In our previous post, we shared a few general tips about what to see and do while in Oslo. In this post we have gathered tips from one of the locals! Our Nordic Summit volunteer Dennis Chi is giving his best tips about what to do while visiting Oslo. You will also find a few bonus tips in here, from a returning Nordic Summit speaker!

Tips from a local volunteer!

Let’s hear from Dennis Chi! Dennis gave us tips about everything from shorter walks in the city centre to go and be adventurous, how to get the best view over the city and to Oslo nightlife!

Walk in the city centre

Let’s start easy and for those wanting to explore the city:

This is for a sunny day and if you are up for memorable walks, the walk alongside Akerselva River from Grünerløkka to Nydalen. If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can go all the way up to the Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology in Frysja, which is also a small idyllic area. Opening hours at the museum on Sundays are 10-17.

Hike with a view

Grefsenkollen is a good place for an excursion to see the whole Oslo from above. You can take the tram there or T-bane from Oslo S to Storo and then change to bus 56 to “Trollveiskrysset”. From there it’s a 15 minutes walk up to the top of Grefsenkollen.

Another view from another montain is Vettakollen. You take the T-bane number 1 towards West, and get off at “Vettakollen”, then it is about 30-45 minutes walk to the top. The view is worth it!

Island hopping

Another thing you can do is to go island hopping in the Oslo Fjord. You can take the Ruter service from Aker Brygge/Rådhusplassen. You can also go to the Nesoddtangen to see the Oslo skyline. This can be combined with a walk or dinner at Nesodden, which is a small place just outside of Oslo.

Kayaking in the fjord

Kayaking for those who are not afraid of the a bit cold September: either along the fjord or along Akerselva and to the city centre. The Kayak rental closest to city center is Mad Goats! They offer tours in the fjord and beginner-level introduction kayak courses! So get ready for a fresh dip in the fjord!

Jump in the fjord with an outdoor sauna

The adventurous can also visit an outdoor sauna, and jump into the water next to the Opera House, either “Sukkerbiten” or “Langkaia”.

Oslo nightlife and dancing

You will find great nightlife along “Torggata” and all over Grünerløkka (Dennis suggest starting from the tram station “Olaf Ryes”).

In addition, all over Oslo there is great nightlife and places to visit:

• Raadhuset Bar is good for a group of people who want to combine activities such as darts, pool, Dance Dance Revolution, Mario Kart and drinks.
• Underground Golf Club is another tips, at Majorstua. You can play a round of mini golf in their VERY cool golf club, under ground for those over 20 y/o.
• One of Dennis’ favorites places to get cocktails from is the local bar “Three little birds” at Storo.
• In the city centre you can have amazing drinks and cocktails at HIMKOK and to go dancing at Jaeger.

Thank you Dennis for this introduction to the event city of Nordic Summit in 2024! So many great tips, If our attendees who traveled from distant places are here only for a short stay, they will now have inspiration for their next visit to Oslo! 😉

Bonus Tips!

This is not so much for the adventurous, this is more general and from a returning Nordic Summit speaker Nick Doelman! Nick has visited Oslo several times now and here follows his best Oslo sightseeing tips!

Nick recommends visiting the Akershus castle, which he finds really cool. We don’t have buildings like that in North America, he says. Akershus castle was built as an medival castle and later made into a fortress and royal recidence. You can go inside for a tour for a small fee, or wander the grounds on your own!

He also mentions The Viking Planet interactive experience, as well as going “Troll Hunting”. About Troll Hunting, “Ask a local”, he says mysteriously. Perhaps something to talk about at Nordic Summit, in between the technical discussions. We got the below picture from Nick and it’s from one of his walks around the castle.

Also see our post with general Oslo sightseeing tips. See you in Oslo! Happy Troll Hunting!

Featured picture are from the website Visit Norway and their page about Vettakollen.