Before I talk about Oslo Opera House, I want to pay homage to some of the simpler things I love about Oslo.
Sometimes the things we love most about a place are not the big or even tangible attractions. It’s the small things like the fresh air, the cleanliness and peacefulness.
Every time I visit Oslo, I find myself feeling more relaxed. For a capital city it feels much more relaxing than most. There is a real sense of space and proximity to nature that makes visiting Oslo enjoyable. I love simply looking up at the sky. Somehow it hits different in Oslo. I could watch the beautiful cloud formations for hours. And the air? It’s so crisp and clean.
Oslo is however, one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there’s a lot of good stuff that comes for free in the name of Mother Nature.
Roald Dahl on the Oslofjord
After spending his summer holidays in Oslo as a child, Roald Dahl said in his autobiography, “Unless you have sailed down the Oslofjord… on a tranquil summer’s day, you cannot imagine the sensation of absolute peace and beauty that surrounds you”.
The boy wasn’t wrong! Although Norway is known for its inhospitable weather, there are also days of glorious sunshine too. During these moments, like the ones I experienced, the sky looks hypnotic as the clouds move and make wonderfully random shapes.
The Opera House overlooking the Oslofjord.
Visiting Oslo Opera House
The modernist approach to the building enables you to walk up the angular paving that leads to the roof top where you’ll discover panoramic views of the beautiful Oslofjord.
The slopes and angular design of the Opera House has become popular in the skateboarding community. You’ll often spot skaters sliding around the slopes, showing off their skills and hanging out. It’s a space for everyone.
You are also free to walk inside the Opera House, where you will discover contemporary Scandinavian design is just as innovative on the inside as it is on the outside.
But now you’re probably wondering what else there is to Oslo apart from admiring pretty clouds and the Opera House?
Let’s have a look…
More things to do in Oslo
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Vigeland began his career as a woodcarver but later, when studying in Paris, he fell under the influence of Rodin, and switched to stone, iron and bronze. He started work on the open-air Vigelandsparken in 1924 and was working on it until his death, almost twenty years later. The park is free to enter so it is a fantastic place for families and budget-conscious travellers to spend the day
The Royal Palace
It serves as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch in the capital city.
Guided tours of the Royal Palace are available during the summer. These tours offer insights into the history, architecture, and significance of the palace. Otherwise you can explore the grounds for free!
The Edvard Munch Museum
No trip to Oslo is complete with visiting Munch-Museet. This is by far one of the best galleries dedicated to a single artist I’ve ever been to (tied with the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam).
However, if you’re on a budget I also recommend the National Gallery which is free to enter. It houses work by Munch including a version of The Scream (he painted four variations).
Where to stay in Oslo
For anyone looking to experience Oslo on a budget I recommend staying in a hostel, or the budget hotel Citybox Oslo offers good value given the location and facilities.
If money isn’t an issue, my favourite hotel in Oslo is The Thief – it boasts incredible artwork. So munch so it’s like a contemporary art gallery in itself!
Guided tours and tickets
If you’re looking for more things to do in Oslo, take a look at these guided tours in Oslo and pre-bookable entry tickets to the main attractions. How about a cruise along the Oslofjord? A guided food tour? Or a nearby scenic forest hike?
3 responses
it looks like so much fun !