Hidden Gems in Oslo: 7 Real Insider Tips

Sørenga Sjøbad: Public Swimming Spot

The Sørenga Sjøbad isn’t exactly one of the hidden gems in Oslo — it’s very popular and gets crowded in summer. Still, most tourists don’t have this Oslo highlight on their radar.

The Sjøbad is a swimming area in the sea. There’s a diving tower, plenty of space to sunbathe, barrier-free access to the water, and a small sandy beach that’s perfect for families.

The best way to get there on foot is to start at the Opera House and follow the Havnepromenaden (Harbor Promenade). Along the way, you’ll cross a bridge that’s more of a floating pier stretching out over the sea — and from here you get a fantastic view of the Oslofjord.

If you’re visiting Oslo in summer, pack a towel and head to Sørenga Sjøbad. Taking a dip in the sea makes for a seriously refreshing break from sightseeing.

And the best part: admission is free. By the way, Sørenga Sjøbad is also hugely popular in winter — for ice bathing!

Oslo Badstuforening: Sauna in the Heart of Oslo

Saunas are a staple of everyday life in Scandinavia, so it’s no surprise you’ll find them all over the city.

Our pick for saunas in Oslo is the Oslo Badstuforening Sukkerbiten. The location of the Oslo Badstuforening is brilliant — just a few steps from the Munch Museum and the Opera House.

Sukkerbiten has eight different saunas to choose from. There’s also a diving tower and plenty of spots where you can jump straight into the sea after your session. As a non-member, you’ll pay around 17 euros for 1.5 hours.

Saunas in Norway are worth it year-round, not just in winter. Water temperatures this far north are often so cold even in summer that you’ll be glad to warm up in a sauna before taking the plunge.

Note: In Oslo and throughout Norway, you wear swimwear in the sauna — unlike in Germany, where going nude is the norm.

Trettenparken: Harbor Area with a Playground

The harbor promenade in Oslo’s Aker Brygge neighborhood is one of the city’s main attractions. But just a short walk from the very touristy Aker Brygge, you’ll find one of our favorite off-the-beaten-path Oslo spots: Trettenparken!

Trettenparken (on Google Maps) is a relatively uncrowded harbor promenade in Filipstad that’s great for a leisurely stroll. There’s an outdoor gym and plenty of seating where you can watch the athletes work out or take in the activity of the harbor.

The highlight for families is the playground at the end of the promenade, where remnants of seafaring have been transformed into play equipment. Older kids can let loose at Skur 13, an indoor skate hall.

Our tip: At the far end of Trettenparken you’ll find The Oslo Tree, a truly unique attraction. The 14-meter-tall tree is an art installation featuring 150,000 glowing LEDs — a seriously great photo spot at sunset.

SALT Art & Music: Street Food, Sauna, and Events

SALT Art & Music is a true multi-tasker: event venue, street food market, cinema, and sauna club all in one — and somehow even more than that. You can watch a movie, hit the sauna, and lounge in a hammock with a view of the Opera House across the water, all at the same time.

We found the mix incredibly exciting — we easily spent several hours here.

SALT reminded us a little of Berlin — a cool blend of hip and DIY. One of those secret spots in Oslo that’s hard to put into a single category, but absolutely worth your time.

Fiskeriet: Great Fish to Eat

Dining out in Oslo is expensive, so it’s worth choosing carefully. We tried several fish restaurants in Oslo, and Fiskeriet at Youngstorget impressed us the most.

The place is fairly small and always packed. With a bit of luck and a short wait, you can usually snag a table without a reservation. The menu covers everything you’d expect: fish soup, salmon tartare (highly recommended!), mussels, and classics like Fish & Chips.

There’s also a small fresh fish counter in the shop — if your Oslo accommodation is a self-catering apartment, it’s well worth picking up some delicious fresh fish here.

Our tip: If your travel budget is running low but you’re still craving fish, order Fish & Chips as takeout and eat it at Youngstorget. The battered fish is fantastic and takeout is significantly cheaper.

Akerselva: River Through Oslo

The Akerselva is a river that originates in the lake Maridalsvannet in northern Oslo and flows all the way into the city center.

Along the banks of the Akerselva you’ll find plenty of nature and tranquility, but also art, culture, and a lively club scene. A walk along the Akerselva gives you a real sense of the many different faces of the city — and it’s one of those off-the-beaten-path Oslo experiences that most visitors completely miss.

You’ll pass several lovely bridges and parks, and even a waterfall — the Vøyenfallene. The path heading upstream is especially steep there. On a bike, you’ll have no choice but to walk it. It’s actually so steep that you’d be better off walking your bike downhill too.

Our tip: If you want to ride along the Akerselva by bike, take the subway to Nydalen station and ride downstream toward the city center. That way you avoid the tough climbs, which are seriously sweaty work.

We did the route the other way around, and yes — it was a real workout. But totally worth it!

Nydalen Badeplass: River Swimming in Northern Oslo

If you loved tip number six, you’re sure to love this one too: the Nydalen river swimming spot (on Google Maps).

In the northern Oslo neighborhood of Nydalen, you can safely swim in the Akerselva. The Nydalen Badeplass is an official swimming area where you can swim with or against the current. It’s a blast!

There’s also a shallower section for kids, and plenty of areas to sunbathe all around.

Nydalen Badeplass is a true local favorite — very few tourists make their way out here. You’ll mostly be surrounded by locals. It can still get busy in summer, though.

The only downside: the water is cold. Even in summer! That doesn’t bother us, but for many people it takes some courage. On the bright side, entry is free!

If you work up an appetite after swimming, there are several restaurants nearby.

Our tip: The most scenic way to reach the swimming spot is the walk along the Akerselva. Faster and less strenuous is the subway — the Nydalen Badeplass is just a few steps from the subway station of the same name, Nydalen.