Harbour promenade: Opera to Tjuvholmen: a walk in Oslo

The new waterfront from Bjørvika to Tjuvholmen: walk on the Opera roof, peek into Munch and the library, then follow the harbour past the fortress to City Hall and the art museum at the tip of Tjuvholmen.

Best time: Late afternoon into sunset, any season

The route, stop by stop

1
The Tiger sculpture
Meet at the bronze tiger; 5 min.
The 4.5-metre bronze tiger outside Oslo S nods to the city's old nickname 'Tigerstaden'; it is the city's standard meeting point.
2
Oslo Opera House
Walk up the marble slope; 25 min.
Snøhetta's marble-clad opera slopes into the fjord so you can walk right up onto its roof for a free view over Bjørvika and the islands.
3
Deichman Bjørvika public library
Free top-floor view and toilets; 15 min.
The main public library, praised for its interior design and views; locals use it as a free living room.
4
Oslo Badstuforening floating saunas (Sukkerbiten, Langkaia)
See or book a sauna session; 5-90 min.
A volunteer-run nonprofit sauna association voted Oslo's best association by residents; locals sweat, jump into the fjord (even with ice floating) and repeat, right below the…
5
Vippa
Snack on the quay; 30 min.
A harbour-front food hall at Vippetangen with stalls from many cuisines and fjord views; locals come for the laid-back quay at sunset.
6
Akershus Fortress
Free ramparts with fjord views; 30 min.
The castle and fortress on the harbour headland: free ramparts with views over the fjord, plus the Resistance Museum and Armed Forces Museum inside the walls.
7
Oslo City Hall
Murals in the main hall (free, until 16:00); 20 min.
The brick city hall where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held; the free main hall is covered in huge murals.
8
Astrup Fearnley Museet
Free sculpture park and swim spot at the tip; 20 min.
Renzo Piano's contemporary art museum at the tip of Tjuvholmen, with the free Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park beside it.

Walking directions

Harbour promenade: Opera to Tjuvholmen

The route, stop by stop

More walks in Oslo