Overview & visitor information
Bislett Games is an athletic event that takes place every June at the Bislett Stadion.
Festival
Bislett Games
Bislett Games is an athletic event that takes place every June at the Bislett Stadion.
City guide
More festivals in Oslo
Keep exploring Oslo.
osloDisney on Ice
Activity
What better way to enjoy the cold weather than by watching Walt Disney’s beloved characters perform on ice? This is a great place to bring the kids for great family fun.
osloOslo Kirkemusikkfestival (Church Music Festival)
Activity
Throughout the month of March, churches and cathedrals mark the Church Music Festival with concerts, choirs, pipe organists and gospel group performances.
osloLillehammer WinterArts Festival
Activity
The Lillehammer Winter Arts Festival showcases the beauty of winter. Tourists and residents alike can gather together to view the natural icy wonders and frozen waterfalls in the Lillehammer area of Oslo.
oslo
osloNorwegian Military Tattoo
Activity
A colourful event marked with gymnastic displays and marching brass bands at the Oslo Spektrum Arena. Global military bands, motorcyclists and gymnasts
osloIndependence Day
Activity
Norway achieved Independence from the Danish Crusaders in 1814. It has since become one of the most economically advanced countries in the world. Independence Day is celebrated with performances, parades, parties and music throughout the long spring nights. Venue: Throughout the country Date: 17 May annually
osloOslo Summer Festival
Activity
The annual Oslo Summer Festival is held every June. It has the exciting feel of a carnival, with theatrical, music and dance performances and comedy acts. A lively market on Oslo's main shopping street adds to the carnival atmosphere. The event takes place at various areas around Oslo including bars, shopping districts, parks and more.
osloNorwegian Wood Festival
Activity
Scandinavian bands and country musicians gather together to celebrate the Norwegian Wood festival every June. Venue: Frognerbadet
osloOslo Middelalderfestival
Activity
Oslo Middelalderfestival is the most popular Medieval festival. It features Norwegian fare and concerts along with traditional arts and crafts based around the Stortorget area.
osloTa Sjansen
Activity
Ta Sjansen is an exciting boating event that takes place in Oslo every June. Boats slide down ski jumps to the water below, while crowds gather to watch.
More places in Oslo
Keep exploring Oslo.
osloThe museum of Natural History
Museum
This museum is split into multiple sections that chronicle the history of life on Earth. The garden here is breath-taking, and children will enjoy spending time gawking at the dinosaur fossils, gemstones and meteorites contained within the museum. A well-presented display of the evolution of plants is also available for visitors. The museum is open year round has a café.
osloThe Museum of Norwegian Football
Museum
For children who cannot get enough sports, especially those who are in love with football, the Museum of Norwegian Football is sure to entertain. The museum is interactive and well-laid out, making this more intriguing than your average museum. The whole lay-out of the museum is meant to resemble a soccer game, with the first half chronicling football in Norway and the second half providing an account of the history of international play within the country.
osloAkershus Castle and Fortress
Castles
Akershus Castle and Fortress is one of the flagship destinations in Oslo. The fortress was first built in the thirteenth century to protect the city from invaders. It has withstood many sieges and still serves a reduced military function today. The castle features intriguing dungeons, crypts and a still-functional cathedral. Several museums are located on the grounds of the fortress, and tourists can see the changing of the guard daily. Though it might be closed occasionally for state functions, the fortress usually closes at nine p.m. Tours are offered several times a day during the summer and on a limited basis (usually Thursdays) during the winter. Call +47 23 09 35 53 for information on tours. Address: Oslo mil/Akershus 0015 Oslo Tel: +47 22-41-25-21
osloThe Nobel Peace Center
Museum
The Nobel Peace Center is one of Oslo’s most modern museums and was completed in 2005. Inside, you will find a history of the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, along with profiles of each of the winners of the award. Informative movies and recordings of past ceremonies are also included in the museum. Sometimes, former winners come to give lectures within the museum’s confines. The museum is located in the city center; for more information, visit www.nobelsfredssenter.no.
osloNorway’s Parliament building
Building
Norway’s Parliament building is located in Oslo’s city center, right across from the Royal Palace. This yellow-brick building is quaint and one of the more beautiful parliament buildings in Europe. The inside is decorated by gorgeous art that spells out the history of Norway. Guided tours are short and available daily.
osloThe National Gallery
Gallery
The National Gallery in Oslo houses the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and many of its most famous pieces. It is located in the city center and can be contacted by calling +47 22 20 04 04. The most famous piece found in the museum is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The gallery includes more of Munch’s work, the pieces of many famous impressionists (including Monet, Renoir, and Degas), and those of other famous artists (like Picasso and Gauguin). The collection features art created until 1945, when Norway freed itself from German occupation. The gallery is worth a few hours of your trip to Oslo.
