Is the Munch Museum worth visiting on this walk?

Yes, it is highly recommended if you have an extra hour or two. It houses the largest collection of Edvard Munch's work, including several versions of 'The Scream,' and offers great views from the top floor.

Can you walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House?

Absolutely, the roof was designed specifically to be a public plaza. It is free to access 24/7 and provides panoramic views of the city and the fjord.

What is the Barcode Project in Oslo?

The Barcode Project is a row of 12 high-rise buildings in Bjørvika. They are named 'Barcode' because the narrow gaps between the differently styled buildings resemble a barcode when viewed from the fjord.

Is the Fjordfront walk accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Yes, this is one of the most accessible parts of Oslo. The entire route is paved and flat, and the modern buildings all feature elevators and step-free entrances.

Where can I swim in central Oslo?

Sørenga Sjøbad, the final stop on this walk, is the most popular urban swimming spot. It features a floating deck with a pool, a beach area, and diving platforms.

What is the best time of day for this architecture walk?

Late afternoon is ideal. The low sun creates beautiful reflections on the glass buildings of the Barcode and highlights the texture of the Opera House marble.

Are there public toilets along the Bjørvika waterfront?

Yes, you can find clean, modern public toilets inside the Deichman Library and the Munch Museum, as well as near the swimming area at Sørenga.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Oslo has undergone one of the most radical urban transformations in Europe, turning a gritty industrial harbor into a shimmering glass-and-marble cultural hub. This self-guided walk invites you to explore Bjørvika, the heart of the 'Fjord City' project, where world-class architecture meets the cold, clear waters of the Oslofjord. As you follow this neighborhood stroll, you will witness how the city has reclaimed its shoreline, replacing highways and container ports with public plazas and iconic museums. This route is a dream for photography enthusiasts and fans of contemporary design, offering a perspective on a city that is looking firmly toward the future. This walking route Oslo enthusiasts often recommend begins at the striking Deichman Bjørvika library, a structure that redefines what a public space can be. From there, the path leads you across the sloping white marble roof of the Oslo Opera House, an architectural feat that looks like an iceberg rising from the sea. You will then encounter the towering presence of the Munch Museum, a vertical gallery that houses the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch's work. The journey continues through the Barcode Project, a series of narrow, high-rise buildings that have redefined the city skyline. Each building was designed by a different firm, creating a diverse visual rhythm. As you cross the Akrobaten pedestrian bridge, you'll find the perfect vantage point to capture the geometry of the new city. The walk concludes at Sørenga, a residential pier where urban life meets the water, complete with a seawater pool and stunning views back toward the city's historic core. This self-guided adventure allows you to appreciate the intricate details of Norwegian architecture at your own pace, away from the constraints of a traditional guided tour Oslo visitors might otherwise find restrictive. Whether you are interested in the sustainable materials used in construction or simply want to find the best angles for your photos, the Fjordfront route provides a comprehensive look at the new Oslo.

Highlights

Walk on the marble roof of the Snøhetta-designed Oslo Opera House

Explore the cantilevered floors of the Deichman Bjørvika library

Admire the unique 'leaning' architecture of the Munch Museum

Photograph the sleek, geometric lines of the Barcode Project

Cross the Akrobaten Bridge for panoramic views of the skyline

Visit the Sørenga Sjøbad, a bustling urban seawater swimming spot

Tour Stops (6)

Deichman Bjørvika

Welcome to the start of your self-guided walk. Deichman Bjørvika is not just a library; it is Oslo's modern 'living room.' Opened in 2020, this building was designed by Lund Hagem and Oslo Works. Look up at the top floor—it cantilevers out 20 meters over the plaza, providing shade and a unique silhouette. The interior is organized around three light shafts that cut through the building, ensuring every floor is bathed in natural light. It houses over 450,000 books, but also a cinema, workshops, and recording studios. The design reflects a commitment to open access and sustainability, serving as a beacon of modern Norwegian civic pride.

Oslo Opera House

Just a short walk away is the building that started the waterfront revolution: the Oslo Opera House. Designed by the world-renowned firm Snøhetta and completed in 2008, it is constructed of Italian Carrara marble and white granite. The genius of the design lies in its accessibility; the roof slopes down to the water, inviting you to walk all the way to the top. This 'carpet' of marble creates a massive public plaza that offers some of the best views of the fjord. Inside, the main auditorium is shaped like a horseshoe, inspired by traditional theaters but wrapped in warm, sustainably sourced oak.

Munch

Standing tall next to the Opera is the Munch Museum, designed by Spanish architect Juan Herreros. This 13-story tower is wrapped in a translucent, perforated aluminum skin that reflects the changing light of the Oslo sky. The most distinctive feature is the 'kink' or leaning top section, which houses an observation deck. Inside, the museum is built on a vertical concept, with galleries stacked to maximize space on a compact footprint. It was a controversial design when first proposed, but it has quickly become a landmark of the Fjordfront, housing the legacy of Norway's most famous artist.

Barcode Project

Turn your gaze inland to see the Barcode Project. This row of 12 multi-purpose high-rise buildings resembles a barcode from a distance. Each building is narrow with varying heights and architectural styles, designed by different firms to ensure visual diversity. The concept was to maintain 'porosity'—ensuring that light and air can still reach the historic city center behind the development. Notice the intricate facades, from the jagged 'staircase' of the DnB building to the geometric patterns of the PwC tower. This area is the financial heart of the new Oslo, blending workspace with luxury apartments.

Akrobaten Bru

To get the best view of the Barcode, step onto the Akrobaten (The Acrobat) Bridge. This 206-meter-long steel and glass pedestrian bridge spans the tracks of Oslo Central Station. Its name comes from the dynamic, geometric steel structures that support it, resembling an acrobat in mid-air. It connects the Bjørvika neighborhood with Grønland. From here, you can see the contrast between the sleek modernism of the Fjordfront and the traditional brick buildings of the older city. It is a favorite spot for photographers, especially at night when the bridge and the Barcode buildings are illuminated.

Sørenga Sjøbad

Your final stop is Sørenga, a former container terminal transformed into a vibrant residential neighborhood. The highlight here is the Sjøbad, or seawater pool. This floating park offers a beach, a diving board, and lanes for lap swimming directly in the fjord. Even in winter, you might see brave locals taking a 'cold plunge' before heading to a nearby sauna. Looking back toward the city, you have an uninterrupted view of the Opera House and Munch Museum. It is the perfect place to sit, relax, and reflect on the incredible architectural journey you've just completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The total distance is roughly 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) on flat terrain.