What to see in Oslo and why it's a green capital

Oslo is not only the European capital ofelectric car, which has become, thanks in part to generous incentives, the most popular means of transportation for its residents. It's also a city that has transformed its entire paradigm with sustainability in mind: from the ease with which people move around on foot (a third of all city trips) to the care of its parks, from its architecture to its construction, both expressed through the use of eco-sustainable materials. But let's take a closer look at what these are. The 10 must-see attractions of Green Oslo.

Index of topics

The ecosystem

The Oslofjord Ecosystem . Stretching for a total of 100 kilometers, the Oslofjord, or "Oslo Fjord," extends from the Færder lighthouse to the city of Oslo. It is the most popular natural area for outdoor activities in all of Norway . Some areas of the Oslofjord also boast an exclusive residential area, with splendid homes and villa complexes completely surrounded by greenery.

Ma Oslo and its surroundings is also an area rich in beautiful parks, such asstarting from Frognerparken (Frogner Park), the largest in the Norwegian capital, where the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, which features hundreds of statues created by sculptor Gustav Vigeland. It's a perfect place for walks, picnics, and relaxing moments surrounded by greenery. If you enjoy hiking, while still staying within the urban area, Kolsås offers beautiful hiking trails and spectacular views of the city. Finally, we recommend Nordmarka, a forest that is located just outside Oslo, much loved by residents of the Norwegian capital, perfect for hiking, cycling or winter sports activities with cross-country skiing.

The fortress

Akershus Fortress, a small fortress overlooking the sea . On the Bjørvika peninsula, surrounded by greenery, stands Oslo's oldest monument, built in the late 13th century to defend the city from enemy attacks. Today, the fortress has become a symbol of Oslo and houses the tombs of several Norwegian kings.

The fortress is located on a hill, so it offers splendid views of the sea and the centre of Oslo, especially at sunset and inside there are several squares enriched by perfectly preserved gardens.

Il Palazzo

The Town Hall . An imposing twentieth-century building, overlooking the docks, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held every year . In front of the Town Hall, cycle and pedestrian paths intersect, with bicycles zipping past the few remaining parking spaces, destined to disappear in a few months, when the city center is finally closed to private cars.

The Opera

The futuristic architecture of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet . Completed in 2007, the Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera. The building is located in the Bjørvika district, in the city center, at the head of the Oslo Fjord. The Opera House's innovative design, with its marble-covered roof and walkable structure, offers fantastic views of the city.

Designed by Norwegian architecture studio Snøhetta, the theatre is designed to be easily accessible not only for those who enter, but also for those walking along the fjord.

The innovative neighborhood

The new Vulkan neighborhoodAn innovative neighborhood built next to the Akrselva River in a former industrial area. Besides being one of the greenest places in the city, Vulkan is also a model of sustainable development in Oslo, with its architecture designed to limit environmental impact. Among its many eco-sustainable features, the neighborhood has a mini-geothermal power plant and is completely covered in solar panels for water heating.

The seaside

The new Tjuvholmen waterfront . Tjuvholmen is located on a peninsula jutting out from Aker Brygge in the Oslofjord and is another new neighborhood in Oslo, characterized by architectural diversity and unique outdoor areas. The new area is equipped with artificial reefs to preserve fish and the Oslofjord ecosystem in general.

Salt

Developed as an independent project just steps from the Oslo Opera House, SALT encompasses various aspects of Norwegian culture. These include:

Art
Music
Architecture
Design
Food

Its wooden buildings are renowned. But it is especially known for its theatrical performances, its open-air sauna, cultural events, and the Arctic Pyramid: an iconic pyramid-shaped structure once used for drying fish, but which today regularly hosts art exhibitions and much more.

The National Museum

In 2022 the National Museum of Oslo, the largest of the Nordic countries. With this project, the Norwegian capital has managed to incorporate four of the old museums:

Museum of Contemporary Art
National Gallery
Museum of Art and Design
Architecture Museum

This ambitious project houses over 400.000 works, 6.500 of which are selected for display in the permanent museum collection. The museum also hosts several unmissable temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

Opera and Ballet Theatre

Designed by the architectural studio Snohetta, it is considered the symbol of Oslo's rebirth and its projection towards the future. The structure has the shape of an iceberg, and this too is a calling card of the Norwegian capital, with a wise and poetic use of sustainable materials: from bamboo to glass. The Opera House Oslo cost 500 million euros, but it was not a waste of money. What certainly catches the eye is the futuristic design that emerges from the North SeaBuilt on the shores of the sea, the building is not only one of the most popular attractions in the capital, but also offers, from its terrace at the top, one of the most evocative views of the entire city.

The Munch Museum

Lacking heirs, shortly before his death, the great Norwegian artist Edward munch decided to offer all his works to the nation. To date, the Munch museum It contains 28 works by Norway's most famous artist, including 1.100 paintings and 4.500 watercolors. To pay homage to the Norwegian genius, the nation built the Munch Museum, one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to a single artist. And in its construction, every possible measure was taken into account to make it less polluting than other similar buildings. Indeed, compared to constructions of this scale, reduces CO2 emissions and pollutants by about half. Furthermore, it is covered with recycled aluminum panels with varying degrees of transparency designed to shield the sun's rays and maintain a stable internal temperature.

How to save money in Oslo

The only contraindication of a trip to Oslo It's likely to become unsustainable due to its costs. The Norwegian capital is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and the boom in tourism has brought the cost of living to levels similar to that of the Swiss. For example, a tram ride costs almost 4 euros, a coffee 3,5 euros, and if you need to go to the bathroom while strolling through Vigeland Park, you'll have to pay a 15 Norwegian kroner ticket, the equivalent of about 1 euro and 50 cents. But how can you save money in Oslo? What are the right moves to enjoy the city without spending a fortune?

Oslo pass. This card entitles you to free admission to all city museums and all public transportation within the urban area, including ferries. You also receive discounts at a number of participating restaurants.
Rent a bikeThe city is full of cycle paths that allow you to reach any destination inside and outside the capital.
Travel off-seasonDuring the busiest months, prices can skyrocket. Plan a vacation during a different time of year.
Street foodExperience local life and dine at Oslo's markets and street food stalls. You'll save money and sample typical local products.
Buy localBuy local products and avoid eating in expensive restaurants or bars. Instead, shop at a grocery store and cook at home.
Explore the National ParksEmbark on an adventure in the reserves and green spaces around a sustainable Oslo that will allow you to experience nature for free.

Green Oslo: 10 things to see