10 Best Parks in Oslo

Frogner Park is more than just one park. This joined up park area extends from Kirkevegen to Thune and attracts both locals and tourists, albeit perhaps to different neighborhoods.

Skøyenparken and Frognerparken are large, open green neighborhoods popular with dog walkers, runners and people enjoying picnics. Gustav Vigeland's sculpture park is also located in the center of the park and attracts visitors from all over the city. And you'll also find a playground, restaurants and - on the outskirts - a stadium and outdoor bathing facilities.

With over a million visitors a year, the Vigeland Park within Frognerparken is one of Norway's most visited tourist attractions. And with good reason: the sculptures that Gustav Vigeland erected here over a 20-year period in the last century are both fascinating and photogenic.

From the port at the main entrance to the park in Kirkeveien, up past the Monolitten masterpiece and to the end of the park is just under 850 meters. On this stretch you will be able to see 214 different sculptures created by Vigeland for this park - a work that took over forty years, until the artist's death in 1943.

The Royal Palace is located at the end of Oslo's parade street, Karl Johan. The building is surrounded by Slottparken, a pleasant area that is open to everyone - around the clock.

The part that slopes down toward Drammensveien is called Dronningparken, and is the only place where some outdoor neighborhoods are sealed off. On the other side of the park - toward Parkveien and Wergelandsveien - you can often find exhibitions of outdoor art installations. This is perhaps the most popular among visitors, while Oslo's permanent residents have their own fascination with the neighborhoods that point down toward the city centre. This is because it is full of cozy little nooks, which are particularly perfect for when you're on a date.

Grünerløkka is surrounded by open neighborhoods, with Sofienbergparken in the east being the largest of these. With vast grassy neighborhoods shaded by beautiful trees, Sofienbergparken is the perfect place for a picnic.

At the east end of the park is Sofienberg church, and right next to it you can also visit the old Jewish cemetery in the city. There are exciting photo opportunities for anyone who likes action photos of dogs playing, children running and people enjoying themselves. It's easy to make new friends in Sofienberg Park.

Grünerløkka is one of the districts that was incorporated into Oslo in the middle of the 19th century, and the buildings were from then on built in brick. This gives the whole area a neat, angular feel, which is also repeated in the parks.

Birkelunden is the highest of the parks on the "Løkka" itself, and nicely laid out in three blocks. The park has a fountain, a music pavillion and some lovely patches of grass. Several flea markets, concerts and general markets are held here throughout the year, which are highly popular with the locals in the surrounding area. And you are guaranteed to love them too!

The slope between Ekebergsletta and the Old Town has for a long time been a popular place for city residents to reach higher altitudes and to stretch their legs. And now they have even more reasons to go there.

After decades of neglect, the Ekeberg restaurant has finally been restored to a place of pride, which has meant an upgrade to the surrounding green area too. The place is now a unique green area, with endless eye-catching and interesting sculptures. You can of course just come here for a walk, but do bring your camera to capture some of the intriguing works of art.

After a long time as Aker Brygge's overlooked younger brother, Tjuvholmen has finally found its place among the must-see sights in Oslo. Whether you want to hit the beach or take in the exhibitions at the Astrup Fearnley Museum, the sculpture park on Tjuvholmen is less than a stone's throw away.

The small grassy site is perfect for enjoying a simple lunch from one of Aker's many restaurants that offer take-aways, but the sculptures here can be enjoyed just on their own. Summers tend to get busy, but in winter this place really becomes magical.

Finnmarksgata runs from the Old Town to Carl Berner's Square, and large parts of the road section are flanked by Tøyen Park on the right. Since becoming less accessible to heavy traffic, the park has enjoyed a real boost.

Tøyen Park is probably best known as the location of Norway's most internationally renowned music festival, Øya Festival, which began in 2014. But there is more to Tøyen Park than just partying and fun. At the southernmost end of the park is a very popular sports field, while the eastern corner is home to the ever-popular Tøyenbadet (closed 2020–2023).

This is probably more of a place to stop to look at life than a park, but Studenterlunden is still one of the city's most popular places for workers wanting a quick break or to enjoy their lunch outside in the fresh air.

With the National Theater and the Storting at either end of the park, Studenterlunden and Spikersuppa are neighborhoods everyone in Oslo is connected to in some way. During the winter, a number of events are held here, including the Christmas market, ice rink and more. Summer is a time for open-air concerts, but the area is also kept open so that you can take a well-deserved breather with a coffee and fresh bun, or maybe some treats for the many small birds.