A day in Oslo

If you’ve never set foot in Oslo, now more than ever is the perfect time to plan a trip. It’s no longer the shadow of Copenhagen and Stockholm. Now the city has a new lease of life making it attractive to stay even just for a single day. Let’s look at how to spend a full day in the Norwegian capital.

Enjoy a stroll

Begin your leisure walk at Aker Brygge, a walkway lined up with shops, bars and restaurants. Proceed to Tjuvholmen which is a town that was previously an execution spot for robbers in the 18th century. It is characterized by swanky apartments, office buildings, upscale restaurants, a supermarket as well as a pebble beach. Across the harbour, lies Akershus Fortress, a reinvigorated castle that has served several uses over the years.  If you have a keen interest in ancient history find your way into the museums, otherwise just survey the grounds and enjoy the stunning views across the sea.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

While it’s some way out of the central business district, Vigeland Sculpture Park is definitely worth the short ride on the convenient metro system. The park is full of the life’s work of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. There are over 200 bronze and granite sculptures depicting everything from irate children to pensive pensioners. At the center of the park is a 14-meter tall monolith, believed to depict the human desire to reach out to a higher deity.

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House, just like the Norwegian nature is free for everybody to walk in. It is located in the Bjørvika neighbourhood right in the middle of the city. Typically, you are likely to be apprehended if you walk on rooftops. However, the marble-embellished roofing of this building is truly a gorgeous surface designed to be walked on. Furthermore, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Oslo, all year round. Below your feet, there are 3 unique designed stages, countless public rooms and halls to walk around, and a lively workplace for over 600 opera and ballet performers.

Where to eat, drink and shop

Eating in the city center can prove very costly. The best option is to take a short walk to the east of the river to the suburb of Grunerløkka. Similar to New York’s Williamsburg or London’s Shoreditch, this suburb offers an affordable alternative to the expensive city center. This area is the college part of the city. It features an excellent blend of hipster and young family vibes. It is home to trendy restaurants and cool bars and clubs. Previously an industrial area, it is now one of the fast growing districts of Oslo.

For your shopping needs, you can shop from any of the independent clothing stores clustered in this neighborhood around Markveien and Thorvald Meyers gate. If you came with your kids, you can treat them to some wonderful Scandinavian designs at Lillemonster and Liten & Tøff.

Before you head off to cruise the fjords, considers spending at least a day in Oslo and sample what the city has to offer.