Flights to Oslo

Oslo is a capital city bursting with history, culture, and attractions and the list of things to see and do is endless. Get ready to soak up all things Norwegian as you dine on fresh seafood, soak up the local nightlife, and explore at leisure.

Fly with SAS to Oslo Airport and you’ll be ready and raring to begin your holiday feeling relaxed and well rested.

Oslo Airport Gardermoen

In the capital city you’ll enjoy great Nordic architecture like the Opera House by the seaside. Stroll the city streets, drink the great coffee in one of the many cafes or learn about the Viking life.

There’s much to do – and much to see in Oslo.

DECEMBER 2022

A weekend in Oslo can expose you to everything from seafood raw bars to charming, hidden neighborhoods to priceless art treasures that bare the Norwegian soul. You don’t need to spend a fortune and most of the sights are within walking distance.

Friday

Explore the neighborhood

The brand new Sommerro House is just a 10-minute walk down the hill toward Solli Plass. The property was once the Gamle Oslo Lysverk lighting factory, but after extensive renovations, it’s now a sprawling resort and lifestyle center. Aside from the hotel, there are apartments, a rooftop terrace, and several restaurants and bars. The historic Vestkantbadet pool and spa and 1930s-era frescoes by Per Krogh were likewise renovated. With its bygone art-deco interior and abundant dining and entertainment options, Sommerro truly has something for everyone.

Sommerro. Sommerrogata 1 If you’d like to explore a few other neighborhoods in Oslo, head in the opposite direction toward Grünerløkka, and you’ll find a number of lively restaurants and bars.

Walk down Fredensborgveien – a busy road that’s been revitalized into Oslo’s foremost dining destination. The seafood bar Eff Eff serves fresh raw oysters and imported sparkling wine while the Italian restaurant Arno is renowned for its pasta dishes. Then there’s Nektar Vinbar, a trendy local favorite, which offers appetizers and the finest selection of wine in Norway, accompanied by the high-decibel beats of hip-hop. It’s almost always packed here, so you’ll want to make reservations in advance. Next door, you’ll find the venerable Chez Collin, the undisputed champion when it comes to entrecôte in Oslo. Fredensborgveien is the perfect place to go on a Friday night.

If you have energy to spare, sip a cocktail or three in a small, intimate bar like Dangerous Club or experience Oslo nightlife first-hand at Blå.

Arno. Fredensborgveien 30B Nektar Vinbar. Fredensborgveien 42 Chez Collin. Fredensborgveien 44 Dangerous Club. Maridalsveien 10 Blå. Brenneriveien 9c

Saturday

If you spent your Friday wandering through Oslo’s quiet, peaceful neighborhoods, then a trip to experience the downtown excitement may be just what the doctor ordered. Once the Munch museum opened its doors in 2021, downtown Oslo migrated a few figurative steps closer to the harbor. The museum features exciting, new events and innovative exhibits throughout the year. One thing is certain: kids and adults alike will enjoy the visit. Munch also has a children’s section, where your little ones can romp to their heart’s content while learning the ins and outs of expressionism, and there’s an aptly-named restaurant on the 12th floor called Tolvte (“Twelfth”). You can take in a lunch, dinner, or just cocktails here while enjoying the view of Oslo Fjord.

If you enjoy shopping, there’s no better place than the busy Karl Johans gate pedestrian street. A separate high-end shopping district called Promenaden (“The Promenade”), featuring luxury brands such as Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Yves St. Laurent, and Hermès, also opened a few years ago. Next to this is Eger, a popular destination for clothes in a variety of price ranges.

If you’re running on fumes from all the shopping and need to seek out a calm port, we heartily recommend charting a course for Amerikalinjen (“the America Line”). Their mouth-watering brunch has been the hotel’s main calling card since they opened in 2019. And if you like jazz, they also hold live jazz concerts on Saturdays.

Or if you’re an exotic food gourmet, Oslo Street Food, which features food from all over the world, is not far away. The complex features 16 cozy, family-owned restaurants that are open 7 days a week.

Promenaden. Prinsensgate 21 Amerikalinjen. Jernbanetorget 2 Oslo Street Food. Torggata 16

Sunday

Waking up in a quiet neighborhood in the West End of Oslo offers more than just birdsong and street life. Kunstnernes Hus (“The Artists’ House”) is just five minutes away from the hotel. This is an art institution that’s renowned for its exhibitions. Enjoy the art here or just take in the view of Slottsparken (“the Palace Park”) from the restaurant on the first floor.

