The Top 10 Things to See And Do in Grønland, Oslo

Grønland is Oslo’s most diverse district. With a high percentage of immigrants, and an administrative connection to Oslo’s Old Town, this district truly showcases the juxtaposition between the old and traditional, and the new and international, influences of the city. Immerse yourself in culture, history and good food, or just take a walk through Grønland.
Enjoy international flavors
As a central area of Oslo’s immigrant population, the multicultural character of the district’s population is reflected in the cuisine. Wander the streets of Grønland and buy goods from all over the world. Colorful exotic spices, and locally sourced vegetables sit side by side. The international selection of food can also be seen in the variety of restaurants in the area. Turkish kebabs, Japanese sushi, trendy burgers, and traditional Norwegian fish dishes. This is a part of Oslo in which you won’t go hungry.

See a concert at Oslo Spektrum
See a concert at Oslo Spektrum
One of Oslo’s largest venues, Oslo Spektrum houses 11,000 people and is a frequent host for spectacular events. They can range from large concerts with international rockstars, to military tattoos, the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert. Open since 1990, the venue is conveniently located in downtown Oslo. Have a meal in one of many restaurants in the area and get yourself tickets to a world-class event.
Sonja Henies Plass 2, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 05 29 00

Oslo Spektrum | © NRK/Flickr
Intercultural Museum
Museum

Grønland Church
Cathedral, Church

Grønland Church
Sometimes called ‘the cathedral of the east end’, Grønland Church is the largest church in Oslo. Built in 1869, designed by Wilhelm von Hanno, the church has a capacity of 800 people. Grønland Church is a venue with very good acoustics and is frequently host to a wide range of concerts and events. The interior of the church is simple and distinctly Protestant, but as a part of an area of Grønland with older buildings, the church is a striking figure and a worthwhile pit-stop.
Grønlandsleiret 34, Oslo, Norway, +47 23 62 91 60

Grønland Church, Oslo | © Julie Mayfeng/Shutterstock
Visit a gallery
While Grünerløkka is perhaps the area of Oslo today most strongly associated with the creative endeavors, its neighboring district, Grønland, is not far behind. With an increasing number of galleries, this part of Oslo is starting to make its mark on the local art scene. Visit 1857, an artist-run gallery established in an old lumberyard, attempting to promote a connection between the Norwegian art scene and young international artists. Or take a trip to Galleri MAP, an exhibition space with revolving exhibitions on anything from musical photography to paintings inspired by Cuba.
Galleri MAP, Tøyengata 32, Oslo, Norway, +47 98 89 26 72
1857, Tøyenbekken 12, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 17 60 50

Grønland Mosque
The most obvious testament to the multicultural population of Grønland is the mosque in Åkerbergveien. Established in the middle of the 1990s, the Central Jam-e-Mosque is the second largest in the country with room for more than 700 people. Though the mosque is mainly concerned with giving tours to larger groups on request, the building’s exterior is beautifully decorated with Spanish and Iranian tiles, and calligraphy, in shades of blue. With its two minarets, this mosque has become a prime symbol of the diversity of Grønland.
Åkerbergveien 28B, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 68 27 08

Oslo Fire Museum
Museum

Grønland Park
Building, Park
Grønland Park
A beautiful green lung in the middle of the city, Grønlandsparken is a park with a curious history as it has, since 1844, served as the front garden of the old Oslo Prison. The building in the middle of the park is now listed, but is still a part of the newer district prison just behind it. The park, commonly dubbed Botsparken, ‘penance park’, is a beautiful place for a leisurely stroll despite its history. Drink in vital pieces of Oslo’s history and be comforted by the fact that the prison is flanked by the Oslo Police headquarters.
Olavsklosteret
Monastery, Park, Ruins

Olavsklosteret
The first urban settlements in Oslo were established around the year 1000 and efforts to make this area the capital of the Norwegian dominion were successful in 1314. Olavsklosteret is a monastery built in 1239 and is one of the many surviving ruins in the area. The ruins are a part of the ‘memory park’ where you can see numerous preserved buildings from one of the golden ages of Norwegian history.

Olavsklosteret, Oslo | © vidariv/WikiCommons
Norwegian Center for New Playwriting
Norwegian Center for New Playwriting
The Norwegian Center for New Playwriting, Dramatikkens Hus, is a resource center for writers and performers of new Norwegian drama. The center works with playwrights to develop new plays and serves as a meeting place for artists looking to share their ideas. If you find yourself in Grønland and in need for entertainment, perhaps of the more unorthodox kind, take a trip to Dramatikkens Hus and see something completely novel. Works in progress are frequently performed and tickets are available at a fair price or completely free.
Tøyenbekken 34, Oslo, Norway, +47 22 05 90 60

Dramatikkens Hus, Oslo | © Jan-Tore Egge/WikiCommons
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.