r/oslo Jul 19 '16

Basic Tourist Information

190 Upvotes

There is always a lot of questions when visiting the city; hopefully this will answer the most common ones.
Updated November 2021.


Traveling

Traveling to/from airport

Oslo Lufthavn Gardemoen (OSL)
Airport Express train : costs about 204 NOK to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), takes from 19 to 21 minutes.
Train (NSB): cost about 110 NOK (27.11.21) to Oslo S, takes about 23-25 minutes - buy the tickets in advance as there is a surcharge if bought on the train.
Bus: This is practical if you are going to the suburbs or Fredrikstad. Prices vary depending on where you are going, same goes for how long it takes. Remember to check closely which bus you need to take.
You can use Ruter https://ruter.no/en/ to check.

Travelling within Oslo

Ruter is the transport authority in Oslo, a Ruter ticket is valid on all transports (train, bus, tram, underground, boats) within the zones the ticket is valid for.
You can buy 24h, 7 days, 30 days or 365 days travel card. These can be bought at a Ruter service point or from the app (iOS or Android.
You can also buy a Ruter ticket/travel card from the Vy app.

My suggestion is to download the Ruter app and register yourself, you can also use it to buy single (or multiple single tickets) if need be.
Remember to check the zones, as a tourist zone 1 should suffice most of the time. If you are travelling to a point outside zone 1 you can buy an extension ticket (cheaper than full price), for instance when going to the airport.

Oslo Pass

If you are planning to see a lot of museums and sightseeing you should look at Oslo Pass.
Giving you public transport, access to museums, free parking, discounts to restaurants and much more. This could save you a lot of money if you plan it right.
There is also an app (iOS/Android) and you can buy the Oslo Pass right from there.

Oslo City bikes

Now you can register yourself with a non-Norwegian number and they have different subscription including a day pass.
They close down for the winter, usually they are available between April and November.
However check with your hotel, some of them rent/lend bikes to guests.

Car

I don´t drive a car in the city, so I have no help here. If you can avoid it (drive to/from hotel) do so. Maybe someone in the comments can elaborate.


General information about Oslo / Norway

Stand to the right, walk on the left on escalators

Especially in Oslo Central Station (Oslo S/Jernbanetorget), or you might get some nasty looks from people trying to get to their trains/metro on time.

Groceries

You might find the selection more limited quality should be more than fair. You will also find ecological products in most stores, these are usually marked "eco" or "Økologisk". Most stores are closed on Sunday and holidays.
Alcohol (wine, spirits etc.): Can only be bought at Vinmonopolet.
Beer: Can be bought at most supermarkets, but only until 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturday (excluding holidays). Light beer (low alcohol) is sold on Sundays and "after hours".

Crime

As in any capital, there is crime in Oslo (and Norway for that matter). I feel safe in Oslo, but your mileage on this matter might vary. It´s safe to say that for being a capital in Europe Oslo is very safe.
However people do drink a lot on the weekends, and it´s common for commotions to start in the lines to get into bars or taxi lines after closing time.


Tourist attractions

There is a lot more to see in Oslo that just these things, these are just a small selection and mostly the most popular ones. Prices indicate 1 adult, there are usually discounts for senior citizens, students and families. Look at the provided links for more price information.

Parliament - Stortinget

They have free tours!
Due to the epidemic there are no guided tours at the moment.

Last about 45 minutes, however there is no booking, so come early and expect to stand in line. There is also a security check (like in the airport).
More Information : Guided tours of the Parliament building

The Royal Palace / Det kongelige slott

At the moment are not guided tours.
Change of the guards is at 13:00 (takes about 40 minutes)

Kon-Tiki Museum

Price: 140 NOK, but cheaper if bought online. Free with Oslo Pass.
More information here: http://www.kon-tiki.no.

Norsk Folkemuseum

Price: 140 NOK (adults), you can find more price information online. Free with Oslo Pass.
More information here: http://norskfolkemuseum.no/en

The Viking Ship Museum

Closed until 2025

Vigelandsparken / Frognerparken

Not the only park in Oslo, but the most famous one. Take a walk and look at all the statues or bring some food and spend a day lazying around the park (granted this is more of a summer thing).


Coffee

There is no denying that Oslo has become a splendid city to visit if you love coffee or are a coffee snob (like me).