If you don’t mind a longer hike, we recommend a visit to the Emanuel Vigeland Museum. Take the subway to Slemdal and explore the dark grotto where Mr. Vigeland lies buried in all his splendor amidst a collection of priceless artwork. The shrine is only open on Sundays and you need to book a reservation in advance.

If you really want to get to know the heart and soul of Norway, continue on to Frognerseteren. Here you can partake in a traditional home-cooked Norwegian meal while you enjoy stunning views of the entire city and keep your backside warm in front of a crackling fireplace. Just don’t get too comfortable or you may never want to leave!

Hotel in a fashionable location

Saga Hotel

At Saga Hotel, you’ll wake up in a charming urban neighborhood in the middle of Oslo’s West End. Almost everything is within walking distance of its fashionable location, the breakfast is first-class, and the hotel bar is the perfect place to unwind in the evenings if you just feel like relaxing “at home”. It’s a good option at an affordable price.

DECEMBER 2022

Oslo is blessed with a fjord and countless natural places to swim. However, several new bathing points have been created that are proving incredibly popular with people living in the city.

One of the most beautiful

Hvervenbukta

Hvervenbukta, southeast of Oslo, is one of the most beautiful places to swim in Oslo with two small sandy beaches and smooth rocky promontories. There are also delightful paths along the fjord, perfect for jogging or a stroll with your partner. if you get hungry, Café Anne services delicious lunch dishes, locally brewed beer, slushies and to-die-for lemon tart. Take Mosseveien by car or the 80E, 83 or 89 bus to Fiskevollen.

Photo: Unsplash

Sandy beach on an island

Langøyene

Buy an ice cream and take the ferry from Rådhuskaia to one of Oslo's many beautiful islands. The best place for water and sand lovers is Langøyene, with its long sandy beach. And if you'd rather play soccer or do cartwheels, there's a large flat area with room for everyone. You can also pitch a tent here. The ferry goes every half hour and costs no more than a streetcar ticket. Other islands such as Gressholmen and Hovedøya, also have fine places to swim.

Next to the opera

Sørenga sjøbad

You can not only walk on the roof of Oslo Opera House, you can also jump in the sea next to it. The recently developed area of Sørenga, with homes and restaurants, also has floating bathing islands. There's also a diving board, child friendly sandy beach and outdoor shower. The area is designed for everyone. And naturally, incredibly popular on hot summer days.

Artificial deep pools and water falls

Nydalen

In days gone by, you only had to glance at the Akerselva river to see what dye the Nydalens Compagnie textiles factory was using that day. Wastewater in every color was flushed straight into the river. The river water is clean today and even home to fish. There have traditionally been several bathing points where the river runs into Maridalsvannet, the largest lake in the Oslo area, such as Stilla, another delightful place to swim. And the newly developed city district of Nydalen has recently gained a fantastic new place to swim with artificial deep pools and water falls. There are several restaurants here for food and drink.

Naked or clothed

Huk

The bathing beach at Huk is always packed with people the moment the sun appears. Here, on Bygdøy in west Oslo, there are namely two bathing points, one for nudists and one for people who prefer to wear a swimming costume. The latter is popular with young people who aren’t afraid of posing in the latest swimwear fashions. There’s always a great atmosphere here. The area also includes beach café PaaHuk.

Perfect city beach

Tjuvholmen sjøbad

Tjuvholmen, literally thief island, was a place of execution in the 17th Century. The island has subsequently been used as a freight terminal but was never a place worth visiting more than once. However, over the last few years, this nefarious island close to Aker brygge has been redeveloped. It now has homes, restaurants, galleries and hotels. And in particular the Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by architect Pianos Renzo, is also here. The city beach next to the museum is perfect for a dip.

FEBRUARY 2023

Make an environment friendly and stylish choice. Buy used. Oslo now has a fantastic selection of stores that stock vintage designs of high quality.

If you're concerned about the environment, you should buy fewer clothes. Producing clothes is very resource intensive, makes a big contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and the people who make them risk damaging their health.

Approximately 40 percent of all clothes manufactured today are made of polyester, which is closely related to plastic. Polyester is derived from oil (that you get from source rock) and is usually not biodegradable. People who produce polyester clothing risk damaging their health.

Cotton is by no means a clean product, quite the opposite. To manufacture a T-shirt in cotton, you need 5,000 liters of water, 134 grams of fertilizer, 5 grams of pesticides, ½ liter of petrol and at the same time, you will cause 4.1 kg of CO2 emissions. Cotton growers work with hazardous chemicals. But we have to wear something. One good alternative to buying new, is to buy used clothes. And in Oslo you don't need to compromise on style, either.

