Oslo Secret Tips

With our insider tips for Oslo, we skip mentioning the "classics" like the Opera House, Munch Museum, and others. In this article, you will find not only places off the beaten tourist path but also great photo spots that we love. We consulted a friend who lived in Oslo and knows the best places to meet locals. Because the Norwegian capital, with its many parks and natural beauty, is always worth a visit.

Enjoy reading our tips for your trip to Oslo!

Every tourist walks past it, but no one thinks to visit these saunas. Across from the Opera House is a sauna in the Oslofjord. When we saw that, we knew immediately: We have to do this, it must be amazing.

So we did, and on the last evening, at the last time slot of the day (at sunset), we booked and visited the wonderfully cozy sauna. The visit lasts 1.5 hours and offers not just relaxation but also a magnificent view of the Deichmann Library, the Opera House, and the Munch Museum. When you jump into the cool Oslofjord, you can enjoy the views from a different perspective. It was dreamy and a beautiful end to our last short trip to Oslo.

We liked this sauna with its great location on the Oslofjord so much that we booked a ticket for 1.5 hours right away.

This destination was option 2 for Oslo. It's a good tip if the sauna at Langkaia is fully booked. Because everyone in Oslo loves to go to the sauna.

On six floors, you can spend some time enjoying the beautiful architecture, the café, the rooftop garden, and the view at the Deichman Bjørvika (Library). Oslo's new main library offers you literature, reading rooms, a cinema, and tables for working across six floors. It is the largest public library in Scandinavia.

I really like the bright libraries in Norway (the one in Tromsø is also beautiful). No wonder that many locals sit on the upper floor with their laptops to work. The atmosphere is very pleasant.

Syverkiosken is the last hot dog kiosk in Oslo, and it's something special. Here you can get your sausage (there's also a vegetarian option) traditionally prepared in Lompe, a flatbread made from potatoes, or with new, innovative flavor combinations.

The toppings are homemade, and the sausages are cooked in a rich broth made from Syverkiosken's secret traditional recipe.

You can also try a local cola that you should taste.

What? A culinary tour through Oslo? I love discovering cities through food and hearing anecdotes and stories from locals. Because you only get this information during these activities. Do this food tour, because I don't want to reveal too much here. It starts at Mathallen in Grünerløkka, the hipster district, and ends right back here. A bit of street art, urban spots, a river in the city, and a waterfall are also included.

If you come to Oslo and are looking for the typical red wooden houses, you will have to search for a long time. However, there are still a few of them. In Damstredet and Telhusbakken (on the way to the next tip), beautiful houses from the 17th and 18th centuries still stand. These are also very well preserved. Stroll through these two streets and experience how Oslo used to look. For me, they are the two most beautiful streets in Oslo.

I haven't found this tip in any guidebook. You can find secret tips on travel blogs like mine or on local city websites. Ideally, you visit the trendy district of Grünerløkka first before heading to these two streets and then looking for the cemetery and the grave of Edvard Munch.

Vår Frelsers Gravlund is a cemetery opened in 1808 in Oslo. It was established in response to the large number of deaths caused by a cholera epidemic and the famine resulting from the Napoleonic Wars.

Originally, the cemetery served in the 19th century as a burial site for the wealthy residents of Oslo. Since 1962, the grounds have been protected as a historical monument, meaning that only urn burials are allowed here - and only for family members who had rented a grave before the historical protection.

The Æreslunden cemetery is the resting place of Edvard Munch, Henrik Ibsen, and 40 other prominent Norwegian figures. Established in 1903, this honor grove impresses with its aesthetics.

As you approach the honor grove, it's as if time stands still. The artistic and tall grave monuments, combined with the tranquility away from the tourist crowds at the harbor and the Opera House.

Conveniently located in the newly developed Barcode project, Barcode Street Food offers unique taste experiences from around the world. This is a food court with 14 different food stalls serving street food from various places. It is also one of the largest bars in Norway.

At Barcode Streetfood, various cultures meet in a relaxed atmosphere. Both traditional dishes and innovative and unusual international cuisine and drinks are on the menu. The large venue transforms into a nightclub with DJs, disco lights, and dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer a quieter evening, you can relax in one of the many lounge areas around the venue.

Our food tips: Greek vegan gyros and the mezze plate with additional falafel.

Haven't you had enough after the culinary food tour? Then I highly recommend the restaurant The Salmon in Tjuvholmen (peninsula next to Aker Brygge). Here you can enjoy dishes centered around salmon. Of course, there's also other seafood and sushi. Additionally, I can highly recommend oysters as an appetizer.

Alternatively: Rorbuer - here you will find fish dishes that are classic for Norway. Traditional dishes from the Lofoten Islands and Northern Norway (as the name Rorbuer suggests). Unfortunately, almost every fish dish on the menu contained whale, which we do not want to eat (it doesn't taste great anyway; I tried a tiny piece once - never again).

All tips for good food in Oslo can be found in our Oslo Food Guide

My current top hotel tip for Oslo is the hotel Amerikalinjen directly at the main train station. The stay was great. The bar is fantastic, and the rooms and fitness center (for anyone wanting to work out) are top-modern. For first-time visitors, I recommend the Amerikalinjen or alternatively, the slightly cheaper THON Hotels around the Opera House and the train station: THON Terminus, THON Opera, and THON Astoria.

Then I recommend that you look for a hotel near the main train station. Even though the accommodations are not cheap at all (unfortunately Airbnb is also not cheaper unless you book well in advance), the location is ideal for exploring.

