Your Guide To The Best Views In Oslo

Getting a great viewpoint in Oslo is not that hard. The city is so flat, compact and built to naturally lead you towards the Oslo fjord, that all you have to do is just climb on any high spot and look around. We found you the best high spots in Oslo to do exactly that.

Ekeberg Park

Park

Situated on the east side of Oslo, Ekeberg park combines vibrant nature and unique sculptures with a breathtaking view of the city and the fjord. You can wander around the wooden paths among the trees, or visit one of the many exhibitions and events that are taking place here. Just don’t forget to take a moment and look at the city stretching below.

Akershus Fortress

Archaeological site

Book Tour

Akershus Festning is the oldest building in the Norwegian capital. Built in 1290, the majestic looking fortress offers numerous viewpoints of the fjord and the city other than the museums, memorials etc. You can easily join a tour of Oslo that takes you on a journey through the top sites, including the iconic Akershus Fortress and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. This is the best way to make the most of your trip and soak up the incredible sights of this beautiful city without the fuss of planning the itinerary yourself.

Thief Hotel and Spa

Boutique Hotel

Thief Hotel is probably one of the most distinctive hotels in Oslo, with a spa that offers unique treatments from all over the world. But even if you’re not interested in any of these things, you can still take the elevator to the ninth floor and reach Thief Roof, their private terrace that’s overlooking Tjuvholmen and the hills of Holmenkollen. Why not order a chilled cocktail and toast to the Midnight Sun?

Holmenkollen

Ski Resort

Holmenkollen has been around since 1892, but the latest iteration of the Holmenkollen Jump Tower was built in 2011. There is a 361 meters (1,184 feet) long zip line, which can take you on a 107-meter (350-foot) drop. But even if you don’t feel very adventurous, the place is still perfect for you to see Oslo from a bird’s eye view.

Tjuvitten

Building

Also called “The Sneak Peak” in English, Tjuvitten is a 54 meter-high lookout tower in Tjuvholmen, next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Their glass elevator (open to the public in the summer) is designed to make you enjoy both the journey and the destination from the top as you can see Oslo’s beautiful scenery.

BAR Vulkan

Bar, Restaurant, Contemporary

BAR Vulkan, on the edge of the Akerselva River, offers an industrial-chic atmosphere and sophisticated dishes paired with cool cocktails. But that’s not all it offers. The bar is also known for its beautiful rooftop terrace as you can see some of Oslo’s hippest neighborhoods from the bar. This is a great spot to sit back and enjoy a drink, whilst taking in the views of this beautiful city.

The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet

Opera House

Certainly, the iconic Oslo building that rises from the fjord-like a glacier, is something to behold. Its outer grounds are open and accessible to the public day and night so on a long summer night, you can walk all the way up to its roof and get a panoramic view of the fjord and the city.

About the author

Danai Christopoulou

Danai is a writer and editor by day, a tarot card reader by night, and a cat person, 24/7. Born in Athens, Greece, Danai spent the last 5 years as the Editorial Director of Savoteur in NYC before deciding to relocate to Scandinavia and learn how to forage berries. When not covering all things Norway for Culture Trip or all things relationships for Marie Claire, she enjoys watching superhero shows, baking cakes for loved ones and trying to live each day as magically as possible. Want to share ideas for cool features, or just cat videos? Reach out at danai.christo@gmail.com