Oslo's best vintage stores

Step into Elizabeth Taylor's walk-in closet

Frøken Dianas salonger

Stepping into this store on Grünerløkka, feels almost like stepping into Elizabeth Taylor's walk-in closet. Hanging on the rails here are both new and used 1950s dresses with narrow waists plus elegantly decorated gowns from the 1960s. They also stock jewelry, bags and hats. The price tags are by no means frightening, so you can quite simply become the Hollywood star you always wanted to be.

From clothes to books and furniture

Fretex

The Salvation Army runs the 43 store (in 2014) used goods chain Fretex. They have several stores in Oslo with the largest on Alnabru, and the profits go to support the work of this religious organization. Here you'll find both old and new furniture, cups and containers, clothes, shoes and books. Their new branch on Universitetsgaten also has a good selection, including several racks of vinyl records. Low prices.

For all music fans

Råkk og rålls

This store on Stortingsgata has a huge selection of LPs and CDs from most musical genres. Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Beatles plus Norwegian rock bands like Backstreet Girls, can be tracked down in the racks and racks of old fashioned vinyl, here.

Photo: Unsplash

A well-sorted variety of book antiques

Nordlis antikvariat

If you walk into these library like premises on Universitetsgata, you can rub shoulders with authors like Proust, Steinbeck and Voltaire. If you’re looking for an old translation of Dickens that's virtually impossible to track down, you'll find it here. The staff here always have their noses in books here, so they have a very impressive grasp of what’s available on the shelves.

Luxury fashion brands

Velouria Vintage

Halfway down one of Oslo's main thoroughfares, Grünerløkka, is Veloria Vintage with clothes, shoes, bags and accessories from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. If you’re looking for vintage Louis Vuitton or Chanel, you have a good chance of finding some tasty pieces here. It's a place that is just as delightful to shop in as to people watch.

Oslo's best fashion store

Ma Vintage

This is the best fashion store in Oslo. Here you'll find dresses, blazers, suits and skirts from Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, Prada and Isabel Marant – barely worn. It's not cheap, but the clothes are of such high quality that they’ll give you plenty of wear. Very environment friendly. You often encounter famous faces from the worlds of entertainment, politics, blogosphere and media who come here to either buy a Celine bag or to sell clothes they've grown tired of.

Buy and sell your clothes here

Usato Second Hand

Usato Second Hand is located at Holmen on Oslo's west side. It changed name and owner in 2013. You can now find clothes from popular brands and designers here. You can also sell clothes to the store.

OCTOBER 2023

Discover the best places to spend the night in Norway’s capital, whether you are looking for a hotel for the whole family, a romantic getaway, or pure luxury. Below is a list of some of the best hotels Oslo has to offer.

Boutique hotels

For the discerning traveler

Hotel Oslo Guldsmede

This eco-friendly boutique hotel features rooms with a bohemian vibe for the traveler who always wants to feel close to nature. Not far from the hotel, guests will find a wonderful selection of galleries and cafes. This hotel is perfect for unwinding and experiencing the local culture.

Stay in a historic theater

Hotel Christiania Teater

In a historic theater dating back to 1918, you will find Hotel Christiania Teater. Kick back and relax in a variety of rooms, all with luxurious rain showerheads. Guests can enjoy breakfast downstairs in the pleasant restaurant, and then meander over to the National Theatre, which is just across the street.

Five-star flair

The Thief

It doesn’t get much better than this designer hotel. With 24-hour room service and impeccably designed rooms, The Thief is the ideal destination for travelers who want to discover the very best of Oslo. And don’t forget to get your toes wet or take a dip at the pier just across the street.

Luxury hotels

Classic luxury

Grand Hotel Oslo

Situated in the heart of Oslo, the legendary Grand Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1874. All of the hotel’s rooms have a unique design, and guests will enjoy being close to the castle in the city—it’s only a 500-meter stroll to this must-see attraction.

Continental flair

Amerikalinjen

The award-winning Amerikalinjen boasts one of the best locations in the city. Just a short walk from Oslo Opera House, this hotel is perfect for guests who want to experience the top cultural attractions in Norway’s capital. This four-star hotel offers guests access to a gym and an eclectic range of dining options.

