Top 10 things to see in Oslo city center

28 Feb 2024 | Sightseeing

Ready to explore Oslo? The city has a rich history where culture, art and modernity converge in the heart of the city center. The city is compact and there lies an array of captivating attractions and must-sees, just waiting to be explored. Let us show you the top 10 must-see sights that are super central and all within walking distance from our hotel, K7 Hotel Oslo.

Top 10 things to see in Oslo city center, all with walking distances to K7 Hotel Oslo. Video by: Montage


1. The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott)

The Norwegian Royal Palace. Photo by: Montage
The Norwegian Royal Palace. Photo by: Montage

Explore the iconic Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarchs. Admire the façade and the Queens garden and the palace park that surrounds the palace. And if you’re lucky with the timing you might see the ceremony of changing of the royal guards.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 1300 meters or 0.8 miles
Website: https://www.royalcourt.no/


2. Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke)

Inside the church. Photo by: Den Norske Kirke
Inside the church. Photo by: Den Norske Kirke

The Oslo Cathedral is a must-visit landmark. Admire the neo-Gothic design and detailed interior, including stained glass windows and ornate altars, reflecting centuries of Norwegian heritage. Attend a service to get the cathedral’s full experience.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 500 meters or 0.31 miles
Website: https://www.kirken.no/


3. Akershus Fortress (Akershus festning)

The backyard of Akershus fortress. Photo by: Montage
The backyard of Akershus fortress. Photo by: Montage

Take a closer look at Oslo’s medieval past with a visit to Akershus Fortress, overlooking the picturesque Oslo fjord. Explore this ancient place with dungeons, ceremonial halls, a church, and panoramic views of the city skyline and waterfront. Join a guided tour to uncover tales of battles and sieges that shaped Norway’s history, or just walk around at your own pace and soak in all the details.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 550 meters or 0.34 miles
Website: https://www.forsvarsbygg.no/


4. The National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet)

The exterior of The National Museum. Photo by: Montage
The exterior of The National Museum. Photo by: Montage

Art enthusiasts will be delighted to visit the National Museum. It has a truly diverse collection of Norwegian and international masterpieces. Discover iconic works by Edvard Munch, including his renowned painting, “The Scream,” and admire other art pieces from various artistic movements and genres.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 900 meters or 0.55 miles
Website: https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/


5. Aker Brygge

Overview of the restaurant "Lekter'n" at Aker Brygge. Photo by: Lekter'n
Overview of the restaurant “Lekter’n” at Aker Brygge. Photo by: Lekter’n

What used to be the old shipyard area of Aker’s mechanical workshop, which was closed in 1982 has now been transformed into a lively area with shopping malls, restaurants, businesses and apartments. Aker Brygge is located next to the waterfront and has it’s own special vibe both night and day. Here you’ll find all sorts of restaurants that serves everything from traditional Norwegian cuisine and a range of international dishes. Aker Brygge also extends further towards Tjuvholmen. Here you can go for a swim if it’s a sunny day. There’s even a tiny artificial beach here.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 1100 meters or 0.68 miles
Website: https://www.akerbrygge.no/


6. The Nobel Peace Center (Nobels fredssenter)

Overview of the Nobel Peace Center
Overview of the Nobel Peace Center. Photo by: Rob Atherton

Gain insight into the pursuit of peace and humanitarian efforts at the Nobel Peace Center. Engage with interactive exhibits and thought-provoking displays honoring Nobel prize winners and nominees and their contributions to global harmony. Explore themes of conflict resolution, human rights, and environmental sustainability, and be inspired to become an agent of positive change in your own community and beyond.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 750 meters or 0.46 miles
Website: https://www.nobelpeacecenter.org/en


7. Karl Johans gate

Overview of Karl Johans gate looking up to the royal palace. Photo by: Montage
Overview of Karl Johans gate looking up to the royal palace. Photo by: Montage

Named after the former king of Sweden and Norway, King Karl Johan (1818-1844), Karl Johans gate is the main street in Oslo. Here you’ll find a long range of shops, cafés, boutique shops, souvenir stores, and several historic landmarks. In one end of the street you’ll find the Royal Palace, and in the other end there’s Oslo Central Station.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 300 meters or 0.18 miles
Website: https://osloisentrum.no/apningstider/karljohan/


8. City Hall (Rådhuset)

Overview of the Oslo City Hall
Overview of the Oslo City Hall. Photo by: Chunyip Wong

Oslo City hall opened in 1950 and is open to anyone who wants to take a look inside. Have a walk inside and get a good look at all the details of the architecture and art pieces. The walls are covered with art, and there’s even a Munch room. This room is often used for civil marriages. The City Hall tower is home to the largest carillon in the Nordics. You’ll hear the clocks playing tunes from the towers from far away .

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 750 meters or 0.46 miles
Website: https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/oslo-city-hall/3126/


9. The Munch Museum (Munchmuseet)

The exterior view of the Munch Museum and a facsimile of the scream painting.
The exterior view of the Munch Museum and a facsimile of the scream painting.

Visit the new museum of Munch, one of Norways most famous artists. The painter of the world renowned “Scream”. It’s one of the world’s most famous works of art, a universal symbol of anxiety, and even has its own emoji. Here are five keys to understanding Munch’s most celebrated motif. The new Munch Museum opened in October 2021 and has several floors to explore. At the top there’s a restaurant, bar and a magnificent view of the Oslo fjord. The view itself is worth the entrance fee, if you ask us.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 1100 meters or 0.68 miles
Website: https://www.munchmuseet.no/en/


10. The Oslo Opera House (Operahuset)

People walking on the roof of Oslo Opera house. Photo by: Montage
People walking on the roof of Oslo Opera house. Photo by: Montage

In 2008 Oslo got a new Opera House. It is situated in the newly developed area called “Bjørvika”, on it’s own little artifical island or extension if you can call it that, out in the Oslo Fjord. The angular architecture arising from the waters of the fjord have become well known around the world and the design is considered the keystone signature of the Oslo Opera House. The roof and exterior is covered in white italian marble. The entire roof is also walkable and open to anyone at anytime.

Distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 800 meters or 0.49 miles
Website: https://www.operaen.no/en/


Stay central

Overview of the exterior of K7 Hotel Oslo

Whether you’re drawn to its royal heritage, artistic treasures, or scenic waterfront, Oslo invites you to discover its myriad charms at every turn. So why not stay central so that you’ll have walking distances to it all?

K7 Hotel Oslo is a local downtown hybrid hotel and hostel in the heart of Oslo city. We offer modern rooms for all kinds of people, as well as dorms for backpackers and budget travelers.

Click here to check prices and book your stay now.

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