Often ranked at the very top of global living standards, Oslo is beautifully situated at the northernmost end of the Oslofjord. There’s a significant amount of well-preserved architecture in the city including its two-towered city Rådhus (pictured) built during World War II and The Royal Palace that still houses the Norwegian Royal Monarchy. Even more spectacular is the contemporary architecture that is redefining the downtown Aker Brygge neighborhood, as well as former industrial lands of Sørenga, Tjuvholmen, and Barcode.
Below is the MUST-SEE Architecture in Oslo. I hope you find it useful as you drive, walk or bike its historic streets (there’s a map at the bottom to guide you around). As you see with the date at the top, this list is always updating as new projects are completed. If you want to see your photo featured, hashtag #AVONTUURA on Instagram and we may use it.
Onwards!
Contemporary Architecture
Oslo Opera House
Located on the Bjørvika peninsula in heart of Oslo, the opera house designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snohetta features an iconic white-colored “Wave Wall” that extends directly into the harbor. Norwegian opera and ballet are deeply connected to its greater international community and by symbolically connecting the building to the water, the architects believed they were creating a physical bond between art and everyday life.
Practical Information
Architect: Snohetta
Built: 2008
Type: Opera House
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00am –7:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am –6:00pm, Sunday: 12:00am–6:00pm
Website: operaen.no/en/
Deichman Bjørvika Central Library
The international architecture competition to design Oslo’s new main library was won by Lundhagem and Atelier Oslo architects in 2009. The librarians wanted a house that would inspire visitors to explore all the new facilities and activities the modern library can offer. This motivated the architects to create an open and intriguing building in which you are constantly invited around the next corner, to discover new places. Read more here.
Practical Information
Architect: Atelier Oslo, Lundhagem
Built: 2020
Type: Library
Address: Anne-Cath, Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00am –8:00pm, Weekends: 10:00am –6:00pm.
Website: deichman.no/bibliotekene/
Astrup Fearnley Museum
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Built along the waterfront in Oslo’s Tjuvholmen neighbourhood, this Renzo Piano-designed building was inspired by a ship’s sail. It features a large, sail-shaped glass roof that covers the three buildings that make up the Astrup Fearnley Museum. The roof is supported by a number of steel columns and clad with weathered timber siding that further enhances the ship symbolism.
Practical Information
Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW)
Built: 1993
Type: Art Museum
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: 130 NOK
Website: www.afmuseet.no/
Munch Museum
Built along the waterfront in Oslo’s Tjuvholmen neighbourhood, this Renzo Piano-designed building was inspired by a ship’s sail. It features a large, sail-shaped glass roof that covers the three buildings that make up the Astrup Fearnley Museum. The roof is supported by a number of steel columns and clad with weathered timber siding that further enhances the ship symbolism.
Practical Information
Architect: estudio Herreros, LPO Arkitekter
Built: 2021
Type: Edward Munch Museum
Address: Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: $22.95
Website: www.afmuseet.no/
DNB Bank Headquarters
The new headquarters for Norwegian banking giant DNB is located in Oslo’s new Barcode district. Its principle architects, Dutch firm MVRDV used pixels as inspiration for the design to create flexible workstations and pockets of indoor and outdoor gathering areas. These gathering areas are spread out across the building and are connected by a transparent walkway that fosters meetings and interactions around the brick-clad building.
Practical Information
Architect: MVRDV
Built: 2012
Type: Office
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 30, 0191 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
MAD building
No building characterizes the barcode district quite like the MAD Building. Measuring only 11 meters wide and 15-storeys tall, this slender building only has six apartments on each floor. Each suite has access to southeast views of the water and the outer skin of anodized, perforated aluminum is moveable, allowing occupants to control their interior environment. At the top of the building, there is a green roof that is shared amongst the residents and offers spectaular views of the city and fjords beyond.
Practical Information
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2014
Type: Housing
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 18, 0191 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Bærum Kulturhus
About a 20-minute drive from Oslo’s historic center, no trip to the capital can be complete without a stop at this lesser-known cultural center by Norwegian design firm Snøhetta. The building’s design was intended to stitch together a disorganized civic space that includes Sandvika City Hall, it’s municipal offices and a bridge crossing a river. The theater features a large cantilevered rehearsal hall that doubles as a lobby and gallery space.
Practical Information
Architect: Snøhetta
Built: 2003
Type: Concert, Theater
Address: Claude Monets alle 27, 1338 Sandvika, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website: baerumkulturhus.no/
Oslo Airport Extension
The Oslo Airport extension achieved the world’s first BREEAM ‘Excellent’ sustainability rating for an airport building. The design is inspired by a Scandinavian rainforest and uses timber sourced from a nearby forest, and concrete mixed with volcanic ash.