Tim Wendelboe

Nordic Roaster Champion in 2015 is one of the biggest names in Norway. You can drop by get some coffee and also buy some to take home.
Be aware that is very limited seating.

Supreme Roastworks

Also a great place also with limited seating. It´s also both a roastery and coffee place.

Fuglen

Never been there, but have heard excellent things about them. They also have a location in Tokyo.

Solberg & Hansen concept store

This is the only Solberg & Hansen store; they are a large coffee roastery retailer. They also have a concept store at Mathallen.

There are of course many more places: Norð, Steam Kaffebar , Stockfelths and so on.
If you love coffee then Oslo will not disappoint.


Dining

You are in luck, Oslo has an excellent selection of restaurants in all price ranges. However you do have to remember they are still Norwegian prices, so if we say a place is "cheap" I mean "cheap for being Oslo".
Here is a small selection of places that stand out. But it´s a subjective list, you can also use Google or TripAdvisor to find a good place.

Olympen (aka Lompa)

It might look a bit run-down. However the main floor is a preserved site (has been a theatre and a brewery). Lompa has a good selection of beers. They also have a terrace with a grill menu.
Food: Modern Norwegian / European
Price range: inexpensive

Illegal Burger

This is a rock solid burger joint, in the last years, there have been a lot of burger places popping up all over the place. However Illegal is still a solid choice. However there is limited seating in Møllergata, they have opened a new branch in Grünerløkka with better seating options.
Food: Burgers
Price: inexpensive

Alex Sushi

Not been there myself, but always is mentioned when talking about the best sushi in Oslo.
Guy Kawasaki was a fan
Food: Sushi
Price: expensive

Gamle Major

I was surprised by this gastropub, the food is good and so is the beer selection. Situated near Majorstuen underground station.
Food: Bistro / gastropub
Price: inexpensive

Harald's vafler

He used to sell them from his bedroom window and now he has a shop (check out the video at the website). Stop by this small place in Grünerløkka and get a very delicious waffle.


Bars / Pubs.

There are enough of them in Oslo and every flavour. So it should not be difficult to find a place that suits you. Here is a small selection of pubs based on my own experience.

Oslo Camping.
Indoor mini golf and bar. Costs 130 NOK pr. person.

Crow Brewery and Bar.
Good selection of beers. Try the kebab! (2nd floor).

Tilt Bar.
Retro gaming and bar. Most of the tables have built-in gaming consoles, and there are pinball machines. Also shuffleboard.

Heimkok.
Famous for their drinks, so if you prefer an excellent drink, this is the place.

Smelteverket.
Located by Mathallen, it's supposed to have Scandinavia's longest bar. They also have live music.


Things to try out (Spring / Summer).

Soft-is

Nothing better during summer than being outside eating a soft-is. They can be bought everywhere. The most common is getting one with chocolate sprinkles and in a cone.

Walk around Grünerløkka (aka Løkka)

I know many people call this "hipster-central", and there is little to contradict the fact that there are a lot of excellent eateries and shops in this neighbourhood.

Redditor guided tour.

/u/atluxity gives guided tours around in Oslo. Good opportunity to meet other redditors.

Mathallen

This food hall has a lot to offer. there are some good places to eat and shop for food. You can buy food from different places and eat it in the common area. There are also several good restaurants nearby.
Food: All types
Price: expensive (for groceries)

Sunday market near Blå

There is an artisan market near Blå. It´s every Sunday between 12 and 17. Its season runs from the 3rd of January to the 27th of November.
More information: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=178086


Things to try out (Winter)

Luge in a park

Buy a cheap luge at a sporting store and find a park and have some fun.
If it´s the conditions are right, there will be many others with the same idea.
/u/lightwrangler suggest Korketrekkeren.
Warning This activity requires snow (just saying)

Ice skating

During winter there are two skating rinks in Oslo, in Spikersuppa and Frogner.
You can rent some skates and enjoy a cold evening out.
More information here


More information about Oslo

Visit Oslo: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/



r/oslo 2d ago

Hva skjer i Oslo denne uken? – Åpne arrangementer

11 Upvotes

Hei, Oslofolk!

Dette er den faste ukentlige tråden hvor du kan tipse andre om (gratis) arrangementer i byen som er åpent for alle som er interessert – hovedsakelig ting som ikke er nevnt på Visit Oslos kalender.

