Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden at Tøyen is home to more than 5,500 plant species from Norway and around the world. Established in 1814, the garden is part of the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo. During the summer, its perennial gardens, rose garden, and historic collections of useful plants are in full bloom.

A Boat Trip to the Oslo Fjord Islands

The islands of the Oslo Fjord are easily accessible by public ferry from Rådhusbrygga. Hovedøya, Gressholmen, and Lindøya offer beaches, coastal walking trails, and beautiful views of the fjord. On Hovedøya, you can also visit Klosterkroa, which serves food and drinks near the medieval monastery ruins.

Ekeberg Park

The combination of a sculpture park, forest paths, and panoramic views over the city makes Ekeberg Park one of Oslo’s most distinctive green spaces. Sculptures are spread throughout the wooded landscape and include works by Louise Bourgeois, James Turrell, Damien Hirst, and Sarah Lucas. Several works are site-specific, including Turrell’s light installations Skyspace and Ganzfeld, which are integrated into the park’s landscape. The paths also offer spectacular views of Oslo and the Oslo Fjord.

Victoria National Jazz Scene

Victoria is located in the former Christiania Theater building from 1918, close to Karl Johans gate. Since 2008, it has been an important meeting place for jazz in Oslo, presenting concerts by both established artists and emerging musicians from Norway and abroad. The programme ranges from traditional jazz to experimental expressions, including electronic music, folk music, and improvisation.

Spilloteket

For those looking for a break from the sun, Spilloteket offers a large selection of board games, card games, and role-playing games from around the world. The collection can be enjoyed on-site or borrowed through the library.

Sauna by the Fjord

In recent years, several floating saunas have appeared along Oslo’s waterfront promenade. Many are located around Langkaia, Sukkerbiten, and Aker Brygge, offering direct access to the fjord. Some can be booked privately, while others provide open sessions and communal sauna experiences. Here, visitors can combine a sauna session with a refreshing swim in the fjord or simply enjoy the views of the city and Oslo Fjord.

Kruttverket

Kruttverket is situated along the Alna River in an area that once housed industrial activity. Today, the historic buildings contain a café and cultural venue hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events throughout the summer. The area is also a great starting point for exploring the walking trails along the river.

Old Aker Church

Old Aker Church is Oslo’s oldest preserved building, dating back to the mid-12th century. The Romanesque stone church is the only remaining medieval church in Oslo and has been a permanent part of the cityscape for nearly 900 years. The surroundings are peaceful and green despite being only a few minutes from the city centre.

Huk

Huk, located at the far end of Bygdøy, is one of Oslo’s largest bathing areas. It features sandy beaches, grassy fields, and rocky shores with views over the inner Oslo Fjord. It can easily be combined with visits to nearby museums such as the Fram Museum, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, and the Kon-Tiki Museum.

Sagene Public Bath

Sagene Folkebad opened in 1900 and was originally built to provide bathing facilities for residents of the densely populated working-class district. In 1926, it was expanded with a swimming pool, and the building is now protected as a cultural heritage site. After decades of closure and restoration, the bathhouse has reopened with a swimming pool and saunas set within its historic surroundings.

Kunstnernes Hus

Founded by artists in 1930, Kunstnernes Hus remains one of Norway’s leading institutions for contemporary art. The building on Wergelandsveien is a landmark of Norwegian functionalist architecture, designed by the architects Gudolf Blakstad and Herman Munthe-Kaas. Throughout the year, it presents exhibitions by Norwegian and international artists, as well as film screenings, talks, and events. The venue also houses the Kunstnernes Hus Cinema and the restaurant Kunstnernes Hus Café, which during summer opens one of Oslo’s largest outdoor courtyards between the exhibition halls and the Royal Palace Park.

Chiruto San

Located in Universitetsgata, Chiruto San is a Japanese-inspired arcade bar rooted in gaming culture. It features everything from classic arcade machines and rhythm games to Japanese karaoke, alongside a selection of Japanese food and drinks. The venue is designed as a tribute to Japanese popular culture, with references to games, films, and music throughout the interior.