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
3.15 MILES
Around 1100 years ago, Vikings dragged up two longships from the shoreline and used them as the centrepiece for grand ceremonial burials, most likely for…
1.42 MILES
Opened to much controversy in 2013, Ekebergparken cemented Oslo's reputation as a contemporary-art capital and, in particular, one devoted to sculpture. A…
1.91 MILES
This private contemporary-art museum resides in an arresting, silvered-wood building designed by Renzo Piano, with a sail-like glass roof that feels both…
1.56 MILES
While downstairs houses a small and rather idiosyncratic museum, it's Ibsen's former apartment, which you'll need to join a tour to see, that is…
2.59 MILES
The centrepiece of Frognerparken is an extraordinary open-air showcase of work by Norway's best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, and is home to 212…
0.98 MILES
Centrepiece of Oslo's rapidly developing waterfront, the magnificent Opera House (2008), reminiscent of a glacier floating in the waters of the Oslofjord,…
1.4 MILES
When Oslo was named capital of Norway in 1299, King Håkon V ordered the construction of Akershus, strategically located on the eastern side of the harbour…
1.49 MILES
Norwegians take pride in their role as international peacemakers, and the Nobel Peace Prize is their gift to the men and women judged to have done the…
Nearby attractions
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…