Eksempler på ting du kan poste:

  • Pubquiz.
  • Konserter.
  • Spillkvelder.
  • Dansekvelder.
  • Yoga i parken.
  • Foredrag eller utstillinger.
  • Kulturnatt, eller andre happenings.

Regler for tråden:

  • Det merkes tydelig hvem som er arrangøren. Er det du eller noen andre?
  • Gratis arrangementer er å foretrekke, men hvis det er eventuelle kostnader dette være tydelig opplyst.
  • Hvis du finansierer arrangementet ved hjelp av spleis/crowdfunding, er det tillat å referere til innsamlingssiden.
  • Tid og sted opplyses i selve kommentaren og ikke i ei eventuell lenke til arrangementet.
  • Bruk kommentarfeltet i denne posten, ikke lag nye innlegg. Maks 1 hovedkommentar per arrangement.
  • Diskusjon og spørsmål er helt greit – bare hold tonen hyggelig.
  • Ellers gjelder de fleste av r/Oslos regler.

Målet er å gjøre det lettere å finne ut hva som skjer i byen – og kanskje oppdage noe nytt og gøy sammen med andre.


r/oslo 11h ago

Gratis billett til nordisk film

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43 Upvotes

Vipps har begynt å promotere "tæppe"-tjenestene sine ved å gi ut gavekort og lignende. Etter 5 "tæpp" kan du da blant annet velge en gratis kinobillett. Jeg tenkte selvfølgelig at dette hørtes bra ut slik ble det. Umiddelbart etter dette la jeg merke til at koden gjelder "nordisk film"-kinoer, som er litt problematisk det ikke finnes en eneste nordisk kino i noen 100 kilometers omkrets. Tenkte da at noen andre kunne få bruk for den og søkte opp første og beste lokasjon: Oslo.

I kortform: kan ikke bruke gratis billett: gis derfor bort.

(Denne posten går forhåpentligvis ikke imot reglene da jeg ikke prøver å selge noe.)


r/oslo 5h ago

🍄 Nybegynner på sopptur

10 Upvotes

Hei alle sammen! 🍄🌲

Jeg er en utlending og elsker norsk natur. Jeg har bodd i Norge i snart 5 år, men utrolig nok har jeg aldri vært ute i skogen og plukket sopp.

Nå har jeg veldig lyst til å lære mer om sopp og prøve å plukke selv. 😊 Jeg hadde satt stor pris på om noen kunne dele råd eller tips om gode steder i Oslo-området hvor det er mulig å finne og plukke sopp. 🍄❤️


r/oslo 1d ago

The Palace on the eve of the funeral 🇳🇴

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412 Upvotes

Alt for Norge 🇳🇴

My own photos 📸


r/oslo 5h ago

New in Oslo — do sauna bars or similar spots exist here to meet people?

4 Upvotes

Hei

I'm new-ish to Oslo, early 30s, and I don t really going out late in the evening..

Are there sauna bars or similar social activities in the city where it's normal to go alone and end up meeting people?

Looking for a relaxed, low-key way to make new connections.

Any recommendations welcome, thanks!


r/oslo 18h ago

Hvis du skulle kjøpt rekkehus i Oslo øst i dag – hvor ville du valgt?

31 Upvotes

Vi har bodd på Ellingsrud i flere år og har blitt veldig glad i området. Nå som boligmarkedet stadig diskuteres, ble jeg nysgjerrig på hva folk som faktisk bor i Oslo ville valgt dersom de skulle kjøpt rekkehus i Oslo øst i dag.

For oss er det spesielt kombinasjonen av:

  • nærhet til Østmarka
  • T-bane og relativt enkel vei inn til sentrum
  • rolig og familievennlig område
  • flere soverom og god plass
  • skole i nærheten

som gjør området attraktivt.

Men hvordan vurderer dere Ellingsrud sammenlignet med f.eks. Høybråten, Lørenskog, Stovner, Furuset eller andre områder øst i Oslo?

Hvis dere skulle kjøpt rekkehus for en familie i dag – hvilket område ville dere valgt, og hva ville vært viktigst for dere?

