Sentrum Travel Guide

Discover Sentrum in Oslo, Norway: a unique destination rich in history and natural beauty. In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of things to do, places to go, food to try, and safety tips to make your trip unforgettable.


Sentrum is a lively and bustling district of Oslo, with a rich cultural and historical heritage to explore. This guide will help you discover all the amazing experiences that this unique destination has to offer.

Introduction to Sentrum

As a tourist, Sentrum should definitely be on your itinerary. A concise summary of Sentrum is that it is the city center of Oslo with a population of around 7,500 people. Located in the heart of Oslo, it is a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. You will be amazed by the many parks and cultural landmarks all over the district. Our tour guide will take you through a complete journey around Sentrum so that you can explore every inch of it.

List of Places to Visit in Sentrum

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sentrum is home to historic structures and museums that provide a glimpse into its past. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

  • Akershus Fortress: This medieval castle was built in the late 13th century and offers fantastic views of the Oslo fjords. You can explore the dungeons, the castle and witness the changing of the guard performances.
  • Munch Museum: This museum features famous works of Edvard Munch, including The Scream, and provides a good insight into the Norwegian art history.
  • The National Gallery: The National Gallery is Norway’s largest collection of art, offering an extensive collection of Norwegian and international masterpieces from the past 200 years.
  • Oslo City Hall: Take a guided tour of the Oslo City Hall- one of the most prominent buildings in the city, and a unique architectural gem that is both grand and intimate, full of murals and beautiful artworks.

Natural Attractions of Sentrum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Sentrum is full of parks and scenic views that are perfect for nature lovers. These are the top five places to visit:

  • The Oslo fjords: Take a boat trip at Oslo’s central harbor and go on a sight-seeing adventure along the Oslo fjords. You can enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline and the fjord, along with the many small islands spread across it.
  • Ekebergparken Sculpture Park: This large park is full of sculptures and beautiful English and Norwegian garden landscapes. You will enjoy the walking paths, the outdoor cafes, and the cozy atmosphere.
  • The Opera House: This contemporary building is one of the most modern opera houses in the world, and you can explore the roof terrace, enjoy the view of the harbor and the city, and take part in one of the nightly performances.
  • Akerselva River: Follow Akerselva River as it cuts through the city from Maridalsvannet to the sea. You can enjoy a scenic bicycle tour or a calming walk and soak in the beautiful natural surroundings.
  • Karl Johan Street: Take a leisurely stroll through the Karl Johan Street which runs through the heart of the city center. This is a popular shopping destination with mesmerizing architecture, statues, and cafes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sentrum

Sentrum is surrounded by a lush greenery with an abundance of parklands and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. These are the top three hiking and biking routes to explore:

  • Oslo’s Central Park: Frogner Park, located north-west of Sentrum is an excellent destination for long walks. The park offers magnificent sculptures and fountains, a rose garden, and a concert stage.
  • Island Hopping: Take a scenic boat ride from the harbor to Bygdøy island, and go island hopping. The parks between the museums offer miles of hiking and biking trails with various stops for picnics and relaxation.
  • Grünerløkka Area: Grünerløkka is an up and coming neighborhood in Oslo with a particularly distinctive and artistic flair. You can walk from the trendy bars and shops around the Grünerløkka area on your way to the Akerselva River and its hiking and biking trails.

Best Things to Do in Sentrum: Activities and Tours

Sentrum is known for its lively atmosphere and variety of activities. These are the top five things to do:

  • Go shopping: The Karl Johan Street and Sentrum’s shopping district is a paradise for fashionistas. Shopping malls like Paleet and Steen & Strøm have a range of upscale brands, and the Storgata district offers more affordable boutiques.
  • Explore the Nightlife: Sentrum has a strong and lively nightlife. Enjoy a night out at Cocktail Bar, Mono, or Magic Ice Bar- whether you want a laid-back atmosphere or party vibes, there are nightclubs and bars for everyone.
  • A Taste of Oslo: Explore Sentrum’s rich culinary culture, with local favorites like fish-based dishes, new Nordic and international cuisines. Try local dishes at the diverse food trucks, restaurants, and cafes along Karl Johan street. You can also take a food tour that explores Norwegian food and drink culture.
  • Oslo City Bike Tour: Take a bike tour of Sentrum and have an easy ride while enjoying the scenic views and the city’s hustle and bustle. A bike tour is the best way to see the city with an expert guide to point out all the landmarks and hidden gems.
  • Ice Skating: In the winter months, Sentrum’s Tøyen Park and Frogner Park offer magnificent ice skating experiences with beautiful winter views of the city. Skating on Tøyen Park’s well-lit artificial ice rink or in Frogner’s park ice rink is a must.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sentrum