Are you looking for a quick adrenaline rush? Then you can now glide down from the world-famous Holmenkollen ski jump with the zipline to the foot of the hill. The pleasure costs 690 NOK, which we felt was not worth it for such a short ride.

Note: Everyone must also pay an entry ticket for the ski museum to access the zipline. The zipline is 361 meters long (height difference 107.5 meters), and if you're not too busy screaming, you can enjoy a special view of Oslo.

Our insider tip for Oslo in the modern Barcode district: Centrally located in the newly developed Barcode project, Barcode Street Food offers unique taste experiences from around the world. This is a food court with 14 different food stalls serving street food from various places. It is also one of the largest bars in Norway.

At Barcode Streetfood, various cultures meet in a relaxed atmosphere. Both traditional dishes and innovative and unusual international cuisine and drinks are on the menu. The large venue transforms into a nightclub with DJs, disco lights, and dancing on Fridays and Saturdays. If you prefer a quieter evening, you can relax in one of the many lounge areas around the venue.

Our tip: Greek vegan gyros and the mezze plate with additional falafel.

We had already read beforehand that Himkok (in English "homemade") made it to the list of the 50 best bars in the world in 2017. However, current reviews are rather sobering. But don't let that stop you from finding the unassuming entrance of Himkok. It's amazing and, just because of the not-so-easy-to-find entrance, one of the best Oslo secret tips.

Bartenders in white lab coats, like my chemistry and biology teacher used to wear, welcome you with a uniquely designed cocktail menu. The vodka, gin, and aquavit come from the in-house distillery.

Depending on the day of the week, different rooms are open. For us, it was just the beautiful courtyard with a cider bar and restaurant, and next to it was the bar. We immediately chose a seat at the bar and asked the bartender what he recommends.

Definitely try: Signature Drink "Birch" in a Martini style with Himkok Birch Old Tom Gin, birch-infused vermouth, Lagavulin 16, and a cherry on top with the Kraftkar, the famous Norwegian blue cheese.

Another place that is frequently mentioned is Ekebergparken. However, you should know that you need at least 30 minutes on foot to reach the hill for the view. On a 2-3 day city trip to Oslo, you will hardly find time for this. At least not if it's your first time here.

As you can see, my last visit to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park was before the construction of the Munch Museum:

Here you will find my city map for Oslo, with all the sights, places of interest, and recommendations for food, bars, and more information.

If you are visiting Oslo for the first time, you should plan at least 2 full days for your city trip and the sights in Oslo. Although the city is not very large and you can explore the main places on foot, you must always plan buffer time for rainy days. If you want to explore one or another insider tip in and around Oslo, you should stay for at least 3-4 days.

There are also some great excursions in Norway's capital. Due to its location on the Oslofjord, there are many options. Then 5 - 7 days are ideal if you want to explore the surrounding areas.

The first reaction when planning your city trip to Oslo is "Oslo is expensive." I mean really expensive. I still remember my first trip: I had a price shock. First when looking for accommodation, then at dinner, and now, many years later again: Really expensive! Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, unfortunately beautiful as well.

It won't get cheaper, and you need to know that. So stop converting currencies and just enjoy the trip. Otherwise, Oslo is no fun.

Oslo is of course most beautiful in the summer. In summer (June to August), the days are very long, and the sun sets late. I've visited Oslo in May, June, and August. Of course, it was quieter in May and June, but the weather was also rather changeable and rainy. Not ideal for falling in love with Oslo.

In July and August, however, Oslo is full. Cruise ships dock, tourists visit the city for a short trip or as part of a tour, and attractions are then well attended. You must definitely reserve tickets in advance (GetYourGuide is great for that).

My preferred seasons are therefore also summer and autumn (September - October) when the leaves are changing colors. But winter is interesting too (December to February). Although the days are short and dark, there is snow at Holmenkollen, and the views of the Oslofjord and the city are stunning. Moreover, the climate in the city is quite mild due to its location by the fjord compared to other regions in Norway.

Is this your first visit to Oslo?

Then I recommend that you look for a hotel near the main train station. Even though the hotels are not cheap at all (unfortunately, Airbnb is also not more affordable unless you book well in advance), the location is ideal for exploring.

Year after year, Oslo is getting more expensive. On my first trip, I stayed at Anker Hostel. Back then, the accommodation had to be cheap. Don't expect much, and I wouldn't book it today. I want to treat myself on city trips. But if you have to stick to a budget, this is one of the best accommodations you can book.

My current top hotel tip for Oslo is the hotel Amerikalinjen directly at the main train station. The stay was great. The bar is fantastic, and the rooms and fitness center (for anyone wanting to work out) are top-modern. Anyone seeking an eco-friendly boutique hotel will find it in the modern district of Aker Brygge at Hotel Oslo Guldsmeden. It is not far from the palace. I have tested both hotels, and each has its advantages. For first-time visitors, I recommend Amerikalinjen or alternatively, the slightly cheaper THON Hotels around the Opera House and the train station: THON Terminus, THON Opera and THON Astoria.

Leave a comment at the end of the article. Tell us what your insider tips for Oslo are. Do you have questions about trip planning? Then check out our Oslo travel tips here (overview of all tips for Oslo). We appreciate your feedback and will add the secret tips on our next trips to the Norwegian capital. There are still several interesting places and highlights on our list.

More articles and free travel guides for Oslo and a journey through Norway's most beautiful regions:

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