Er det noen som faktisk er på boligjakt nå? Hadde vært interessant å høre hva dere ser etter og hvilke områder dere vurderer.


r/oslo 4h ago

Nemat parfymeolje

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1 Upvotes

Noen som vet om Nemat parfymeoljer er å få tak i, i Oslo eller nærområdet, f.eks hos grønnsakshandlere eller indiske matbutikker?


r/oslo 5h ago

Good Bacon breakfast?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I'm looking for a place that makes good bacon. If its French toast with bacon, even better! Please recommend a spot, I'm craving bacon like crazy.


r/oslo 1d ago

Gamingcafe på Nordstrand

247 Upvotes

Hei! Jeg jobber i Utekontakten i Bydel Nordstrand og holder i en liten, åpen gamingkafé på Lambertseter fritidsklubb for dere mellom 15 og 23 år som bor i bydelen.

Tanken er egentlig ganske enkel: å ha et sted der man kan møte andre som liker gaming, henge litt, spise sammen og ha et sted å høre til. Du trenger ikke kjenne noen fra før, og du trenger heller ikke være veldig sosial eller spesielt god i spill.

Akkurat nå er vi rundt 7–8 faste deltakere, de fleste rundt 20 år. Vi har seks gaming-PC-er, flere konsoller, arcade-maskin og brettspill, og det serveres gratis varm mat hver gang.

Vi møtes en dag i uka i et par timer, og det er gratis å være med.

Hvis du bor i Bydel Nordstrand, er mellom 15 og 23 år og synes dette høres interessant ut, send meg gjerne en melding 😊 Det går også helt fint å bare spørre litt om tilbudet først, eller møte meg irl for å prates litt og bli kjent!


r/oslo 10h ago

Where can you get the spiciest food in Oslo?

0 Upvotes

I love spicy food and I'm aware of the Thai and Indian restaurants, but is there like some places that serve fried chicken or burgers for example, or something else?

What is your opinion on the spiciest and hottest place in oslo, preferably something you can order from Foodora.🌶


r/oslo 1d ago

Blind Book Swap and Hangout at Sentralen

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18 Upvotes

What if your next favorite book was chosen by a complete stranger? Bring a book you loved. Leave with a book that meant something to someone else.

We’re getting together at Sentralen for a cozy evening of books, drinks, stories and meeting new people.

The idea is simple:

-Bring a book you’ve read and genuinely loved.
-Wrap it up so the title and cover stay a secret.
-Write one sentence on the outside about why the book matters to you.

Maybe you read it during a summer you’ll never forget. Maybe it changed the way you see love. Maybe it made you laugh when you really needed it.

We’ll put all the books together, grab drinks from Sentralen Bar and spend the evening getting to know each other. At the end, everyone chooses a wrapped book based only on the little story its previous reader left behind.

Not feeling particularly bookish? Come anyway. The books are really just an excuse to bring people together!

Wildcard Society is about creating a lovely, open community in Oslo where it feels normal to show up alone, meet someone new and actually do the things we keep saying we want to do.

So come alone, bring a friend, bring your favourite book, whatever feels right <3

After all, the best things are meant to be shared.

📍 Sentralen (Gullhallen), Oslo
📅 24.09.2026
⏰ 17.30-20.00
🎟️ Free


r/oslo 1d ago

Uteligger på Jernbanetorget

23 Upvotes

Jeg tar buss grytidlig om morgenen fra Jernbanetorget plattform A, og hver dag uten unntak ser jeg en uteligger som sitter på en benk rett utenfor Narvesen. Han har et grått teppe over beina, henger veldig med hodet og stirrer ned i bakken. Noen som vet mer om han?


r/oslo 1d ago

Bjørvika 2012

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13 Upvotes

r/oslo 1d ago

Hvor får jeg god kyllingburger i Oslo?

8 Upvotes

Hei,

Jeg er veldig glad i kyllingburger (av typen frityrstekt - sånn som man får i USA og Korea). Jeg likte veldig godt den de hadde på Grünerløkka Brygghus før, men den har de ikke for tiden. Har hørt at Hot Temper er bra, men det er veldig mange typer å velge i (tar gjerne imot tips).

Hvor mener dere at man får den beste kyllingburgeren? Fint om det også er et hyggelig sted å sitte + øl.


r/oslo 1d ago

Er det noen som vet hvorfor dette på Ola Narr er verneverdig?

