Oslo's 6.5-hectare Botanical Garden – the oldest in Norway – has a beautiful woody arboretum, a sublime scent garden, a mini-mountain landscape and a collection of rare specimens from the Oslo fjords, including four that are almost extinct in nature. Look out also for the woven sculptures by British artist Tom Hare or just come for a walk, loll under a tree or grab a coffee from Handwerk cafe.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Natural History Museum

0.11 MILES

Under the trees of Oslo's Botanical Garden, the university's serious-looking Natural History Museum comprises two different collections: the Zoological…

2. Munchmuseet

0.13 MILES

This monographic museum dedicated to Norway's greatest artist, Edvard Munch (1863–1944), houses the largest collection of his work in the world: some 28…

3. Studio Schaeffers Gate 5

0.39 MILES

An independent artist-run space that hosts regular shows as well as events and performances. Check the website for details of seasonal shows.

4. Galleri 69

0.44 MILES

Part of the Grünerløkka Lufthavn artists' studio and rehearsal space complex, this artist-run gallery has a monthly calendar of shows, with site-specific…

5. 1857

0.53 MILES

Stian Eide Kluge and Steffen Håndlykken began this artist-run space in a former timberyard in 2010 and it's one of the city's most respected and enduring…

6. Akerselva River

0.54 MILES

Running from Maridalsvannet to the Oslofjord, this fast-flowing river was once the centre of Oslo's industry and then, until the late 20th century,…

7. nyMusikk

0.54 MILES

Part gallery, part office, part library and part performance space, nyMusikk hosts a program of sound-focused art shows, performances and festivals. Even…

8. Kampen

0.59 MILES

This once-working-class neighbourhood retains a unique village-like atmosphere with pretty painted wooden buildings. It's a lovely place for a stroll,…