Oslo, Norway

03 | The Photo Spots

Akershus Fortress

Right in the heart of the city but still peaceful, Akershus Fortress is where Oslo's medieval roots are most visible. It sits above the harbour with winding cobbled paths, thick stone walls, arched gates and views across the Oslofjord. You can walk freely around the grounds, and it's especially quiet early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Tip: probably a great place for sunset, with amazing views over the city. It's on a hill, so bear that in mind if you're carrying a suitcase or a heavy backpack.

Oslo Opera House

One of the city's most iconic modern landmarks, and the best part is that you can walk on it. The sloping white marble roof rises straight out of the harbour and gives you panoramic views over the water and skyline.

Tip: climb to the top for views over the city, or go across the water for the perfect photo of the building.

Royal Palace

At the end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main boulevard, the Royal Palace is grand without being over the top, and it's a great place for a walk even at night. It's worth stopping by for the Changing of the Guard, a short but formal ceremony with the guards marching in front of the palace with perfect precision.

Tip: the guard change happens daily around 1:30 PM. For night photos, go just after sunset, during blue hour, when the blue sky contrasts beautifully with the yellow lights.

Stortingsparken

This area feels like Oslo in miniature: green, elegant and full of character. Stortingsparken is the park between the Parliament building and the Grand Hotel. Locals relax here and street musicians play nearby. It's one of the most popular places in Oslo, so you'll probably pass through at different times of the day.

Tip: just before sunset, the tops of some buildings get "kissed" by golden light.

Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)

From the outside, City Hall is all sharp lines and red brick, kind of brutalist and kind of beautiful. Step inside and it completely flips: the grand hall is covered in huge murals, polished marble and tall windows that flood the space with light. It's also where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year.

Tip: it's free to enter, and I recommend walking around inside. It's an incredible building.

Oslofjord Boat Trip

One of the best ways to see Oslo is from the water. A boat trip gives you a completely different perspective of the city and its surroundings. There's no single landmark here, just the views you get from the boat.

Tip: I recommend this boat trip. Bring a zoom lens (at least 70-200mm or equivalent) for close-up details.

Norsk Folkemuseum

One of the most unexpected highlights of my trip. The Norsk Folkemuseum is an open-air museum where you can walk through Norwegian history, with over 150 historic buildings, from old timber farmhouses to reconstructed townhouses and folk shops. Get your tickets here.

Tip: when I visited, some of the shops inside (like the bakery, where a lady was making bread) only took cash or their own vouchers.

Where to Eat: Vippa

If you're looking for a bite between photo stops, I highly recommend Vippa, a waterfront food hall full of street food vendors from around the world. It's relaxed and full of locals, and when the sun is out it has amazing views of the harbour.