Situated at a small bay at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo City Hall brims with color, charm and history. Inaugurated in 1950, it houses the city council and administration, and it’s the site of the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony held each year in December. Did you know it’s also home to some of the city’s most extraordinary artwork that the public can view for free? In the September issue of Viking, we celebrate the art and architecture of Oslo City Hall and how it reflects Norwegian history, values and traditions. When you’re in the area, check out these other nearby destinations.
1. Known for its pizza, Teatro Terrasse opened in 2015 as a sister to the highly successful and widely loved Restaurant Teatro. With a selection of Nordic-inspired ingredients and innovative pizza toppings, guests will enjoy a memorable meal in an eclectic ’70s-themed atmosphere, whether dining indoors or on the cheerful sunny terrace outside.
Image Credit: teatroterrasse.no
2. Oslo Concert Hall is a must-see for music lovers and theater fans. The venue has a modern, sleek exterior with a glass wall facing the water, while the interior boasts an upscale restaurant and two performance halls—one with 266 seats and the other with 1,404 seats. Oslo Concert Hall has hosted orchestras, singers and shows, offering entertainment for a range of interests.
Image Credit: oslokonserthus.no
3. Sørenga Seawater Pool is a recreational area open all year. In the summer, locals and visitors flock to the large pool with seawater from the Oslofjord. The swim area has a sandy beach, large pier extending over the water, children’s pool and diving tower. This spot is open during the winter as well, when people come to ice swim and take saunas.
Image Credit: visitnorway.com
4. Located in central Oslo, the National Theatret is designed to be a gathering place for the community, reflecting the identity of Oslo. The venue hosts all kinds of performances. Take the guided tour to learn about the theater’s history and architecture.
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5. If you’re a meat-lover, Brasilia is a Brazilian restaurant experience sure to delight. Just steps away from Oslo City Hall, the popular restaurant serves guests up to 14 different varieties of meat, complemented by a buffet with ample side choices.
Image Credit: brasilia.no
6. Founded in 1912, Chat Noir is a cabaret and revue theater that has a rich history of noteworthy Norwegian and internationally-known actors. Guests can enjoy food and drinks during the show, ordering from one of the bars outside the hall or having food brought to them while watching poetry, musical and comedy performances.
Image Credit: chatnoir.no
7. Oslo Street Food is a popular food hall in the city center featuring 16 food stalls and four bars. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends and nosh on Mediterranean, Korean, Filipino and other international cuisine. The hall has extensive indoor and outdoor seating, and embraces eco-friendly practices at every level—opting for sustainable materials and sourcing food locally.
Image Credit: oslo-streetfood.no