Practical Information
Architect: Nordic Office of Architecture
Built: 2017
Type: Airport
Address: Edvard Munchs veg, 2061 Gardermoen, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: 24/7
Sørenga Sjøbad
Sørenga Sjøbad is a sprawling seawater pool and recreation area in Oslo’s new harbor district of Sørenga. The pool is open year-round for those brave enough to take a dip in the brisk, Oslofjord waters in February. If polar bear swims are not your thing, the Sjøbad also has a sauna to keep you warm and steamy.
Practical Information
Architect: LPO Arkitekter
Built: 2015
Type: Outdoor Pool
Address: 0194, Sørengkaia, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Cost: Free
Website: www.oslo.kommune.no
Sørenga Block 6
Sørenga Block 6 is part of the City’s larger redevelopment of the former Sørenga shipping area. Designed by MAD Arkitekter, the building is divided at the ground floor to create a diagonal path through the building, connecting residents with a giant central courtyard that bring in lots of natural light. The block’s form slopes down from the back towards the water to provide views of the harbor for its residents. The green roof has a unique zigzag pattern and large balconies allow residents a generous outdoor living area along the water.
Practical Information
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2015
Type: Housing
Address: 0150, Sørengkaia, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Fagerborg Kindergarden
The Fagerborg Kindergarden sits in the middle of one of Oslo’s older neighborhoods, built between 1900 and 1950. The city required the design of the kindergarten to be contemporary so that it stood out from its traditional neighbors, and both the client and architect agreed that it should also be playful. Designed by Reiulf Ramstad Architects, the building almost appears a new topography on the landscape. It’s a giant wood form with random windows that create a unique experience for the children playing inside of it.
Practical Information
Architect: Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Built: 2010
Type: Institutional
Address: Sophus Bugges plass, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Statoil Regional and International Offices
This remarkable building for Norwegian energy producer Statoil seeks to strengthen the company’s identity and relationship with the environment. Composed of five stacked, modular office blocks, the volumes are strategically angled to maximize connections to the immediate landscape, and offer views to the distant Oslo fjords beyond. By stacking the office blocks, the building reduces its building footprint and invite a new central atrium space where workers can gather and enjoy the interior space underneath a large glass atrium.
Practical Information
Architect: A-Lab
Built: 2013
Type: Offices
Address: Sophus Bugges plass, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Bøler Church
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The Bøler Church is best understood in section when you visit. Nestled into a gently sloping terrain outside the city, this religious building stretches itself between the hill’s plateau where the church hall is located, to the congregational hall on the ground floor and main chapel that’s actually dug into the base of the hill. The building’s material palette is simple. Its architects, Hansen-Bjørndal Arkitekter chose brick and glass for the interior and exteriors spaces, which are complemented with wood accents and natural lighting to give the spaces an inviting atmosphere.
Practical Information
Architect: Hansen-Bjørndal Arkitekter AS
Built: 2011
Type: Church
Address: General Ruges vei 51, 0691 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Holmenkollen
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Over a century ago, a Norwegian lieutenant propelled himself almost 10 meters into the sky and the sport of ski jumping was then said to have started. Since that time, Holmenkollen has developed into a historic place and hosted practically every major ski event including the 1952 Olympics. In 2005, the governing body of skiing determined that the existing facility no longer met their competitive standards and a new ski jump was conceived. Designed by Norwegian firm JDS Architects, the Holmenkollen Beacon is one of Oslo’s most-visited tourist attractions and it’s not hard to see why. It’s impressive silhouette gently curves away from the landscape and extends into the sky like a beacon to the clouds. A symbol for the value contemporary architecture can bring to a city, the very top offers the best panoramic views of the City.
Practical Information
Architect: JDS Architects
Built: 2010
Type: Ski jump
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Height: 60m
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website: www.skiforeningen.no/holmenkollen
Mortensrud Church
Located at the top of a small hill in the forest, the site of Mortensrud Church is a rugged topography consisting of scattered pine trees, a thin layer of moss, and exposed bedrock. Wanting to be respectful of the natural landscape, architects Jensen & Skodvin designed a church that was an extension of the earth. By only removing the top layer of soil, the building sits both comfortably and gracefully in its setting. The rocks become islands on the floors, and the trees stand proud of the roof.
Practical Information
Architect: Jensen & Skodvin Architects
Built: 2002
Type: Church
Address: Helga Vaneks Vei 15, 1281 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: kirken.no/kirkeneioslo
Talhall
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Practical Information
Architect: Pir II Oslo AS arch.
Built: 2011
Type: Office
Address: Henrik Mohns plass 1, 0313 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Paleet Shopping Center
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Located in the heart of Oslo’s oldest shopping district, this rejuvenation project by Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects seeks to transform the exclusive shopping experience that exists behind the building’s historic 1860’s facade. A rich color and material palette, combined with sensitive detailing seeks to give shoppers a feeling of exclusivity and quality.