This is how we recommend spending a week in Sentrum:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit Oslo City Hall, The Munch Museum, and Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
Day 2 Island hop to Bygdøy, visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum
Day 3 Explore Aker Brygge harbor and enjoy a boat trip along the fjords
Day 4 Visit Akershus Fortress and the National Gallery
Day 5 Go shopping in Sentrum’s shopping district and Grünerløkka neighborhood
Day 6 Take a food tour of Sentrum’s culinary scene
Day 7 Explore Ekebergparken Sculpture Park and enjoy a night out in Sentrum’s lively nightlife

Food and Drink Scene of Sentrum

Sentrum is home to some of the best Nordic cuisine, along with international bites. These are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gravlaks: Gravlaks, a type of cured salmon, is a popular Norwegian dish that every visitor must try. It is often served with dill and mustard sauce, along with fresh bread.
  • Fårikål: Fårikål is a traditional Norwegian lamb stew that is usually eaten during the colder months. The stew is made with lamb meat, cabbage, whole black pepper corns, and potatoes.
  • Kjøttkaker: Kjøttkaker are Norway’s meatballs, which are made with beef and pork, onion, flour, and milk. The meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and vegetables.
  • Fiskeboller: Fiskeboller are fish balls that are made from fish meat, milk or cream, and potato flour. The fish balls are often served in white sauce with boiled potatoes.
  • Brunost: Brunost, or brown cheese, is a traditional Norwegian cheese that is made of goat’s milk or cow’s milk. It has a sweet and slightly salty taste, and is often served with bread or crackers.

Local Beverages

  • Akevitt: Akevitt, also known as aquavit, is a traditional Scandinavian spirit made from potatoes or grains. It is often flavored with caraway seeds or herbs and is best enjoyed as a shot after your meal.
  • Bjørnebær: Bjørnebær, or cloudberries, are a popular Norwegian berry that is used to make juice and liquor. The drink has a sweet and sour taste and is worth trying.
  • Chaga tea: Chaga mushrooms are commonly found in the Norwegian wilderness and are used to make chaga tea, which is a popular beverage in Norway. The tea has found to have a high antioxidant content and it has mushroom flavor, take note that there is no caffeine in this beverage.

Where to Stay in Sentrum: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sentrum is the hub of tourism in Oslo; hence there are plenty of options to stay, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. We have listed three of the best options:

  • The Thief: This is Sentrum’s first and only luxury hotel, located at Tjuvholmen Island. This stunning waterfront hotel offers amazing views of Oslo fjord, making it an ideal destination for luxury travelers.
  • Comfort Xpress: Located in the heart of Sentrum, this stylish budget hotel offers a great base for exploring the city on a budget. It has bright and cozy rooms with no-frills amenities, making them an excellent value for money.
  • Citybox Oslo: Citybox Oslo is ideal for travelers who are looking for a cozy, warm, clean, and affordable stay. Located in the city center of Sentrum, this budget hotel has self-check-in, free Wi-Fi and modern rooms with comfortable beds.

What to Buy in Sentrum: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sentrum is a unique destination that offers a mixture of local and international products. If you are looking to purchase souvenirs or local products to bring back home, these are the top products to shop for:

  • Hand-painted wooden utensils: These handcrafted wooden utensils are a traditional Norwegian product, featuring intricate and beautiful hand-painted designs.
  • Norwegian knitwear: Norwegian knitwear is renowned for its warmth and unique designs, and is a great souvenir or gift to bring back home, especially during the colder months.
  • Trolls and Viking souvenirs: Trolls and Vikings are a common theme in Norwegian culture and history. You can find a variety of souvenirs and gifts like figurines, books, and historical replicas that depict these themes.

Local Culture and Customs of Sentrum

Norway has a distinctive culture that is well worth exploring during your visit. Here are some important customs to keep in mind:

  • Punctuality: Norwegians value punctuality, so make sure you arrive on time for any scheduled activities or meetings.
  • Respect for nature: Norwegians have deep respect for nature and the environment, and they expect visitors to do the same.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Norway, but it is common to tip in restaurants and bars for good service.

