Culture & Cool in Oslo, Norway

Munchmuseet - Best known for "The Scream," Edvard Munch is perhaps tied with Henrik Ibsen as Norway's most famous cultural icon. This new (opened 2021) 13-floor museum with its aluminum facade towers in the heart of Bjørvika and is a must-see.

The Oslo Opera House - Also located in Bjørvika, at the head of the Oslofjord, sits the stunning Oslo Opera House. You're meant to climb on (up?) the roof, just as you're meant to climb the mountains of Norway.

Bjørvika - Opera Beach & Badstuforening. This cool waterfront neighborhood in central Oslo, home to the Munchmuseet and Opera House mentioned above, also boasts fantastic waterfront restaurants, pop-up photo exhibits, and impromptu dance parties in summer. It features a "beach" and sauna at Opera Beach, where adults and children alike can access the fjord. The Sukkerbiten location of Badstuforenging offers sauna and swimming in the fjord.

The National Museum - Located in Akershus, the National Museum offers a wide range of phenomenal exhibits showcasing both Norwegian and international art, architecture, and design.

Nobel Peace Center - Just across from the National Museum is the Nobel Peace Center, which focuses on the history of the Peace Prize and exhibitions inspired by the ideas and work of the Nobel Prize laureates.

Akershus Fortress - This medieval castle and fortress built in the 1300s stands strong at the head of the Oslo fjord. Guided tours are available in summer, and inside you can find Norway's Resistance Museum.

Ibsen Museum - Henrik Ibsen, the "Father of Modern Drama," lived in Oslo, and his apartment is now his museum. Daily tours are available, and you can see the original interiors and an exhibit dedicated to his life and works.

Vigeland Sculpture Park - Located in Frogner Park, Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world's largest sculpture park by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. It features over 200 sculptures portraying the human form in all stages of the life cycle, including the impressive "The Monolith."

Norsk Folkemuseum - This open-air museum is laid out by region of Norway, showcasing 160 historic buildings from different time periods. Visitors can experience traditional folk activities, demonstrations, and learn about Norway's history. It is located in the Bygdøy peninsula, easily accessible by bus or ferry.

Day Trips:

A fjord cruise around Oslo is always a delight!

FOR A DRINK

Hotel Bristol: There are several spots to drink in this classic, timeless hotel in the heart of Oslo, dating back to 1920. I never miss a chance to have a drink nestled into a sofa in the lobby area winter, but my new favorite in the hotel has to be the Bristol Gin Bar. Norway’s water is simply amazing (really, it comes out of the tap crisp and cold!), and I’m convinced that is what makes Norwegian gin so superb. While they serve over 100 types of gin from all over, the Norwegian gins are the star here.

Kranen: A rooftop cocktail bar situated at the top of the Munchmuseet in Bjørvika, Kranen hosts panoramic views of Oslo and first-class cocktails.

WITH THE KIDS

Villa Paradiso: Villa Paradiso has several locations, and the one closest to the Munch Museum is a great central stop after a long day touring. The Munch Museum is hands downthe best legitimate art museum I've ever been to IN THE WORLD for kids. The food is delicious (pasta, pizza, mains), they have a fantastic kids menu, and just around the corner is their ridiculously amazing gelato outpost.

Baker Hansen: Norwegian baked goods are phenomenal, and while you can easily find a fluffy and delicious "bolle" at most bakeries, and even the local supermarket, Baker Hansen is hands down my favorite bakery in Oslo (and they have gluten-free options!). Considered Norway’s oldest bakery, everything here shines - from breads to cardamom bolle to cakes to my all-time favorite kransekakeringer (rings of crunchy, chewy almond cake).

Freiabutikken: Another lesser-known fact about Norway is that they have truly amazing milk chocolate. Freia is the country’s most famous (and most delicious) chocolate brand, and while their offerings are omnipresent in every corner store, a trip to their boutique on Karl Johans Gate is especially worth it if you have little ones with you (or if you’re a big little one yourself). And don’t worry about stocking up too much - there will be plenty of Freia at Duty-Free! The Smils are a personal favorite in our house.

DINNER

Maaemo: One of only 142 restaurants in the world to be awarded 3 Michelin stars in 2022, Maaemo is more of an experience than a meal. Helmed by Danish chef Essen Holmboe Bang, whose missive here is to re-imagine Nordic cuisine and highlight the flavors of Norway, Maaemo must be booked months in advance, and a meal can last up to 4 hours. The menu is a surprise, but the ingredients are exclusively from Norway, and they are all organic, biodynamic, or wild. Maaemo is one of those rare dining experiences that exceed all expectations.

Rest: The central concept here is to take items that would usually be discarded and turn them into a fine dining experience. The menu is a set menu, it varies daily, and it's simply delicious. Norwegian chef Jimmy Øien's has stated that at Rest, "no usable ingredient should be left behind." And it won't be. Because you'll eat it all.

Sørenga/Bjørvika: Stunning views of the fjord, a solid spritz, and kebabs so good, my son ordered three (yes, three) plates of them, one after the other. Alongside their grills, they serve Turkish mezze, pizza, and seafood. While this is definitely a more casual dining option than the others mentioned for dinner, this place is popular and gets very crowded, so reservations are strongly recommended in warmer weather.

Rorbua: Named for the traditional red fisherman’s cabins that dot Norway’s northern coastline, Rorbua sits in Aker Brygge, the harbor in front of Akershus castle. Devoted to the cuisine of Northern Norway, Rorbua is where you’ll find the above mentioned reindeer, whale, and cod (though not cooked in lye!), cooked for the modern age. The food is classic, clean, and perhaps the most authentic Norwegian meal I’ve had in Oslo.