Practical Information
Architect: JVA
Built: 2014
Type: Shopping mall
Address: Karl Johans gate 37 – 43, 0162 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Website: www.paleet.no/
Akrobaten Pedestrian Bridge
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Akrobaten is a 206-meter pedestrian bridge that connects the Grønland and Bjørvika neighborhoods at Oslo’s central train station. A combination of steel, glass, and colorful lighting, the bridge is a great place to take photos of the Barcode.
Practical Information
Architect: L2 Architects
Built: 2012
Type: Bridge
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate, 0191 Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Fokus Bank
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Located at one of Oslo’s most important central public spaces, the new addition to Fokus bank is an elegant, contemporary design intended to complement its neighboring building that was originally built in the 1890’s. The square is also close to Oslo’s National Theatre and Parliament.
Practical Information
Architect: Kristin Jarmund
Built: 2005
Type: Office
Address: Stortingsgata 6, 0120 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Exhibition Pavilion for the Architecture Museum
The original building on the property was designed by Cristian Grosch back in 1830 and built in Norway’s monumental Empire Style. When the building was vacated over a century later in 1990, in stepped legendary Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn who restored the building to its original state and designed a new architecture exhibition hall addition characterized by its concrete walls and horizontal glass louvers. Fehn is arguably most noted for his stunning Nordic Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
Practical Information
Architect: Christian Grosch (1830), Sverre Fehn (2005)
Built: 1830, 2005
Type: Museum
Address: Bankplassen 3, Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/visit/locations/the_national_museum__architecture/
Spikerverket
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Located on the site of a former nail factory, MAD Arkitekter designed this new office building using light and matt, natural, anodized aluminum to symbolize the design’s industrial history. Set against the reflective glass and a dark, lacquered metal frame, Spikerverket gives the property an updated identity filled with a rich geometrical composition.
Practical Information
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2012
Type: Office
Address: Nydalsveien 15, 0484, Oslo
Open to the Public: Unknown
Traditional Architecture
Oslo Rådhus
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Oslo City Hall (Oslo rådhus) was built between 1931 and 1950, with its construction interrupted by World War II. Designed by architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson, the building is characterized by its two red-brick towers 63 and 66 meters tall. The eastern tower has a giant clock set on the building as well as a set of 49 bells. Most notably, the building hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony which takes place every December.
Practical Information
Architect: Arnstein Arneberg, Magnus Poulsson
Constructed: 1931-1950
Style: Brutalism, Postmodern, Expressionist
Type: City Hall
Address: Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Storting Building
The Storting building is the seat of Norwegian Parliament and was established back in 1855. Designed by Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet, the building was inspired by French and Italian architecture and clad with yellow brick and granite detailing. The most notable feature of the design is the semi-circular debating chamber that is uncharacteristically located on the front facade.
Practical Information
Architect: Emil Victor Langlet
Constructed: 1860-1866
Style: Eclectic
Type: Parliament
Address: Karl Johans gate 22, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Akershus Fortress
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Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortress that was built to protect King Haakon V, back in the 13th century. It has never successfully been besieged with the exception of the government’s evacuation of Oslo to the Nazi’s in World War II. Following the war, the fortress was handed back to the government on the behalf of the Norwegian resistance movement and is still in military operation today.
Practical Information
Builder: King Haakon V
Constructed: 13th century
Type: Castle
Address: Festningsplassen 1, 0015 Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace or Slottet (as it’s called in Norwegian) was built in the early 19th century and houses the country’s monarch. It’s located at the end of Karl Johans gate in the center of the city and is surrounded by the Palace Park and fronted by the Palace Square. Be sure to take in the popular changing of the guards that happens daily.
Practical Information
Architect: Hans Linstow
Type: Palace
Built: 1849
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Cost: Free
Website: www.kongehuset.no/seksjon.html
National Museum
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The National Museum is a gallery housing part of Norway’s National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design. The building was constructed in 1882 and houses some of the country’s most important pieces of art including Edvard Munch’s The Scream and Madonna. In 2020, a new building is set to be completed by Kleihues + Kleihues.
Practical Information
Type: Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design
Built: 1882
Address: Universitetsgata 13, 0164 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: 140 NOK
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/
Villa Stenersen
Designed and built between 1937 and 1930, Villa Stenersen is generally regarded as one of the foremost examples of Norwegian functionalism. Built for art collector Rolf E. Stenersen and his family, architect Arne Korsmo designed the building to function as both a house for Stenersen’s family and a gallery for their art collection. The design features a lot of typical modernist features including a flat roof, polished white concrete, and a combination of steel and glass façade.