Pure comfort and decadence

Hotel Continental

This elegant hotel from 1900 overlooks the Oslo Fjord. Just a three-minute walk from the nearest tram stop and five minutes to the National Museum, Hotel Continental offers an ideal location and comfortable meeting rooms. It’s perfect for guests who want a destination that seamlessly mixes business with pleasure.

Budget hotels

Feel the pulse of the city

K7 Hotel Oslo

In the heart of Oslo’s city center, you will find this gem of a hotel. With rooms to suit the whole family and beautifully decorated lounge areas, K7 Hotel is perfect for travelers who are looking for comfort and easy access to everything Oslo has to offer.

Historic charm

Cochs Pensjonat

This historic property from the 1900s is an architectural masterpiece. The hotel’s 88 rooms are spread across five floors and are easily accessible with an elevator. The hotel’s central location makes it the perfect jumping off point to explore Oslo’s attractions.

Your own apartment

Queen Astrid Aparthotel

If you are planning a trip to Oslo, this apartment hotel offers an excellent alternative to traditional hotels. Enjoy the comfort of your very own apartment at an affordable price. All apartments include a kitchen, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is just a short walk from public transportation making it easy to explore all the city has to offer.

Hotels for nature lovers

An oasis for golfers

Losby Gods

During the summer months, golf enthusiasts can play to their hearts content on the emerald green course, and during the winter months, adventurous travelers can ski in and ski out at beautiful Losby Gods. Perfect for the active guest, this hotel boasts a fully equipped gym and free bike rental. Experience Norway’s natural landscape in style and comfort.

Luxurious spa hotel

The Well Spa & Hotel

A perfect escape for travelers who need to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Well Spa & Hotel offers the ultimate in relaxation. On-site services include aromatherapy and massages, as well as two luxurious restaurants. Bask in the tranquility of the rooftop terrace and feel your stress melt away.

Classic Scandinavia

Kleivstua

Kleivstua is a four-star destination located 45 minutes from the city center. This is the perfect hotel for travelers who are looking for that quintessential Scandinavian experience. Guests enjoy traditionally furnished rooms and access to a sauna, as well as the restaurant Drottningen, where they can enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes. If you are looking for classic Scandinavian charm, look no further than Kleivstua.

NOVEMBER 2022

Oslo districts that only a few years ago weren’t considered trendy are now prized and give Oslo’s Karl Johan and Aker Brygge districts a real run for their money.

Tøyen

The Tøyen area, to the east of the center of Oslo, has traditionally been – and still is – home to many low-income families. The Municipality of Oslo, in partnership with the government, is in the process of giving the area a facelift. The library in Tøyen has become a meeting place and playcenter for younger people, while many exciting restaurants and bars have also opened in Tøyen.

Brutus

Eat at Brutus, which serves delicious Nordic food. barbrutus.no

Barcode

It’s just a 10-minute walk from Tøyen to Barcode, the newest district in Oslo that overlooks the fjord. Barcode is as amazing in real life as it looks in photographs. In addition to the spectacular architecture, there’s plenty going on inside the buildings in Barcode too, not least at the Deichman Public Library.

Clarion Hotel Oslo

The Clarion Hotel Oslo displays a regularly refreshed art collection. nordicchoicehotels.no

Nodee Sky Bar

Take the elevator to the Nodee Sky Bar for a fine view of the Barcode area’s landmark architecture. nodee.no/nodee-sky-nor

Torggata

Not so long ago, Torggata was a narrow street with a few nondescript stores and kebab places. However, the streets and apartment blocks have since been redeveloped and smartened up and the Torggata district has several concert venues, including Kulturhuset. Check the program to see if there’s a band you’d like to see, or maybe just find a market to visit.

Kulturhuset

kulturhusetioslo.no

Crow Bar & Brewery

Try an imperial stout or a full-bodied red ale with a hint of sweetness. Cheers! crowbryggeri.com

Grass Roots Square

Norway has a public spaces art program called KORO. Grass Roots Square is a beautiful work in Oslo composed of 50,000 tiny figures cast in bronze with a green patina. Designed to embody a grassroots movement, the varying ages, genders and ethnicities of South Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s figures also represent a united mass.

Tjuvholmen

This tiny island next to Aker Brygge is Oslo’s newly glamorous area. Tjuvholmen has its own sand beach where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.

The Thief

The Thief hotel is a beautiful, luxury hotel in Tjuvholmen where even your dog can have its own bed. thethief.com

Tjuvholmen. Photo: Unsplash

Do you want to travel in even more comfort? You can always upgrade your SAS flight ticket to the next travel class. This gives you access to fast track, priority boarding and meals & snacks onboard.

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