Tag: sightseeing

Unlike many other European capitals, Oslo is far from flat. This means that there are also plenty of great viewpoints that offer breathtaking views. Here are our top pics:

1. Frognerseteren

   Situated at the top of the same hills as the Holmenkollen ski jumping tower, Frognerseteren is also the last stop of the tube line that carries the same name. It’s fair to say that Frognerseteren is the vantage point for many visitors, and it’s not just that: there is a traditional restaurant, several hiking and skiing tracks, a 2 km (1,24 miles) toboggan run and much more, depending on the season. You’ll get there by car (parking area just outside the Frognerseteren restaurant) or the tube (the Frognerseteren line). We recommend taking the tube and admiring the views of the city on the way.

   Frognerseteren restaurant: Holmenkollveien 200.

   

2. Ekeberg

   Ekeberg refers to a residential area, a sculpture park, a recently renovated restaurant in funkis style and a viewpoint across from Holmenkollen and Frognerseteren. Ekeberg is closer to the city (some 10 minutes on the tram #18 or #19, or 5 mins by car) and offers a great view of the most urban Oslo, as well as probably the best view of the entire Holmenkollen area. The sunsets from Ekeberg are worth the trip up, but you will also want to experience the top restaurant and the sculpture park just behind the restaurant.

   A fun fact: The restaurant and the sculpture park are initiatives by the art-loving brewery heir Christian Ringnes  who believes that art belongs to everyone, and has donated art to public places on several occasions. He was also the person who took initiative to restore the worn-down funkis style building that now hosts a top restaurant.

   Ekeberg restaurant: Kongsveien 15.

   

3. Grefsenkollen

   The viewpoint that really deserves more attention is Grefsenkollen. It’s some 20-30 minutes drive from the city center, but the view is definitely worth the visit. If you are depending on public transport, you’ll need to change busses on the way (our recommendation: check instructions with Google maps or the Ruter app), but you should reach your destination in no more than 1,5 hours. Aside from a viewpoint, the Grefsenkollen restaurant is definitely worth the trip up, but we strongly recommend you check the opening hours before you leave feeling hungry, as the restaurant is not open all evenings.

   Grefsenkollen restaurant: Grefsenkollveien 100.

    

   

   Bonus view: Oslofjord

   Many visitors arrive Oslo on a cruise ship, and therefore get to enjoy an unusual view of Oslo: from the fjord. This will allow you to see large areas of Oslo, including Holmenkollen, the city center, Bygdøy with its many museums and the Aker Brygge and Akershus Fortress area.

   This view is reserved for the ones arrive on a ship because most of central Oslo, including the areas just mentioned, is no-fly zone for drones, so you won’t be able to capture the same views with a drone camera. Check out our Instagram post for more footage of the 4th perspective to Oslo.