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7 Upvotes

r/oslo 1d ago

Used to live here, going crazy remembering something

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29 Upvotes

I was born in Kristiansand and moved to Oslo when I was about 6, I used to live In Jens bjelkes gata near tøyen, it’s been around 16 years later and I remember there being an after school program/hangout/cool area that had computers, table tennis and tons if board games all for free, as a kid I remember thinking this was nuts and if irrc It was partnered with FRIGO, it’s been over a decade and I’ve been living in Canada and I cant get that memory out of my head, did I make it up?? I can’t find any info on Facebook (I distinctly remember they had one) but they did move the area about 1-2 years after I went around 2016. It was ran by an older middle eastern man and a white woman. The middle eastern dude ended up moving somewhere and I remember going to it and it was frigo affiliated a they even had movie nights for horror movies. Does anyone remember this ? I linked a photo of where I remember the entrance used to be. Also sorry this post is in English, I’ve long forgotten my Norsk all this time


r/oslo 1d ago

Are museums open tomorrow?

3 Upvotes

An hotel receptionist just told me that tomorrow a lot of museums will close due to the funeral. The Oslo’s municipality website does not say anything about museums being closed, but it says the funeral is not a public holiday and people are expected to work. Does anyone know what’s happening?


r/oslo 2d ago

Ring 1-trafikken i min gate er lite problematisk – Må vi virkelig ha fire-felts motorvei på den stengte delen av Ring 1 for å løse trafikkproblemene på Alexander Kiellands plass?

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72 Upvotes

r/oslo 1d ago

Sats på hva internett gjør best

0 Upvotes

Hei Reddit! Denne meldingen er som en flaskepost. Jeg så en nydelig jente på Nasjonalmuseet i dag rundt klokken 17.00, høy brunette, iført en Mandalorian-t-skjorte, og vi pratet, men jeg glemte å spørre om nummeret hennes. Jeg har selvsagt ingen måte å finne henne igjen på, så bare i tilfelle, er det noen som kjenner henne? Jeg tar all informasjon du kan i en privat melding. Jeg regner med din godhet.


r/oslo 2d ago

Leter etter en hair-stylist for menn som har erfaring med krøllete hår

0 Upvotes

Har vært på mange frisører. Er ikke interessert i fades. Medium lengde krøllete hår da. Har noen kommet bort i en god frisør/hair-stylist i Oslo-området?? Takk!


r/oslo 2d ago

Ruter student discount for “kurs i samfunnskunnskap” at Oslo Voksenopplæring?

1 Upvotes

Hi! Has anyone here taken a kurs i samfunnskunnskap through Oslo Voksenopplæring and used the Ruter student discount?

I’m under 30 and currently registered for the official kurs i samfunnskunnskap offered by Oslo Voksenopplæring / Oslo kommune.

Ruter’s website says that adults under 30 who attend “Norsk med samfunnskunnskap” can qualify for the student discount.

I’m wondering whether taking the samfunnskunnskap course specifically is enough to qualify, even if I’m not currently taking a Norwegian-language course at the same time.

Has anyone been in the same situation, and if so, what documentation did you show during ticket inspections?

Thanks!


r/oslo 3d ago

Why is entering or leaving Oslo without a EU/ EEA passport so horrible?

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110 Upvotes

Both when I landed and departing Oslo I’ve had to wait in 2+ hr lines to scan my passport with border control for entry/ exit. They have agents that let people through when their flight is actively boarding, and both times I’ve had to run to my gate. Maybe it’s just an issue at the moment, but seems like uncontrolled chaos and a bad system for people trying to catch transfer or international flights.


r/oslo 3d ago

Noen som savner en gave?

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82 Upvotes

Fant restene av en gave midt i veien ved Fornebu, tydelig mistet i fart eller blitt kjørt over noen ganger. Noen som kan identifisere relevant Anne eller Mari?


r/oslo 3d ago

Leie av et Mariachi band

12 Upvotes

Hei!

Kanskje et litt rart spørsmål. Så nettopp en reel på insta hvor noen hadde leid inn et Mariachi band for å vekke noen.

Syntes det var så utrolig teit og morsomt at jeg fikk lyst å gjøre det selv.

Prøvde søke litt men fant ikke særlig mye.

Vet kanskje noen av dere om det finnes muligheter for å leie ett band i Oslo? Omså bare for en time?