osloThe Ibsen Museum
Museum
The Ibsen Museum is a must see for fans of the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. The museum is built in the playwright’s former house, and is decorated as if Ibsen still lived there; some call it a “living museum.” The museum is definitely worth a visit; for more information, go to www.ibsenmusset.no.
osloGamle Aker Kirke
Building
Gamle Aker Kirke is Oslo’s oldest building, built in 1080. It is located north on the city center and provides Lutheran services on Sundays. The Church is associated with a mythical dragon and has quaint and historically relevant views to behold within its walls. Taking the bus is the easiest way to get here.
osloOslo Opera House
Building
This building is home to the National Opera of Norway. Seated at the mouth of Oslo’s fjord, the building was awarded the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008. Over one million people have already visited this beautiful building; we recommend you do the same, if only in passing.
osloThe Munch Museum
Museum
Edvard Munch is perhaps Norway’s most famous artist, and was a pioneer in the expressionist movement. The museum contains a large amount of Munch’s work, most of which were left by the artist for the city. The display is constantly changing, which brings life and dynamism to this museum. For those who wish to see Munch’s most famous work, The Scream, take note that this masterpiece is located in the National Gallery, and not within the Munch Museum itself.
More restaurants in Oslo
Keep exploring Oslo.
osloBagatelle
This restaurant has long been considered one of Oslo’s, and Norway’s, finest. Seafood dominates the menu, which features market-fresh ingredients and creative dishes. Excellent chefs and ambiance only add to the allure of this establishment. The restaurant was recently closed due to a workers strike, but it promises to reopen in 2010 with a new feel, but same quality of cuisine. Address: Bygdoy Alle 3 Tel: +47 22-44-63-97 Website: www.bagatelle.no
osloEkeberg
this restaurant was entirely redesigned in the 1990s and is one of Oslo’s most modern and finest dining establishments. The beautiful view of the Oslo fjord is said to have inspired Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Seafood is the primary item on the menu, and the desserts will not disappoint.
osloFeinschmecker
This is one of Oslo’s top restaurants, and is known for its antique style, although the building is quite modern. The quality of the food here is excellent, and the preparation very detailed and presented beautifully. The menu changes frequently, so you never quite know what you will catch. One dish that is generally consistent on the menu is the rack of Norwegian lamb, which deserves trying out.
osloRestaurant Le Canard
This restaurant is located in one of Oslo’s most fashionable neighborhoods a short drive away from the city center. The restaurant is located in an old mansion, which adds to the allure of this French and Belgian dining destination.
osloPalace Grill
This exclusive venue features an exciting atmosphere with a bar and small restaurant that are sure to entertain. This hang-out is unquestionably upscale, and attracts the young, hip, and sophisticated. The menu is always changing and the food is made daily.
osloStatholdergaarden
This quaint restaurant is only open for dinner. It is located within a restored 17th century house and has been in operation as a restaurant for over one hundred years. Inside, you will find a beautiful setting and artwork that alone justify the decision to eat here. Cuisine changes with the season, but whenever you come, you will find a wide array of dishes including, but certainly not limited to, seafood. Do not confuse this restaurant with Statholderens Krostue, which is the (less expensive) bistro in the building’s cellar.
osloSolsiden
This restaurant has a flare that has attracted multiple celebrities since the establishments grand opening fifteen years ago. The dining room has massive windows to accompany its high ceiling, providing a beautiful view of Oslo’s harbor. The meals here are excellent, and dessert will not disappoint. We suggest you reserve in advance.
osloGrand Café
This classic venue was once one of the most chic dining locations in all of Oslo. It attracted famous artists, diplomats, and heads of state. Today, the café relies heavily on its tradition and is furnished from within accordingly. the dining selections are strong but not exemplary; this venue serves traditional Norwegian meals.
osloMarkveien Mat og Vinhus
This restaurant is one of the most authentic Oslovian eateries you will find in the city. Excellent service and a large menu are hallmarks of this establishment-you will not be disappointed by the sauces that accompany the majority of the meals here. The restaurant uses local food primarily, has a formal dining room, and serves fantastic wine. You will probably find that eating well here might stretch your budget, but it is almost certainly worth it.
osloTheatercaféen
This café is one of Oslo’s, and the world’s, finest. The café was founded over one century ago and features live classical entertainment and impeccable decoration designed to match the season. You’ll find it difficult to leave once you step in; this café is definitely worth a visit.