Det Norske Teatret – The Norwegian Theatre

At Det norske teatret you can see plays and musicals performed in the New Norwegian language. This theatre is famous for excellent scenography and performance. In spring 2019 there are performances of David Bowie’s Lazarus (photo above of the final song “We can be Heros”) as well as Ibsen’s Peer Gynt. In the autumn children of all ages can look forward to a spectacular performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie og sjokoladefabrikken (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). There are many more plays to enjoy – visit DNT’s website

Oslo Summer Park

Oslo Summer Park is the biggest climbing park in Oslo and very popular with locals and visitors alike. There is climbing for everyone, regardless of age or skill. There are over 150 elements among the trees, across 9 different routes of varying difficulty. The routes range from half a meter over the ground, up to 20 meters up in the tree tops. Don’t worry if it happens to be raining – just put on rain clothes!
However the Summer Park is more than climbing! It is the place for renting bikes, radio cars and walking in beautiful nature with spectacular views over Oslo and the surrounding region.
You can bring your own picnic or buy food in the kiosk. We also recommend the excellent Frognersæter restaurant which is half way down the road towards the Holmenkollen jump. Here you can buy reasonably priced meals which are Norwegian specialities.

It would be a good idea to combine visiting the Summer Park, with a stop at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Ski Museum. There is good parking at the Park.
Visitors going to the Summer Park by public transport can take Bus 250 to Nationaltheatret stop in Oslo and then tram 1 up to Frognerseter stop (see picture below). From there it is a 14 minute walk up to the park.

Bicycles: on- and off-road

Exploring the Oslo region and city is especially great by bicycle. There are lots of cycle tracks in and around the city and throughout the region. Norway has been enthusiastic in encouraging people to cycle to work or free time activities. Tourists to our region can hire cycles at Viking Biking or to join one of their organised bike tours. Click on the link for many exciting suggestions and prices.

For those who have their own bike, the forests surrounding the city offer amazing off-road tracks and of course the forests are for everyone to enjoy, whether by bicycle or on foot.

Looking down on Oslo city

Biking in the Oslo forests in December

As you can see from the picture, it is possible to rent off-road bikes at Oslo sommer park at Tryvann. Oslo Sommerpark is at the top of the Holmenkollen hill. In winter this is where you find many slalom/snowboard tracks while in summer it is a great starting place for cycling in the forests above Oslo. This is also where you find the beautifully situated Climbing Park with one of Scandinavia’s biggest and best rope courses

The Norwegian Folk Museum in Oslo (Norsk folkemuseum)

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is located at Bygdøy in Oslo and has an open-air museum with 160 historic buildings. One of the main attractions is Gol Stave Church which dates from around 1200. Indoor exhibits include Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art and Sami culture. There are temporary exhibits and activities for children all year.
Opening times:
In the winter half year, from September 15th – May 14th, the museum is open on weekdays 11:00 – 15:00 and at weekends from 11:00 – 16:00
In summer from May 15th – September the museum is open every day from 10:00 – 18:00
Open between Christmas and New Year from 11:00 – 15:00.
Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

By bus, take the 250 bus from Vollen to Nationaltheatret and then the number 30 bus towards Bygdøy, getting off at Folkemuseet. The journey should take one hour.

There is a large gift shop at the Folk Museum. Do be aware that the prices are very high, even for Norway.

Magic Ice, Oslo

Magic Ice is found in four towns in Norway (and also in Anchorage, Alaska, Copenhagen, Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland) The photos here were taken in Svolvær, in Lofoten in the North of Norway but the concept is much the same at each location. On entry you are given a warm robe and gloves as the temperature is several degrees below zero Celsius. Then a drink at the Ice Bar and afterwards you have fun wandering round the ice-blue rooms filled with ice statues.
The Oslo Magic Ice is right in the centre of Oslo.

Opening times:
Monday – Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00
Friday and Saturday till midnight.

Admission price is NOK 195,- which includes a welcome drink served in an ice glass and a winter poncho to wear in the exhibition hall. Children pay 50% and there are discounted prices for families and students

Oslo Town Hall (Oslo rådhus)

The City Hall, Oslo Rådhus, is situated in Pipervika, right by the harbour where the ferry boat from Vollen docks.
Oslo Rådhus has characteristic architecture, (known to the citizens as the blocks of goat cheese), artworks and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held on 10 December, and this all makes the City Hall one of Oslo’s most famous buildings. It was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. The roof of the eastern tower has a 49-bell carillon which plays every hour.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. From July 1st until August 31st, the City Hall is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During the summer the City Hall General Services offer free guided tours of the Oslo City Hall. The tours are held every day at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., from June 1 throughout August. Visitors are asked to meet at the bottom of the stairs in the City Hall.

In the picture, you can see the famous full rigged sailing ship, the Christian Radich which is often moored in the harbour just south of the City Hall.