The award-winning architecture of Oslo Opera House in Norway.
Thanks to its busy international airport, Norway’s capital city Oslo is a popular destination to begin a trip to Norway or Scandinavia. The city surprises many with its access to nature, including the metro ride into the forest and the public ferries to the peaceful islands of the Oslofjord.
The city is also home to rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks that provide a fantastic introduction to both historic Norway and modern Scandinavian design.
There are many must-see landmarks around the city, many located along the rapidly-developing waterfront.
Whether you want to dig deep into Norwegian cultural heritage and modern Scandinavian lifestyle, or simply use the opportunity to take some memorable photographs, these seven landmarks are a great starting point for your itinerary.
Oslo Opera House
Arguably the most recognisable cultural landmark in the entire nation, Oslo Opera House is known just as much for its architecture as what goes on inside. Designed by world-renowned Norwegian architects Snøhetta, the striking building of white marble has a sloping roof that plunges into the fjord.
“Its accessible roof and broad, open public lobbies make the building a social monument rather than a sculptural one,” said Snøhetta. Depending on your perspective, the angular design resembles a glacier, ski slope or ship heading out from the port.
Because of the ease of walking up to the roof for the view across Oslo and the fjord, many visitors don’t actually enter the building itself. The light, airy foyer is worth a look for the backlit perforated cladding created by artist Olafur Eliasson.
Holmenkollen ski jump
If you’re interested in winter sports or the history of skiing, Oslo’s Holmenkollen ski jump is a must-visit attraction. But even if not, the views over the city make this world-class sporting arena a true icon of the city.
Holmenkollen was the venue of the Nordic skiing during the 1952 Winter Olympics, but the arena and ... [+]
Visible from across Oslo, the ski jump glints on the mountainside whenever the sun shines. Up close, visitors are free to explore the giant structure or pay to enter a ski museum that examines the wider history of skiing as well as the previous ski jumps and events at Holmenkollen.
If you do visit the ski jump in the winter, be sure to avoid wandering on to the cross-country skiing trails around the arena. They are the training trails for some of Norway’s leading skiers.
If you visit between January and March, check if any events are taking place at the arena. The festival-like atmosphere of a winter sports event is not to be missed.
Akershus Fortress
The historic castle dates back to the 13th century and has played a key role in the development of Oslo and Norway as a whole.
Originally built as a castle and defensive fort to ward off attacks from sea, Akershus has since served as a military base, prison and a royal residence. Today the castle and its pleasant grounds are a popular tourist attraction, yet it remains an active military site.
Guided tours run through the summer months but aren't necessary to get the most out of a visit. Start at the free visitor center to gain an overview of the history. Choose to explore the grounds and relax, or check out the armed forces museum or resistance museum for more about Oslo’s military history.
Monolith at Vigeland Park
Standing 55 feet tall, this monolith is the sensational centerpiece of the city’s Vigeland Sculpture Park. Featuring 121 intertwined human figures, the monolith was the brainchild of Vigeland although it took a team of three masons 14 years to complete the work.
The remarkable monolith in Oslo's Vigeland Park features 121 human figures carved out of a single ... [+]
According to Vigeland Museum, the monolith has been interpreted as “a kind of vision of resurrection, and our longing and striving for spirituality.” The surrounding series of granite sculptures featuring women, men and children in a variety of poses give a ‘circle of life’ context to the monolith.
Entirely free to access around the clock, Vigeland Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Norway.
Royal Palace
The official residence of Norway’s monarch stands at the top of Karl Johans gate, the main thoroughfare in Oslo.
State events and ceremonies take place here throughout the year including on Norway’s Constitution Day when the Royal Family greets thousands of local schoolchildren. During the summer, the daily changing of the guard ceremony attracts many international tourists, while guided tours provide access to rooms in the otherwise closed palace such as the ballroom banqueting hall and the recently-restored luxurious white parlour.
The tranquil palace gardens are popular for picnics and dog-walking, while the recent addition of the fairytale-inspired sculpture park adds some interest for children and art and design aficionados.
Munch Museum
After many decades, Norway’s most famous artist has been granted the spacious galleries to do his work justice. However, while the new Munch Museum provides a much more fitting home for the artist’s work, it’s the building itself that has grabbed the headlines.
The sculpture 'The Mother' by British artist Tracey Emin is moved by crane to its position outside ... [+]
The bold, modernist new Munch Museum was the brainchild of architecture firm Estudio Herreros and is considered one of Norway’s most controversial new buildings. Some Oslo locals and politicians consider the perforated aluminum exterior and tilted top floors to be not in keeping with the rest of the waterfront area.
The museum is the last step in a new waterfront cultural area that includes the opera house and new library building. A giant sculpture by Tracey Emin has become a landmark in itself outside the museum.
Norwegian Parliament
A walk along Karl Johans gate between Oslo central station and the Royal Palace is a must for anyone interested in architecture or simply getting to know downtown Oslo.
The thoroughfare passes many important civic buildings including the national theater and the University of Oslo building now home to the Faculty of Law, but perhaps the most striking of all is the yellow-brick Norwegian Parliament building.
Known as Stortinget in Norwegian, the Parliament building has been home to Norway’s lawmakers since 1866. Unlike many other parliament buildings, the main room for debates is located in the semi-circular front section that faces out to the urban public park Spikersuppa.
