Set in a natural amphitheater between forest and fjord, and cut across by the Akerselva River, Oslo’s fascinating urban patchwork sees functionalist civic buildings and industrial-age relics sitting cheek-by-jowl with striking Gothic churches and ornate 18th-century housing.
Meanwhile, a large-scale revamp of Oslo’s harbor is dramatically reshaping the city’s identity, with a skyline being transformed by statement-making projects like the angular, Snøhetta-designed opera house at its heart.
Pure architectural ogling aside, there are plenty of local attractions for the aesthetically minded to enjoy in this increasingly pedestrian- and bike-friendly city. A new wave of creatives are turning formerly unloved corners of the city into destinations for design, dining, and culture. Sorted from west to east, these are the sculpture parks, innovative galleries, cutting-edge retail, and hip harborside hangouts worth visiting right now.
Read More