NORDMARKA This is where the inhabitants of Oslo find their peace. Explore this vast forest area surrounding Oslo by foot, bike or on skis. Enjoy the view from Vettakollen or Frognerseteren, or have a picnic by Sognsvann or another one of the lakes. All easily accessible by metro. You are even allowed to put up your tent and spend the night in the forest if you want to.
PARKS AKER BRYGGE AND TJUVHOLMEN Aker Brygge and adjacent Tjuvholmen are lovely for a stroll by the sea, people watching or a swim (there is a city beach at the very end!) The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art is located here, you will recognize it from the characteristic building. Go somewhere else for food and drinks though, to afford the rest of your stay. Or bring a picnic and enjoy Tjuvholmen’s the best views for free, from the pier behind the museum.
As soon as the sun appears in spring, Norwegians flock to the many parks across the city. Nice ones include St.Hanshaugen (sometimes with concerts on the open air stage), Frognerparken (with the sculptural park Vigelandsparken), Sofienbergparken and the Botanical garden.
GRÜNERLØKKA Hip Grünerløkka has lots of restaurants, bars and cafees and attracts a lot of students. Grünerløkka is also the place to look out for small independent shops, as well as secondhand shops. Some of them are even open on Sundays, including a flea market in Birkelunden park and a handicraft/design market at Blå in Brenneriveien.
GRØNLAND
DESTINATION NORWAY
Head to Grønland (east of the city centre) to find international shops with fresh fruits and vegetables at lower prices. These shops may also have items from your home country, that may not be available in the main grocery stores.
SØRENGA Crossing a small walk bridge behind the Opera house, you will end up at Sørenga. At the very end there is an artificial city beach and several piers, perfect for swimming and hanging out on sunny days.
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ISLANDS Your student transportation ticket is also valid on public ferryboats, great for island hopping in the summer season. Jump on and off charming little islands at your own pace. Water temperatures can actually reach 22 degrees in summer, so bring your bathing suit!