Landmark in Oslo

Just a stone’s throw from Rådhuskaia stands Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle from the 1300s that has guarded Oslo for fourteen hundred years. Every day, you can freely explore the fortress’s green spaces from early morning until late at night, all with views of the fjord and Aker Brygge. Akershus Fortress has served as a royal residence, prison and military base. The castle grounds and outer ramparts offer peace and reflection, and you can visit the Defence History Museum and the Resistance Museum. During the season, guided tours are available that dive deeper into the fortress’s hidden stories.

In Tøyen, you’ll find a lush green oasis rich with plant diversity and history. This is Norway’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1814, and it’s truly beautiful. Spanning 150 acres (about 1,000 square meters), it is home to around 4,500 different species spread across themed areas including the herb garden, Scandinavian flora, tropical rainforests, and alpine mountain landscapes. You can stroll along quiet streams, step inside historic greenhouses filled with tropical plants and giant water lilies, or relax on the lawns for a peaceful picnic with friends. This spot is a popular hangout among local Oslo residents.

The city’s highest gathering point! Take the subway up towards Holmenkollen, and you’ll be greeted by this massive ski jump towering against the sky, casting long shadows over Oslo. Here, nature, sports and culture come together in perfect harmony. Ski jumping and cross-country skiing are Norway’s national sports, and Holmenkollen has hosted ski jump competitions since 1892. You can visit the Ski Museum and take the elevator and walk all the way up the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city, fjord and forests. Beautiful! In summer, you can even zip line down the slope for an adrenaline rush 90 meters above the ground.

Right where the city meets the sea, the Oslo Opera House rises like a marble iceberg from the fjord – a bold, modern landmark in the heart of Bjørvika. Its sloping roof has become a public plaza all on its own, where locals gather for concerts, outdoor workouts, or just to soak up the view. You can walk all the way from the water’s edge to the top via wide, slanted marble plates – and once up there, take in a panoramic view of the city, the fjord, and the hills beyond. Step inside and you’re met with warm oak panels, soaring glass ceilings, and a peaceful, airy vibe. The main hall is shaped like a horseshoe, designed to bring you closer to the magic of opera and ballet. Designed by Norwegian architects Snøhetta after winning a national competition, the building has picked up several prestigious awards – including the World Architecture Festival and the Mies van der Rohe Award.

At the very end of Karl Johans gate stands the Royal Palace. This classical palace, built between 1825 and 1849, is divided into three wings and floors, creating a dignified facade right in the heart of the city. The castle square often buzzes with visitors and passersby. Every day at 1:30 pm, you can catch the changing of the guard performed by His Majesty the King’s Guard. Surrounding the palace is a 22-hectare park filled with ancient trees, charming paths and green spaces—simply beautiful. Inside the palace, grand halls and oak paneling reflect an atmospheric romance between history and architecture, featuring highlights like the Palace Chapel and the stately hall where the King holds council. The palace is only open for indoor visits at specific times during the summer season.

Just a short tram ride from the city center, you can step into a green world of art at Frognerparken. This is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. Here you’ll find over 200 sculptures in stone, bronze and granite that capture the entire human experience, from birth to death. You can see the iconic Monoliten (Monolith), a powerful tower made of 121 human figures rising toward the sky, or say hello to Sinnataggen (the Angry Little Boy), the sculpture everyone in Norway knows. Around you stand figures running, dancing, resting and embracing each other. The park is an oasis all year round, and many visitors come just to enjoy the surroundings. In spring, magnolia trees sparkle in bloom, summer offers long green lawns and shady alleys, autumn paints the leaves yellow and red, and winter dresses the sculptures in snow.