Oslo is often called one of the greenest cities in the world, and I’ve had the chance to visit it twice. So, I’d like to share feedback on whether that title is truly deserved.
One of the places that stood out to me in the city center was the Oslo Opera House. It’s built in this super modern and minimalistic style, and what’s cool is that it’s right by the fjord — like, you can sit on the steps and dangle your feet over the water, or you can walk up the roof. No ticket, no fuss.
There’s so much to explore just around the Opera House. If you’re into art, the Munch Museum is just a short walk away—and trust me, if you appreciate paintings even a little bit, you’ll probably end up spending hours in there. Not far from that, there’s also the National Museum.
If museums aren’t your thing, you can always head over to the City Hall or take a relaxing walk up to Akershus Fortress. It’s a cool historic site with some proper old-school vibes, and it also offers another stunning view of the city and the water—the perfect spot to chill for a bit.
And hey, if you’re a fan of saunas (and especially if you’ve never tried one by the water), don’t skip Bademaschinen. It’s right across from the Opera, and it’s a bunch of quirky wooden sauna cabins with direct access to the fjord. Don't be afraid.
Now, when it comes to greenery, you won’t find a ton of it right in the city center. If you're looking for proper nature vibes, you’ll need to wander a bit further out. The further you go from the heart of Oslo, the more green spaces and nature you'll start to see popping up.
That said, the center has its charm. Sure, there are a few high-rise buildings, but for the most part, the city keeps things low-key with lots of regular houses and small buildings. It’s actually kind of refreshing—most big cities are all about skyscrapers and concrete jungles, but Oslo still feels very human-sized.
But before we jump into where to find the best nature spots, I’ve got to shout out two museums that, in my opinion, are absolute gems—especially if you’re into travel and adventure. The Fram Museum is all about the first polar expeditions—legends like Amundsen and Nansen—and you can even walk aboard the actual ship they used to explore the Arctic.
Right next door is the Kon-Tiki Museum, which dives into the incredible voyages of Thor Heyerdahl. If you’ve never heard of him, he set out to prove ancient people could have made long sea voyages across the world—and he did it on a handmade raft.
Both museums are super inspiring, especially if you’ve got a bit of a wanderlust soul.
Both the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums are located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, which is kind of like Oslo’s museum island. You can get there easily by bus or take a ferry straight from the city center, right next to City Hall. The ride itself is a little scenic bonus. If you’ve got the Oslo Pass, this ferry is included.
Bygdøy is also home to a few other museums worth checking out while you’re there. There’s the Norwegian Folk Museum, which is an open-air museum with old wooden houses and even a traditional stave church—it gives you a feel for Norwegian history and culture (They have all the traditional houses from all regions of Norway). Then there’s the Maritime Museum, great if you’re into ships, sea stories, and nautical stuff in general - recommend visiting a cinema where you will have two short movies about Vikings.
Unfortunately, the famous Viking Ship Museum is closed for major renovations and won’t reopen until 2027.
But now back to nature! Like I mentioned earlier, the further you move away from the center, the greener it gets. It only takes about 15–20 minutes by bus, metro, or tram to escape the city and find yourself surrounded by forest. And I mean proper forest—the kind you can get lost in (in a good way).
There are a few nice spots to get Oslo views. Holmenkollen is probably the most famous one, known for its iconic ski jump and panoramic views over the city and fjord.
Then there’s Vettakollen, which is a bit more of a local’s hike. It’s not too tough, but the payoff is massive—breathtaking views and a peaceful vibe, especially around sunset. You can only get there on foot — it’s about a 1–2 kilometer walk from the nearest public transportation stop, along a forest trail with a gentle uphill climb.
And finally, Grefsenkollen, which might be the easiest one. There’s even a cozy restaurant up there where you can grab a coffee or something to eat while soaking in the view. You can get there by bus, but you’ll have to walk the last kilometer or so along the road. If you have a car, though, you can drive up—there’s a parking lot at the top.
Honestly, Oslo’s connection to nature is what makes it so special. One moment you're in a museum or sipping coffee in the city, and half an hour later, you're hiking through the woods.
What I really love about Oslo is the balance it offers—you can enjoy the buzz of the city, grab a coffee, check out some historical landmarks, and then, just like that, disappear into nature. You could easily go on multi-day hikes without ever leaving the forest a still be close to Oslo. The infrastructure of paths, public transport, shelters, and restaurants is genuinely impressive, and it's this unique combination that makes Oslo truly feel like a green city.
If you're planning a trip to Oslo, definitely check out the Oslo Pass. It can save you a good amount of money, especially if you're into museums or plan on exploring the city from top to bottom.
One last tip: don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes!
-----------------All photos mentioned in this story are mine-----------------
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Have a great day and don’t forget to take a walk!
Helping with translations: Deepl
Helping with translations: ChatGPT
Helping with grammar: Grammarly
