However many followers you have on Instagram, entertain them with fantastic pics of all the amazing attractions Oslo has to offer.
This comprehensive collection of scenes includes the most popular and unavoidable in the capital, and these are natural highlights of your city trip - whether you plan to take photos or not. Once you get there, you will no doubt be tempted to take a few selfies. So have your camera at the ready!- 1
The Royal Palace
No filter needed for this royal residence
- Couples
- Families
- History
- Photo
Oslo's Royal Palace is a magnificent yellow, white and pale green building, and has been Oslo's finest residence since its completion in 1849. It has been home to both Swedish and Norwegian regents ever since, and ever since the dissolution of the union, this is where the royal family stand and wave to children's trains from the city's schools on Constitution Day.
Get here at the right time and you can join one of the many tours led by knowledgeable guides. You'll see more glitz and gold here than anywhere else in Norway!
Location: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Map - 2
Karl Johans gate
A street that can fill an entire camera roll
- Food
- Nightlife
- Photo
- Shoppers
A walk along Karl Johans gate is something most locals do often and without even batting an eyelid. But if you have some spare time and a healthy dose of curiosity, you'll find endless inspiration here and opportunities to hone your photography skills. Here you have buildings from the 19th century, colourful shop windows, the Storting, entertainers on Egertorget and much more for you to document.
If you like to take pictures of other people, it is polite to ask for permission first, but most people accept this with a smile.
Location: Karl Johans gate, 0162 Oslo, Norway
Map - 3
Opera House
A building impossible to miss
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
The Opera House, designed by the Snøhetta architects, is one of the most easily recognisable buildings in Oslo, and especially in the relatively new district of Bjørvika. The long white lines and the fact that you can walk around on the roof make this a paradise for amateur photographers.
The building is both modern and traditional at the same time, and offers some great angles and lighting. And if you're lucky enough to get to walk around inside, there are also plenty of great photos to be had here.
Location: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Open: Monday-Saturday: 11.00-16.00. Sunday: 12.00-16.00. The roof is always open.
Phone: +47 21 42 21 21
Map - 4
Aker Brygge
Shopping, restaurants and selfies in one
- Families
- Food
- Photo
- Shoppers
Aker Brygge is a modern shopping area with many cosy restaurants facing out towards the harbour. If you want to take photos here, focus on the people, statues and all the expensive boats that line the quay. Until Aker Brygge became what it is today, it was a place dominated by heavy industry, and the alleyways and the area under the facade still harbour remnants of the bygone era.
Take the opportunity to explore the many exciting details this place has to offer, and get ready to receive plenty of "likes"!
Location: Aker brygge, 0250 Oslo, Norway
Map - 5
Holmenkollen
The magnificent sports arena is camera-friendly whatever the season
- Families
- Photo
A small metro ride up the hill to the west takes you to the national arena for skiing and the wonderful, spectacular and rather awe-inspiring Holmenkollbakken. The entire area up here is beautiful and worth seeing, so don't just take pictures of the ski jump - even though this is very impressive.
The ski museum, the forest, Holmenkollen chapel, Holmenkollen Park Hotel and the ski stadium are all worthy backdrops for group photos or selfies. Allow plenty of time to spend there and enjoy how the light changes throughout the day.
Location: Kongeveien, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Map - 6
Tjuvholmen
Hipper than Aker Brygge, closer than you think
- Couples
- Luxury
- Photo
Tjuvholmen is directly connected to Aker Brygge but has a completely different look and feel to its big brother, which has more of an 80s vibe to it. This is home to the Astrup Fearnley Museum and it is surrounded by art and wonderful modern architecture.
Tjuvholmen also has a cosy little beach and views of the headland, with the town hall, the fjord ferries and Bygdøy all being within easy reach. A trip up to the Tjuvtitten observation tower also provides some great photo opportunities and an amazing view.
Location: Albert Nordengens Plass, 0125 Oslo, Norway
Map - 7
Grünerløkka
Working class district that put Oslo on the map
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
- Shoppers
With everything from state-of-the-art glass and concrete buildings to cosy traditional working-class homes, Grünerløkka is the perfect place for those who like to capture daily life on camera.
Here you will see young families with prams and urban hipsters rubbing shoulders with workers and company directors, and on a summer's day, "Løkka" offers plenty of lovely photo opportunities. Be sure to stop by one of the many pleasant restaurants to keep your energy levels up, or enjoy a much-needed pit stop in the green park.
Location: Grünerløkka, 0560 Oslo, Norway
Map - 8
Oslo K
Popular café with a new take on green fingers
- Families
- Food
- Photo
Oslo §K is an office community that is so much more than just freelancers sitting hunched over their computers. The place has one of the most beautiful café facades on Vestkanten, as well as friendly and smiley staff. Refill? Enjoy endless refills of both hot drinks and inspiring photo opportunities.
Don't forget to take a selfie in front of the facade at both short and long distance, so you have everything you need to update your news feed several times!
Location: Jacob Aalls gate 54, 0364 Oslo, Norway
Open: 10.00-16.00
Phone: +47 471 71 233
Map - 9
Amerikalinjen
Accommodation, restaurants and photo opportunities aplenty
- Couples
- Luxury
Amerikalinjen is located in the old offices of Den Norske Amerikalinje, which used to run the ships that, for a long time, were the only way to cross the Atlantic. Although the ships and regular service are long gone, the building has been converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant with plenty of historical memories.
Drop by for a cup of coffee or a full-on culinary experience, and get ready to fill your memory card with the most historically interesting photos this side of the Atlantic.
Location: Jernbanetorget 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Phone: +47 21 40 59 00
Mapphoto by Olav Helland (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
- 10
Østensjøvannet
Fresh air and a fantastic bird life– within easy reach
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Østensjøvannet is a nature reserve popular with all permanent residents in the surrounding area. Whether you just like to capture nature on camera or have a keen interest in photographing rare birds and animals, Østensjøvannet is the place for you.
The area is well served by public transport. Both bus and metro take you here from the city centre in just 15-20 minutes outside rush hour, and although there are no restaurants in the reserve itself, the shopping centre with a café is within each reach. The perfect place to stop and look over your photos.
Location: 1187 Oslo, Norge
Map