Norway is famous for its fjords ‒ long, narrow inlets that stretch for miles through mountainous terrain ‒ and Oslo is no exception. The city sits at the northern end of the Oslofjord, 75-miles of steep, forested hills interspersed with harbors and coastal villages. An important trade route during the Middle Ages, it's now one of the country’s most popular destinations for fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Hikers can trek through the conifer forests around the fjord, along trails that lead to arctic lakes and panoramic views of Oslo and its surrounding countryside. There are also bicycle paths along the rocky shoreline. Cyclists can cruise from town to town, exploring farms, cafes, art galleries, and historic treasures such as the Havlystparken ‒ an enchanting garden with fairy tale landscapes about 30-40 minutes south of Oslo.
For a little solitude, hop a ferry and spend a day on one of the islands that dot the waters around the city. Have a picnic on the water's edge or bring your trunks and go for a swim. Norway might be known for its winter weather, but its summers are surprisingly warm. The Oslofjord also has some great beaches and the islands off the coast are some of the most popular swimming and sunbathing spots in the country.
Few European capitals provide this kind of access to the outdoors, but natural beauty isn’t the only reason for living in Oslo. The city’s strong economy and high quality of life continue to draw people from all over the world. If you’re curious about the Nordic lifestyle, here’s what Norway’s capital has to offer.
Norway has invested heavily in programs designed to raise its standard of living. These include:
Oslo also has an efficient and well-connected public transportation system made up of subways, buses, trams, and ferries. Service is not only fast. Tickets are transferable from one service to the next, for the convenience of passengers. The city has also constructed a number of walking and cycling paths linking the urban core to its surrounding neighborhoods.
Oslo has a resilient, diverse economy centered on finance, shipping, biotechnology, energy production, and software development, which has created a continuous demand for high-skill workers. Americans with the right education and background rarely have trouble finding a good job with a competitive salary.
But even though Oslo is one of the largest commercial centers in Northern Europe, residents don’t believe professional success should come at the expense of your personal life. People living in Oslo only work an average of 7.5 hours a day. Most companies offer at least five weeks (25 days) of paid vacation, in addition to parental leave, and allow employees to adjust their schedules to fit their needs ‒ giving them plenty of opportunities to pursue their hobbies, interests, and familial responsibilities.
In Oslo, winters are the coldest but coziest time of year, thanks to Kos. Similar to the Danish concept of “hygge,” Kos is a state of warmth, kindness, comfort, caring, and contentment. In order to cope with the long nights (Oslo only receives 5-6 hours of sunlight per day during December and January), people focus on living in the moment and spending time with loved ones. Warm blankets, flickering candles, hot chocolate, and traditional foods such as cinnamon buns, gingerbread cookies, and hot dogs add to the sense of well-being.
The concept is flipped on its head in summer. Rather than warmth and material comfort, Norwegians encourage each other to make the most of the long days by spending time outdoors with people close to them ‒ hiking, barbecuing, and having fun at the beach. Shared activities draw people closer, creating lasting memories that capture the joy of the season.
Like Stockholm and Copenhagen, Oslo is a multicultural city. Expats make up over a third of the population, which is spread out over fifteen local municipalities. These are largely self-governing, giving Americans a diverse range of living options.
Oslo’s housing is generally considered some of the best in the world. Norwegians take pride in their homes and work hard to maintain them. Though a house might be out of reach for most new arrivals, the city’s apartments are comfortable. Some are even furnished! A few of the city's most popular moving destinations include:
A peninsula close to the city center, Bygdøy is one of Oslo’s most prosperous neighborhoods. Though only a short distance from the city’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment districts, Bygdøy is quiet and subdued ‒ offering a suburban feel that has drawn a lot of families and retirees. Its houses are large compared to the rest of the city, with lawns, gardens, and inspiring views of the Oslofjord.
In addition to its homes and apartments, Bygdøy is also the site of Oscarhall, the royal summer palace constructed by King Oscar in 1852. Besides touring the main floor, visitors are allowed to roam the grounds, which contain a working farm with cows, pigs, hens, and ponies. Residents also have access to some of the city’s most popular beaches (Huk and Paradisbukta), as well as several prominent museums, such as:
Due to its location and extensive parkland, Bygdøy is also one of the few places in the city where you can encounter wild deer roaming the neighborhood. There are also several small cafes and coffee shops in the area, though some are closed during winter.
One of the newest neighborhoods in the city, Bjørvika was built atop an old container port and highway junction. Consisting mostly of modern, high-end apartments, it's one of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Oslo. The area is packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, as well as several major cultural attractions, such as:
The compact neighborhood contains several prominent footpaths and a pedestrian bridge that provide a convenient way to travel along the waterfront. A large swimming pier and saltwater pool provide a way to cool off during summer, while next door at Sørenga, you’ll find a floating sauna ‒ private cabins anchored just off shore where you can warm up on the open water.
Located along the city’s Harbor Promenade, these adjoining neighborhoods have some of the most sought after apartments in the city. Though the high cost of living makes affordability a challenge, a short look around will tell you why. Many of its buildings were designed by world-renowned architects such as Renzo Piano and the whole area is brimming with life.
In summer, people come to swim, boat, and kayak around the harbor. During winter, they flock to its award-winning restaurants, acclaimed comedy club, and international art museum (Astrup Fearnley Museum). They can tour the outdoor sculpture garden and the Nobel Peace Center, or go Christmas shopping at the rustic mall, constructed from an old, red-brick harbor building. Inside, there are specialty shops selling flowers, jewelry, shoes, watches, and vintage books, as well as designer brands from Sweden and Norway.
A trendy district that embraces the countercultural aesthetic, Grünerløkka attracts a younger crowd of students and aspiring professionals. In addition to its vintage shops and craft retailers, you can find all sorts of curiosities at the second hand markets that spring up in the parks every weekend. It’s also the place to go for global cuisine, including Thai, Japanese, and Pakistani street food ‒ as well as a delicious assortment of vegetarian and vegan options.
In June, the neighborhood hosts Picnic in the Park, an annual music festival with international and Norwegian acts playing on three different stages. Along with its two alternative theaters and independent art galleries, Grünerløkka has a thriving community of street artists who give the neighborhood an edgy, creative vibe.
Famous for its grand buildings, elegant apartments, and cobblestone streets, Frogner is one of Oslo’s most prestigious and desirable neighborhoods. In addition to its premium real estate, the area also boasts top-rated restaurants and high-end fashion and furniture stores, where you can find a range of Scandinavian chairs, sofas, beds, lighting, and accessories.
But even though the area contains Norway’s Royal Palace, the biggest draw is Frogner Park, the largest park in Oslo. Originally a private manor, its green lawns and shaded walkways are perfect for picnics, barbeques, and pleasant strolls. There are also jogging paths and badminton courts, as well as 200 bronze, granite, and iron statues by celebrated sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The extensive gardens contain over 14,000 plants from 150 species and the largest collection of roses in the country.
Oslo is a big city, but covers a surprisingly small area, only 175 square miles (roughly the same as San Jose) so the housing market is fairly competitive. For this reason, Americans searching for a single-family home often chose to live out in suburban neighborhoods such as Holmekkollen and Ullern, where prices are lower, and ride the train into work every day.
While the city center offers more entertainment options, the city’s outlying communities have plenty of parks, shops, and cafes as well ‒ though they’re less walkable, forcing residents to rely on cars rather than public transit in order to get around. However, many find the slower pace of life soothing, especially if they’re drawn to the outdoors or raising children.
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