Gems you should know about in Oslo

3 things to consider before departure

That feel good factor

Travelling by train is both comfortable and easy. By taking the train, you can avoid busy roads, tolls and parking stress.

Enjoy the journey together and arrive rested and ready for everything the capital has to offer when the train arrives – right in the city centre.

Kind on the wallet

You can save money by booking your train journey in advance. Those who book early can secure the cheapest train tickets. You can book up to 115 days before departure.

Hop off in the middle of the city centre

It couldn’t be easier. There’s something special about strolling straight from the train into the hotel, if you also booked accommodation. You can find tips for three central hotels in three different price ranges a little further down in this article.

3 wellness tips for finding peace in the middle of the city

Oslo Sauna Association

Did you know that the Trosten sauna⁠External link in Bjørvika was recently named one of the world’s top 100 destinations in TIME magazine? But it is the cosy atmosphere in the small saunas that leaves the greatest impression. People who enjoy life to the full come here from all over the world to do what they do best – enjoy themselves!

Daikai

If you are looking for zen, you should stop by Daikai⁠External link. Here, you can wander into an Asian oasis with relaxing spa music and the scent of essential oils. I chose a traditional Chinese massage and I might go so far as to say I emerged as a slightly better version of myself.

Vestkantbadet (baths)

On the lower floor of the popular Sommerro hotel, you can find Vestkantbadet⁠External link – a historic bathing facility dating from 1932. The baths have a unique, preserved interior in an art deco style with a heated pool, cold pool and sauna. They are open for walk-in customers, including those who are not staying at the hotel.

3 views you'll love

Kranen

Ready for excitement? Take the lift to the top of the Munch Museum to experience the most incredible views in Oslo. Here, you will also find the Bistro Tolvte restaurant⁠External link, described as “a European-style bistro with a generous American attitude”. The menu includes oysters, Skagen toast and a full à la carte menu.

Byens Tak

The top of the Folketeater building on Youngstorget has been described as the city’s meeting point for architecture and urban culture. Byens Tak⁠External link is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great conversation.

Torgterrassen

“Wow! Everyone needs to know about this gem!” Situated in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from Karl Johans gate, you can find my new favourite: Torgterrassen⁠External link.

3 free experiences

Oslo Botanical Gardens

At the Botanical Gardens⁠External link, you can be impressed by more than 4500 plant species from around the world. Strolling through the gardens is like looking at nature’s own work of art.

Oslo's main library, Deichman

The library ⁠External linkfrequently hosts free events such as talks, film screenings, art exhibitions and meet the author events. Do you have time to spare before you take the train back home? Why not sit down for a rest and enjoy a good book.

Akershus Fortress

The fortress⁠External link is located right in the city centre and here you can explore Oslo’s exciting history and find places to sit and enjoy the sun overlooking Aker Brygge.

3 places for great food

Hos Peder

Ah, how wonderful to experience a sense of urban Europe in the middle of Grünerløkka. Hos Peder⁠External link is cramped and loud, but it boasts excellent service and wonderful flavours centred around Norwegian ingredients. You must try the mussels with an Asian twist.

Khanateria

Time to tickle the taste buds. Join us for an Indian feast of flavours⁠External link! We are talking masala street snacks and Indian tapas with a modern and creative twist. The menu includes green peas flambeed over coals. The dishes are meant to be shared and you can also opt for the tasting menu – without the prices being too off-putting.

Lille Betong

The capital is in the grip of bun fever, with people often queuing for hours to buy their favourite buns. We were fortunate enough to avoid a long wait when we arrived at Lille Betong⁠External link in Bjørvika after lunch. But goodness gracious... It’s easy to understand why people are so excited about this tasty bun artistry.

Remember to check out Bjørvika⁠External link, which has become a vibrant and exciting district with all its art galleries, large shops and exciting restaurants.

3 hotels, 3 price ranges

Amerikalinjen

Hello and yes please! Situated right next to Jernbanetorget, you can find the hotel that feels as close to New York as you can get in Oslo: Amerikalinjen⁠External link. Get ready for jazz nights, one of the best breakfasts in the city, the fragrance of luxury soaps and attention to every last detail.

Comfort Hotel Karl Johan

Just a five-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, you can find the cosy green courtyard of Comfort Hotel on Karl Johan⁠External link. Here, you can find comfortable, convenient accommodation at affordable prices in the heart of the city.

Citybox Oslo

Yes, you can actually get a simple double room in the middle of the city centre for around NOK 1,000. Citybox⁠External link operates with self-service check-in, Scandinavian-designed rooms, comfortable beds and free internet. If you want to make your stay in the big city even more affordable, you can prepare simple meals in the hotel’s guest kitchen.

Oslo is a vibrant festival city and concerts are often held. Check out Visit Oslo and search for events in the “What’s on⁠External link” calendar around the time of your train journey.