Be sure to check their event calendar, every week they have concerts with a variety of international and Norwegian bands and/or DJs. Each Sunday there is a free jazz/blues/soul concert. Walk up the river from the centre and you'll find it. Old factory style houses with lots of graffiti.

7. DoInner East

   Botanical Garden

   tram 17 or bus 31 to Lakkegata skole or t-bane to Tøyen, walking distance 200 metres

   The University botanical gardens is located just south of Tøyen park next door to Munch Museum. A wonderful and relaxing area. Free entrance, opening hours Apr-Sep: Sa Su 10:00-20:00, M-F 07:00-20:00; Oct-Mar: Sa Su 10:00-17:00, M-F 07:00-17:00.

8. DoInner East

   Ekebergmarkedet

   Flea market and one of Northern Europe's largest swapmeet/markets for vintage car and bike parts. Takes place early May and mid. September at the north-west part of Ekeberg Park. Arranged by Norsk Veteranvogn Klubb (http://veteranvogn.no)

9. DoInner East

   Ekebergparken

   At the steep, green hill east of city centre (tram 18 or 19 to Ekebergparken, bus 34 or 74 to Brannfjellveien) is even a sculpture park, with works by Norwegian and international artists such as Salvador Dalí, Lynn Chadwick, Richard Hudson and Per Ung among others. This point is assumed to be the background for Scream, Edvard Munch's famous picture. Alongside the idyllic forest paths you can see sculptures, but also find remnants of cultural history from different eras of Norwegian history or enjoy the incredible views over the capital. Small climbing park for children.

10. DoSouth

    Ekebergsletta

    A field and a park system, neighbor to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park.The forest area fits to go hiking in. Don't forget a picnic basket. The field is used primarily for sporting events and is the location for Norway Cup, the world’s largest annually football tournament for children and young people aged 10 to 19 years old. At the northern edge of the hill there are spectacular views of the city.

11. SeeWest

    Frogner and Vigeland park

    Frogner park including Vigeland Sculpture Park is a large green area about 10 minutes by subway from the city center. In addition to being a nice green recreational area, it is also decorated with hundreds of sculptures by the Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. There is a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere here, although the sculptures are a little disturbing. If your children want to climb the statues, nobody will even bother to look twice at you. There is also a cafeteria, and two museums, the City Museum of Oslo and the Vigeland Museum. If you fancy an outdoor swim, Frognerbadet is situated next to the Frognerpark with 3 pools, several diving towers and a water slide.

    24 h·Free

12. EatInner North

    Funky Fresh Foods

    Vegetarian restaurant

    Genuine vegetarian food in unique architectural space, overlooking the Aker River.

13. SeeInner North

    Hjula weaving mill

    Hjula Væveri

    This industrial complex is perhaps an unusual attraction, but the striking buildings at the waterfall in Akerselva (Aker river) are one interesting legacy of Oslo's manufacturing past. It was the first water powered weaving mill in Norway, and during the late 1800s the largest textile company in Norway. The factory operated for more than 100 years. The water-powered factories along Aker river was an important factor behind Oslo's exceptional growth in the late 1800s. Hjula weaving mill and nearby Nedre Vøyen spinning mill are still standing at the waterfalls. Buildings have been converted to restaurants, shops, TV studios and offices.

14. DoNorth

    Holmenkollen

    see above

    The area around Holmenkollen (T-bane 1) is well suited for cross-country skiing, but also a nice area for hiking during summertime. While you are there, you can also visit the ski-museum which is located close to the ski-jump. For additional fun, buy a cheap sledge or "akebrett", or rent a proper one from Frognerseteren, and sleigh down from Frognerseteren to Midtstuen station. This was actually the venue of the sleighing competitions in the 1952 Winter Olympics, and the hill is referred to as "Korketrekkeren" (the corkscrew). If you buy a day-card for the subway, you can race all day long, but make sure you are well dressed, as you are going to get wet. The Holmenkollen ski festival, a competition in different types of Nordic skiing takes place here each March since 1892 (only interrupted by WWII).

15. EatInner East

    Karlsborg Spiseforretning

    In a scenic venue, built in 1863

    Serving traditional Norwegian dishes, near the entrance to the sculpture park.

16. DoInner East

    Middelalderparken

    Medieval Park

    Ruins of medieval old town of Oslo, such as church ruins and ruins of the former Royal Estate. Location of the annual rock music festival Øyafestivalen.

