Exploring Oslo's Airport Surroundings: A Quick Guide

what to see around oslo airport

Oslo Airport is located in a rural landscape, surrounded by a mix of agricultural land and forest. There are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area, depending on how much time you have. If you're spending a few hours in the airport, you can enjoy the modern Scandinavian design, grab a bite to eat at one of the 30 eateries, or do some shopping. If you have a longer layover, you can head into Oslo city centre, which is just a 20-minute train ride away, and explore the city's innovative architecture, world-class museums, hip bars, and eateries. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Hersjøen, a protected area known for its bird species, or explore the hiking trails and cross-country tracks in the forest surrounding the city.

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Oslo Fjord cruise

If you're looking to explore the area around Oslo Airport, one suggestion is to take a hop-on, hop-off Oslo Fjord cruise. This cruise offers fresh air and a chance to see the city from a different perspective as you float by landmarks such as the medieval castle, the city hall, and the modern open house.

The Oslo Fjord cruise typically departs from the pier next to the Oslo Opera House and takes you along the city shoreline, between small islands, and past historical places. One such cruise is offered by the electrical vessel, Vision of the Fjords, which offers a 1.5-hour scenic cruise. This quiet vessel takes you past several landmarks, including the Akershus Fortress, Oslo City Hall, Aker Brygge, and the Astrup Fearnley museum at Tjuvholmen. You'll also sail past numerous islands, including Hovedøya, Nakkholmen, Lindøya, Gressholmen, Heggholmen, and Bleikøya, as well as the Dyna Lighthouse.

As you sail through the inner Oslofjord, you'll be able to spot the FRAM Museum at Bygdøy and the modern Bjørvika skyline, which includes highlights like the Munch Museum. The Oslofjord cruise also offers a guiding app, Voice of Norway, which provides stories about the fjord in multiple languages. This app uses your location to time the stories with the scenery, so you can learn about the history and culture of the area as you sail through it.

The Oslo Fjord cruise is a great way to get an overview of the city and its attractions, passing through narrow sounds, idyllic bays, and a maze of islands with small summer houses. So, if you're looking for a unique perspective on Oslo and a relaxing break from your travels, consider taking a cruise along the Oslo Fjord.

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Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

Oslo Airport is set in a rural landscape, with a mixture of agriculture and forest. If you're a nature photographer, there are plenty of options to capture the natural beauty in the immediate area. A nice trail around Nordbytjernet Lake, a beautiful spot with lovely surroundings, is highly recommended. The lake is very close to the airport, perhaps a ten-minute drive away.

If you have a layover of 6 or more hours, you can exit the airport and go sightseeing in Oslo. The Airport Express train (Flytoget) is the speediest option, which departs every 10 minutes and gets you downtown in 20 minutes.

One place to visit in Oslo is the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park. This outdoor sculpture park, designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano, features a captivating mix of fine dining, cosy cafes, and waterfront fun along the quay. The area's rich history, once bustling with docks, shipyards, and warehouses, has evolved into a modern hub defined by innovative architecture, stylish apartments, and trendy restaurants. The sculptures are playful, inviting the audience to sit, climb or crawl into them. The park consists of sculptures from internationally renowned artists of the post-war period, such as Anish Kapoor, Franz West, Louise Bourgeois, Peter Fishli & David Weiss, Ellsworth Kelly and Paul McCarthy. Adjacent to the sculpture park is a child-friendly man-made sand beach with shallow water and amazing views of the Oslofjord.

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Eidsvoll House

For those interested in visiting, there are a few transportation options available. From Oslo Central Station, there is a train departing every half hour to Eidsvoll Verk, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes. From there, it is a pleasant 20-minute walk to the manor, or you can opt to take the corresponding bus, which is included in the train ticket. If you prefer a more scenic route, there is also a nice trail surrounding Nordbytjernet Lake, which is located close to the airport. After exploring the lake, you can walk back to the bus stop and take the 420 Maura or 420 Kopperud bus in the opposite direction to reach your destination.

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Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House (Norwegian: Operahuset) is Norway's national opera house and the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The building is situated in the Bjørvika neighbourhood of central Oslo, at the head of the Oslofjord. It was constructed following a long national debate and a decision by the Norwegian legislature in 1999 to build a new opera house in the city.

The Opera House is renowned for its innovative architecture, which has attracted international media attention. The building's exterior is covered in white granite and La Facciata, a white Italian carrara marble, with angled surfaces that make the building appear to rise from the water. The roof angles towards the ground, creating a large plaza that invites pedestrians to walk up and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The interior features oak surfaces, a 15-metre-tall lobby surrounded by windows, and three performance spaces, including a main auditorium that seats 1,364 people.

The Opera House hosts a variety of opera and ballet performances throughout the year, featuring a combination of acclaimed national and international performers. The theatre layout is designed to create an intimate setting, allowing guests to get up close to the stars. In addition to classical pieces, the Opera House also presents new and innovative interpretations of traditional works.

The Opera House is also known for its art installations, including "She Lies" by Monica Bonvicini, a sculpture constructed of stainless steel and glass panels that floats in the fjord adjacent to the building. The Opera House's unique design has won several awards, including the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008 and the 2009 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.

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Nordbytjernet Lake

The area is also popular with dog walkers, and there is an outside gym and a volleyball area. Toilets and a free car park are also available on-site. The lake is a great place to take photographs, especially if you are a nature photographer, as the surrounding landscape is very scenic. The area is also likely to be beautiful in the winter when the snow arrives.

If you are looking for a place to get some fresh air and stretch your legs before or after a long flight, Nordbytjernet Lake is an excellent choice. The lake is easily accessible by car or public transport from the airport. If you are taking the bus, you can get there by taking the 420 Maura or 420 Kopperud, and the journey is only about 10 minutes each way.

For those interested in exploring more of the local area, the Eidsvoll building is just a 15-minute drive from the lake and is worth a visit. Overall, Nordbytjernet Lake is a peaceful and scenic spot that offers a pleasant break from the hustle and bustle of airport life.

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Frequently asked questions

Oslo Airport is set in a rural landscape with a mixture of agriculture and forest, so there are plenty of nature options in the immediate area. A nice trail around Nordbytjernet Lake is reachable by bus and is a great place to take photographs. The Eidsvoll building is also about a 15-minute drive from the airport.

If you have a layover of 6 or more hours, you can go sightseeing in Oslo. The Airport Express train departs every 10 minutes and will get you to the city centre in 20 minutes. Once there, you can stroll along the new Harbour Promenade, take a dip in the Sorenga Seawater Pool, or hop on a hop-on-hop-off Oslo Fjord cruise.

Oslo has a thriving art scene, including the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park and the National Gallery. The city also has a variety of eateries, bars, and shops.

Oslo is surrounded by forest, so there are plenty of hiking trails in the summer and cross-country tracks in the winter. The city also has many parks and viewpoints, and the Akerselva river flows through it. In the summer, you can go island hopping on the Oslofjord.

Oslo Airport has over 30 eateries, including Norwegian, Italian, and sushi options. There are also several shops, including convenience stores, bookstores, and pharmacies. You can also pay to access the OSL Lounge, which offers an all-inclusive environment with food, drinks, and WiFi.

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