Practical Information
Architect: Arne Korsmo
Built: 1939
Type: Opera House
Address: Tuengen allé 10C, 0374 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/Villa+Stenersen
Viking Ship Museum
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The Viking Ship Museum is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo. It’s most famous for the Oseberg ship which was excavated from the largest known ship burial. The ship is widely regarded as one of the best-known artifacts of the Viking Era.
Practical Information
Type: Museum
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: 100 NOK
Website: www.khm.uio.no/besok-oss/vikingskipshuset/
Ekeberg Restaurant
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Ekebergrestauranten is a functionalist-styled restaurant that overlooks the city. Designed by modernist architect Lars Backer, the building features flat roofs, large windows, and a sprawling terrace. At its height, the restaurant was the most dining facility in the City.
Practical Information
Architect: Lars Backer
Built: 1929
Type: Restaurant
Address: Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 9:00pm
Website:www.ekebergrestauranten.com/
We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date information, locations, and opening hours whenever possible. It is recommended that you double-check any information that you may need to ensure your visit is a success.
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Architect: Hans Linstow
Type: Palace
Built: 1882
Address: Universitetsgata 13, 0164 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: 140 NOK
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/
Builder: King Haakon V
Constructed: 13th century
Type: Castle
Address: Festningsplassen 1, 0015 Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
Architect: Emil Victor Langlet
Constructed: 1860-1866
Style: Eclectic
Type: Parliament
Address: Karl Johans gate 22, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: MVRDV
Built: 2012
Type: Office
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 30, 0191 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Architect: Snøhetta
Built: Concert, Theater
Address: Claude Monets alle 27, 1338 Sandvika, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website: baerumkulturhus.no/
Architect: Hansen-Bjørndal Arkitekter AS
Built: 2011
Type: Church
Address: General Ruges vei 51, 0691 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: LPO arkitekter
Built: 2010
Type: Office
Address: Maridalsveien 17, 0175 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Architect: JDS Architects
Built: 2010
Type: Ski jump
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Height: 60m
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Website: www.skiforeningen.no/holmenkollen
Architect: Jensen & Skodvin Architects
Built: 2002
Type: Church
Address: Helga Vaneks Vei 15, 1281 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Website: kirken.no/kirkeneioslo
Architect: Pir II Oslo AS arch.
Built: 2011
Type: Office
Address: Henrik Mohns plass 1, 0313 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Architect: JVA
Built: 2014
Type: Shopping mall
Address: Karl Johans gate 37 – 43, 0162 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Website: www.paleet.no/
Architect: L2 Architects
Built: 2012
Type: Bridge
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate, 0191 Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: Kristin Jarmund
Built: 2005
Type: Office
Address: Stortingsgata 6, 0120 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Christian Grosch (1830), Sverre Fehn (2005)
Built: 1830, 2005
Type: Museum
Address: Bankplassen 3, Oslo
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/visit/locations/the_national_museum__architecture/
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2012
Type: Office
Address: Nydalsveien 15, 0484, Oslo
Open to the Public: Unknown
Type: Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design
Address: Universitetsgata 13, 0164 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: 140 NOK
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/
Architect: Arnstein Arneberg, Magnus Poulsson
Constructed: 1931-1950
Style: Brutalism, Postmodern, Expressionist
Type: City Hall
Address: Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Architect: Arne Korsmo
Built: 1939
Type: Opera House
Address: Tuengen allé 10C, 0374 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Sundays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.nasjonalmuseet.no/Villa+Stenersen
Type: Museum
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Daily: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: 100 NOK
Website: www.khm.uio.no/besok-oss/vikingskipshuset/
Architect: Lars Backer
Built: 1929
Type: Restaurant
Address: Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm – 9:00pm
Website:www.ekebergrestauranten.com/
Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW)
Built: 1993
Type: Art Museum
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: varies
Cost: 130 NOK
Website: www.afmuseet.no/
Architect: A-Lab
Built: 2013
Type: Offices
Address: Sophus Bugges plass, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Architect: Reiulf Ramstad Architects
Built: 2010
Type: Institutional
Address: Sophus Bugges plass, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: No
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2014
Type: Housing
Address: Dronning Eufemias gate 18, 0191 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: MAD Arkitekter
Built: 2015
Type: Housing
Address: 0150, Sørengkaia, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Architect: LPO Arkitekter
Built: 2015
Type: Outdoor Pool
Address: 0194, Sørengkaia, Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Cost: Free
Website: www.oslo.kommune.no
Architect: Nordic – Office of Architecture
Built: 2017
Type: Airport
Address: Edvard Munchs veg, 2061 Gardermoen, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: 24/7
Architect: Snohetta
Built: 2008
Type: Opera House
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Open to the Public: Yes
Hours: Monday–Friday: 10:00am –7:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am –6:00pm, Sunday: 12:00am–6:00pm
Website: operaen.no/en/