17. SeeNorth

    Nordmarka (Oslo forest)

    Marka

    Oslo is surrounded by wide and partly dense forests, generally known as Marka, of which Nordmarka is the largest and most accessible section (in addition to Nordmarka there similar areas east, south and west of the city). There are lots of roads and trails criss-crossing these wide forests, but no cars, only skiers, hikers and bicycles. So it is essentially the largest park in town. There are countless lakes, many rivers and small waterfalls too. Small summits that rise above the city offers excellent panoramas. Entry points everywhere, usually 10-15 min from the centre. Access by bus, metro, tram, car or bicycle. There is a fine network of high quality foot paths (roads) suitable even for wheelchairs and baby strollers, as well as many "nature trails" for hikers and skiers only. Roads closest to the city have street lights. In winter used for cross-country skiing, also a small ski resort (alpine skiing). The Moose (elg), mainland Norway's largest animal, roam the forest and occasionally strolls into town. Note: the Oslo forest is drinking water supply for 1 million people. Restrictions on camping, barbecue and swimming.

    24 hours·Free

18. DoInner East

    Olaf Ryes plass

    A small square park in eastern Oslo, Grünerløkka neighborhood, a so-called Greenwich village look-alike area. The park covers exactly one block in Grünerløkka's grid.

    24 hours·free

19. SeeInner North

    Old Aker Church

    Gamle Aker kirke

    This modest, sturdy, Romanesque church is the oldest existing building in Oslo. Built around 1100. It is one of the few Norwegian churches built in traditional basilica shape (three parallel naves). The building sits on a small hill in the northern corner of Vår Frelsers graveyard. Old Aker church has its own grave yard built on terraces at the edge of the hill, the grave yard is a pretty park with fine panorama.

20. SeeWest

    Oscarshall

    Oscarshall is a royal summer Palace from the mid-19th century, now open to the public. A small palace filled with 19th-century Norwegian art and surrounded by a magnificent park. One of the finest examples of neo-gothic/romantic style in Norway. This small palace was never used as a residence. The Palace sits a hill above Frogner bay and offers fine panorama of the city. The palace was commissioned by Swedish-Norwegian King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine. Guided tours.

    Mid-May to mid-Sep: Wed-Sun 11:00 - 17:00·Adults 70 kr, seniors 60 kr, children 40 kr

21. DoNorth

    Oslo Summerpark

    climbing park

    To adults and children: challenge yourself, swing through the trees, fun zip lines, balancing along a section of posts. The Climbing Park is designed and constructed so that trees can grow to their natural shape and size. Routes and paths are placed naturally using the latest technology and an independent arborist that puts safety first. Knowledgeable training.

    mid May to October

22. SeeSentrum

    Slottsparken

    Palace Park

    Surrounds the Royal Palace (see above) at the top of Karl Johan street. Oslo's most central park is a pleasant grass-covered area with majestic old trees. When you are in the park, don't miss Princess Ingrid Alexandra's Sculpture Park area, which contains sculptures made by children from all over Norway. Wide walkways crisscross the park. The Royal Guards have a small barrack in the park.

    24 hours·Free

23. SeeNorth

    Sognsvann

    Sognsvann lake is one of the most popular places in Marka (Oslo forest), nice meadows and easy path around lake, paths continue through the forest - metro line 5 to Sognsvann station. Surprisingly this lake is the geographical mid point of Oslo.

    24 hours·free

24. SeeInner North

    St.Hanshaugen park

    bus 37 to St.Hanshaugen

    A delightful public park on the highest hill in central Oslo. Great view of the city and surroundings. 1000 meters easy walk from Karl Johan street along Akersgata-Ullevålsveien past Vår Frelsers Gravlund (cemetery). The park has also given name to this popular neighborhood and to the larger administrative district (borough) that includes major parts of central Oslo.

    24 hours·Free

25. SeeInner North

    Stensparken

    This charming park begins at Fagerborg Church (neo-Gothic, granite) and stretches for some 500 meters to a fine panorama point in the northern end. There is a café on the top. Stensparken is a good choice if nearby St. Hanshaugen park is too crowded. Just west of the park there is a line of stately town houses.

    24 hours·free

26. SeeSentrum

    Studenterlunden

    Spikersuppa

    the park in the heart of Oslo, between the parliament and the National Theatre. Fountains in the summer, an ice rink in the winter, outdoor seating and a variety of statues of famous Norwegians including Henrik Ibsen, Ludvig Holberg and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.

27. DoInner East

    Sunday Market at Birkelunden

    east end - near junction of Toftes Gate and Seilduksgata

    Antiques and second hand market every Sunday noon until 7PM at Birkelunden park at Grünerløkka.

