Oslo sits at the head of its own fjord, backed by forested hills that are part of the city's public transport map, locals commute to hiking trails and ski slopes the way other capitals commute to office parks. The waterfront has been transformed over the past two decades into one of Scandinavia's most ambitious architectural showcases.
The New Waterfront
The Oslo Opera House, its sloped roof designed to be walked on, anchors a harbourfront redevelopment that now includes the Munch Museum and a growing cluster of contemporary architecture. Climb the Opera House roof for a free view across the fjord, then walk the floating sculpture park along the water's edge.
The Bygdøy peninsula, a short ferry ride from the city centre, holds the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum, home to the polar exploration ship that carried Amundsen to Antarctica, essential viewing for anyone even mildly interested in Norwegian history.
The Forest at the City's Edge
Nordmarka, the forested wilderness that begins at Oslo's northern edge, is reachable by metro line 1 in about half an hour, ending at Frognerseteren with trailheads for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter. It's an almost unheard-of amount of accessible wilderness for a European capital.
Holmenkollen, the iconic ski jump visible from much of the city, has an observation deck at the top with views stretching to the fjord, worth the trip even outside ski season for the museum on Norwegian skiing history alone.
Recommended Stay · Oslo · Tjuvholmen
The Thief
A design-driven waterfront hotel in Oslo's newest art district, with a rooftop bar looking across the fjord and a private art collection throughout the building.
