OSLO has been named European Green Capital for 2019, and the city has many green plans in the pipeline that confirm its status as a pioneer in sustainable development. Oslo is proud to be a city that puts the environment first.
But you don't have to wait until 2019 to find eco-frIendly activites in Oslo. Whether you are seeking environmentally friendly travel options, enjoy organic eating or simply like spending time outside, there are plenty of ways to enrich your Oslo visit with a green touch.
Explore great alternative places in your running shoes! Here are some hidden spots and some famous attractions worth visiting during your stay in Oslo:
Cultural institution dedicated to art and urban agriculture. Losæter is a green oasis located between construction sites and heavy traffic in Bjørvika/behind the Opera house and close to our finisher line. Losæter features an ancient grain field, a vegetable garden and a sculptural bakehouse - in the heart of the city!
The artist group Futurefarmers is behind Losæter, which offers activities from Flatbread Society, Oslo's City Farmer and Herligheten Community Garden, among others.
At the once industry-heavy bank of the river Akerselva (80 km participants run up along this river), one of Oslo's most interesting new city development projects, called Vulkan, has come to life.
Innovative, eco-friendly architecture defines this neighbourhood, which, among other sustainable features, has a local energy centre with 300-metre deep geothermal wells, and an office building with an exterior that is visually defined by its extensive solar water heating system.
Vulkan brings together a multitude of people and enterprises, and the area comprises two hotels, schools, Oslo's first food hall, office spaces, cultural venues, restaurants, and apartments. In 2014, Vulkan also welcomed urban bees to two large beehives designed by Snøhetta architects (also designed the Oslo Opera House):
Bruket Oslo is part of the so-called Landbrukskvartalet, an upcoming agricultural district. On the same street as Bruket, you'll find other interesting projects within food, environment, urban development, tech, culture and music.
Bruket Oslo is a culture spot located in the neighbourgood of Grønland. It houses a bar, café, stage and event facilities.
Bruket serves lunch during the day, and cheese, cured meats and other kinds of produce in the evening. They also offer coffee from local roasters, beer from Norwegian producers, drinks made with house-grown ingredients, nature wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
The stage at Bruket hosts concerts, release parties, DJs, presentations of various food producers and other kinds of events.
Address: Schweigaards gate 34 C
Vippa Oslo is a new eco-food, culture and education centre located at the edge of Vippetangen, just 300 meters before our finisher line. Vippa offers food and drinks in great surroundings as well as afterwork, concerts, lectures and other exiting events. Vippa Oslo is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 am to 9 pm.
Eatery in a charming backyard with tables outdoors and indoors.
Everything at Kolonihagen is made from scratch using mostly local ingredients without any kind of preservatives, all organic.
Address: Frognerveien 33
Vegan restaurant in the middle of Oslo city (near the National theatre) with an organic-first, local-first approach and dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Reuben Waller.
Nordvegan's aim is to serve healthy food with a low environmental footprint, and is working towards becoming completely carbon neutral.
Everything at Nordvegan is made from plants alone, and the restaurant offers a wide range of gluten-free and sugar-free dishes. Menu options change every day and may include a plant-based lasagne, mushroom Wellington, salads, raw cakes and pastries.
The food can be enjoyed in the restaurant, or taken away for lunch or for a full evening meal.
Address: Kristian IVs gate 15 B
Informal restaurant with just one table where 24 guests can sit together and eat the same food.
This place has plenty of room for good conversation with old and new friends!
The menu at Ett Bord ("One Table") is based on local organic products, season.
On Monday through Thursday one dish is served for lunch and one for dinner. On Fridays and Saturdays a three-course meal is served at two fixed table settings.
Take-away available in single and family portions. Outdoor tables in summer.
Address: Ruseløkkveien 3
Popular meeting spot open from early until late. Food around the clock.
3 floor house filled with debates, concerts, dancing, bars, lectures, games (ping pong and more) and an open co-working space.
Address:Youngs gate 6 - in the heart of the city
Sculpture park in the Frogner Park with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) in bronze, granite and cast iron, including The Angry Boy (Sinnataggen in Norwegian), The Monolith (Monolitten) and The Wheel of Life (Livshjulet).
Vigeland was also responsible for the design and architectural outline of the park, which is one of Norway's top tourist attractions, with more than one million annual visitors.
The park is free to enter at all times, all year round. Local runners and tourists here!
A well-kept secret and a truly alternative attraction in Oslo is the mausoleum of Emanuel Vigeland, little brother of Vigeland Park sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
The building's main attraction is a dark, barrel-vaulted room completely covered with frescoes. The 800-square-metre painting VITA ("LIFE") conveys dramatic scenes of human life from conception to death.
Emanuel Vigeland constructed the building in 1926 to house his paintings and sculptures, but decided later that the building would serve as his tomb. All windows were walled up, and his ashes were to rest in an urn above the door. In line with his Italian idols, Emanuel called the building Tomba Emmanuelle.
The museum's telephone is only serviced during opening hours on Sundays.
Address: Grimelundsveien 8
Sculpture and national heritage park with a strong international art collection surrounded by beautiful scenery with many spectacular lookout points.
Ekebergparken is always open, and is free to visit. Local runners and tourists here!
One of the main works of Norwegian modernist architecture. Originally planned as a private home for finance broker and art lover Rolf M. Stenersen and his family, Villa Stenersen is now a meeting place for the fields of architecture and design.
The villa was designed I 1939 by Arne Korsmo, one of Norway's most renowned architects. Villa Stenersen is a clear example of how he interpreted and applied the international architectural ideas of his time. In 1974 it was given to the Norwegian government.
The villa was home to numerous works from Rolf Stenersen's art collection. On display now are contemporary artworks on loan from the private collection of Sten Stenersen jr.
Public tours in Norwegian/English on Sundays at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm in the summer season. Directions/map.
More to come!..