28. DoNorth

    Swimming (outdoor, freshwater)

    For fresh water swimming, Akerselva is considered clean north of Nydalen. The best spot may be at Frysja (bus 22-25-54 to Stillatorget). Don't forget that many of the lakes in "Oslomarka" are for swimming and recreation (Sognsvann lake for instance). Note that some major lakes (Maridalsvannet in particular) are drinking water for the city, restrictions on swimming and camping. Buy a map and bring your swimming gear!

    Open now · open 24 hours·Free

29. DoInner East

    Sørenga

    Fjord pool with seawater from the Oslofjord. Swimming pool, children's pool, beach and a large recreational area. Crowded on sunny summer days. If it's not tempting to swim, take a stroll anyway along the scenic waterfront where there are outdoor areas and new cafes and restaurants.

30. DrinkInner East

    Südøst

    Grünerløkka

    A short walk from the Anker hostel, this place has become quite fashionable. Lovely outdoor seating, great (but a tad expensive) food and a marvellous dining room.

    500 ml beer: 52 kr

31. SeeInner East

    Torshov

    Torshov is the neighbourhood North of Grünerløkka, uphill from ring road 2. The central parts of Torshov was a large housing project in the city of Oslo in the 1920s. As a residential area, Torshov has a characteristic monumental design with elements of baroque revival and neo-classical style. The layout was inspired by the English garden city movement and the area was basically greenfield in the 1920s. The Torshov bull in the octagonal Hegermann square is the symbol of the area.

32. DoInner East

    Torshovdalen

    Big park in a small valley between Torshov and road 4. Popular for skiing in Winter. The city of Oslo maintains cross-country trails when there is enough snow. Skateboard facilities at the lower end.

    24 hours·free

33. DoInner East

    Torshovparken

    A fine park on a hill top in the middle of the classical Torshov neighbourhood.

    24 hours·free

34. SeeSentrum

    University garden

    Universitetshagen

    Pleasant park surrounding university buildings on Karl Johan street, completed around 1850.

35. SeeSentrum

    University of Oslo

    The original campus and buildings of the university, completed around 1850. The buildings houses only the Faculty of Law; the rest of the university is situated at Blindern. There are occasional concerts in the magnificent Universitetets Aula, housing 11 of Edvard Munch's pictures covering more than 200 m² of wall. The room is only occasionally open to public, but is one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Norway. Along with a number of other key buildings around Karl Johan, these old university buildings were erected in what was then the young capital of Norway. These downtown buildings are surrounded by a pleasant park - the University garden. The Faculty of Law also used to serve as the venue for the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize from 1947 to 1989.

36. DoInner North

    University of Oslo

    Main campus

    The University of Oslo is Norway's oldest and second largest university. The main campus is at Blindern where most buildings are in red brick, functionalist style. On campus there are student associations and dormitories, gyms, the meteorological institute and research institutes within an area of more than 1 square kilometer. The university hospital is next door on the other side of ring road 3. Botanical garden and museum, zoological and geological museums are at Tøyen in eastern Oslo. Subjects: Education, Aesthetic Studies and Musicology, Health and Medicine, History, Philosophy, and Culture Studies, Information Technology and Informatics, Language and Literature, Economics, Leadership and Administration, Mathematics, Natural Science, and Technology, Media Studies, Religion and Theology, Social Sciences and Psychology. The law school is in the original university buildings in downtown. Some classes are taught in English.

37. EatInner North

    Valkyrien Take Away

    Their burgers are famous. Limited seating, but there is a very small park close to it where you can enjoy your food.

38. EatInner East

    Villa Paradiso Lilleborg

    Cafe and pizzeria in Lilleborg area at Aker river. In one of the previous factory buildings converted to cafes, theater and residences. Lilleborg was a soap factory established in mid 1800s.

39. SeeInner North

    Vår Frelsers Cemetery

    Vår frelsers gravlund

    Graves of Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen, and a large number of reputed Norwegians. Several statues, including one by Gustav Vigeland. Gamle Aker Church (the oldest building in Oslo) stands in the northern corner of the graveyard. The graveyard is pretty park and within easy walk the very centre at Karl Johans gate/Akersgata.

    Free

40. DoInner East

    Walk along the river Akerselva

    Eastern riverbank walkways

    An 8-km-long walk totally takes you past forested areas, historical buildings, fishing and swimming spots and several waterfalls.

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Oslo (CC BY-SA 4.0).