It was unimaginable only a few years ago: To be able to walk along the Oslo harbour for almost 10 kilometres, with no interruptions. But now, shipyards, containers and heavy traffic have given way to pedestrian walkways, parks and comfy benches, and Oslo’s scenic harbour promenade is very much a reality.

The route ties together old and new parts of the city in a beautiful manner, with a plethora of experiences, big and small, to be enjoyed along the way.

Have you put on a comfortable pair of shoes? Then it’s time to start the journey.

Orange towers show the way

The harbour promenade is beautiful all year round, whether it is bathing in summer sun or covered in autumn leaves or a blanket of light snow. You can start at whichever end you'd like. 

Large orange information towers are set up at regular intervals along the whole promenade, to make sure you find your way.

The towers are decorated with art, and also hold boards with information on nearby attractions and the historic significance of the area.

Fjord life meets city life at Sørenga

Sørenga is a good place to start the trip: A brand new neighbourhood with great views to the city as well as the fjord. The district has become very popular with the Osloites, and is a perfect spot to enjoy the warm city summer with music, ice cream and a seawater pool.

The area is also a popular spot for kayaking, and features a 300-metre-long lit tunnel that provides access to the Akerselva river.

Walk onto the pedestrian bridge that leads towards the Opera, and you'll see how the new Oslo raises from the fjord. A spectacular sight, especially when you think about the fact that none of this even existed only a few years ago.

When you exit the bridge, you'll find yourself on a little island named Sukkerbiten ('the sugar cube'). Pay a visit to one of the area's floating saunas or the old boat MS Bjørvika, which has been turned into a fun bar. 

Munch and donuts in Oslobukta

We all get lost from time to time. Before you follow the orange towers towards the Opera, we recommend a little detour across the bridge to your right.

Here you'll have a prime view of the brand new Munch Museum and the playful and enchanting new houses in Bisbevika, quite unlike anything else in Oslo.

A tasty suggestion: Buy coffee and donuts at Talormade before you continue your journey.  

World-class architecture in Bjørvika

Now it's time to get back on track and take a closer look at some of Oslo's new landmarks: the Oslo Opera, Deichman Library and the high-rises known as Barcode. All of a sudden you find yourself surrounded by some of Oslo's world-renowned architectural gems, in a mighty cityscape that takes your breath away.

Stroll across the Opera roof, explore the library's art installations and humongous book collection, and take photos of the Barcode buildings' many intriguing nooks and crannies. 

Sauna and culture at Langkaia

From Bjørvika, you follow the fjord and walk along the pier called Langkaia. You'll soon discover a collection of peculiar pyramids that sit right on the dock. You've reached the nomadic art project SALT.

SALT is a whole little village of whimsical wooden constructions, filled with music, art, food, drinks and different kinds of sauna concepts. Arriving here is a bit like stumbling over a secret camp in the woods – they even have barrel fire pits that ensure a welcoming atmosphere in wintertime.

With some luck, you may catch a concert, stand-up performance, quiz or an exciting art installation while you're here. 

Streetfood at Vippa

Is it time for lunch? A bit past SALT lies Vippa food court at the edge of the fjord, ready to tempt you with delicious food from all over the world. The building is decorated with playful art inside and outside, and beautiful chains of lights hang above the outdoor patio – one of the city most popular in warm weather.

From here you can enjoy great views to the islands in the Oslo fjord and Aker Brygge Wharf.

Historic stops on the way to Tjuvholmen

From street food to historic flair: Time to take in some of the good old classics! As you follow the harbour promenade further, you'll pass the venerable Akershus Fortress and Castle which has watched over Oslo since the 14th century. The well-kept fortress grounds are well worth a stop. 

The promenade also brings you past Oslo City Hall, known for its elaborate decorations and the iconic carillon, which plays popular songs arranged for bells every hour on the hour.

On the other side of the City Hall Square is the Nobel Peace Center, filled with moving stories about the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their fight for a better world. You'll then walk by the huge building of Norway's new National Museum, tempting shops and restaurants at Aker Brygge Wharf, before you reach yet another new Oslo neighbourhood. 

Tjuvholmen is a true treat for the aesthetically inclined. The islet is a concentrated display of current trends in architecture, complete with outdoor areas that integrate the fjord in great ways, and a varied collection of art galleries that includes Astrup Fearnley Museet.

An active break at Filipstadkaia

Behind Tjuvholmen, at the Filipstad docks, lies an old warehouse that was remodeled into a huge indoor skate park for the 2016 X Games. Once the athletes left the park it was turned over to local skaters, and Skur 13 is now open to anyone who wants to try their skating skills in a state-of-the-art facility. 

Outside Skur 13 you'll find exercise equipment, benches and The Oslo Tree – a 14 metres tall artificial tree that turns particularly instagrammable when its LED leaves light up at night.

Thank you for joining

At this point, we have taken you from Oslo East to Oslo West through the center of the city. If you're ready for even more experiences, the route goes past the charming Kongen Marina to Frognerkilen, where you'll find the last orange tower.

From here, the harbour promenade turns into costal paths that offer a scenic conclusion to your adventure.