Best Time to Visit Sentrum

The best time to visit Sentrum is during the summer season, from May to September. This time of the year is great for outdoor activities, events, and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sentrum

Do:

  • Get a Travel Pass: While Sentrum is easy to navigate on foot, you’ll be able to explore more of the city with ease by bus, tram, or metro using an Oslo Pass.
  • Enjoy the nature: Do explore the historic landmarks, museums, and galleries, but don’t forget to take in the natural beauty of Sentrum as well.
  • Try local cuisine: Try some of the traditional dishes and local beverages to truly experience the Norwegian culture.

Don’t:

  • Littering: Littering is considered a serious offense and can result in a hefty fine.
  • Juvenile Behavior: In Norway, loud or obnoxious behavior is frowned upon, so behave politely while out in public.
  • Disrespect for nature: Respect nature and dispose of all litter and garbage in designated bins.

Safety and Health

Sentrum is considered to be a safe destination, but there are still some precautions you should take:

Safety in Sentrum

  • Keep an eye on your belongings: Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables and money in a safe place, especially in busy tourist areas like Karl Johan Street.
  • Stay in well-lit areas: While walking around at night, stick to well-lit and busy areas, avoid walking alone in isolated areas.
  • Be vigilant at crossings: Cars and bikes may not always stop at pedestrian crossings, so stay vigilant while crossing the road.

Health in Sentrum

  • Sunburn: In summer, the sun is at its peak, and it’s easy to get sunburned, so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.
  • Allergies: If you have seasonal allergies, make sure to bring any necessary medication and avoid exposure to pollen and other allergens.
  • Water: Tap water is safe to drink in Norway, but if you prefer bottled water, it’s readily available.

Getting to Sentrum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Sentrum is relatively easy, thanks to its central location. Here are the best ways to get there:

Airports Near Sentrum

  • Oslo airport Gardermoen (OSL): This is the main airport in Oslo, and it’s located about 35 km north of the city. A train, bus, or taxi can be used to reach Sentrum.

Bus Stations Near Sentrum

  • Oslo Bus Terminal (Oslo bussterminal): This is the main bus terminal in Oslo. Sentrum can be reached by walking or via public transport.

Other Options

Taxi and car services can also be used to reach Sentrum.

How to Get Around in Sentrum

Sentrum is compact and well-connected, making it an easy destination to explore on foot. If you want to explore further afield, you can use public transport, including buses, metros, and trams. The best way to get around is by purchasing an Oslo Pass that offers access to all public transport within zones one and two.

Where to Go Next from Sentrum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of destinations and excursions located near Sentrum. These are the top three:

  • Holmenkollen Ski Jump: Holmenkollen Ski Jump is one of Oslo’s most popular landmarks, located only six kilometers away from Sentrum. You can enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the winter or visiting the Ski Museum all year-round.
  • Lysakerelven: Lysakerelven is a beautiful river located in western Oslo. If you like to fish or go boating, this is the perfect destination for you.
  • Kongsberg: If you are interested in history, Kongsberg is a great destination for you. This historic town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with many historic landmarks and museums.

Conclusion

Sentrum is a unique and vibrant district in Oslo with something for everyone. From historic landmarks to natural beauty, from food culture to nightlife, Sentrum attracts tourists from around the world. Use our comprehensive guide to Sentrum, Oslo, to plan your perfect trip and enjoy a fantastic vacation.

The ''Sentrum'' area in Oslo (in the front), the landmark City Hall in red brick. The ''Sentrum'' area in Oslo (in the front), the landmark City Hall in red brick. Oslo's main street Karl Johan leads from the Royal Palace to the main railwaystation, Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) Oslo's main street Karl Johan leads from the Royal Palace to the main railwaystation, Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) One of the boats in traffic between the pier by the City Hall and the museums on the Bygdøy peninsula One of the boats in traffic between the pier by the City Hall and the museums on the Bygdøy peninsula The Royal Palace The Royal Palace Oslo Opera House Oslo Opera House Basarene, in the courtyard Basarene, in the courtyard Akershus fortress Akershus fortress Stortinget Stortinget Studenterlunden Studenterlunden Royal Palace park is open to the public. There is no fence. Royal Palace park is open to the public. There is no fence. Oslo Spektrum Arena Oslo Spektrum Arena The National Theatre The National Theatre Klingenberg Kino, a cinema center Klingenberg Kino, a cinema center Glasmagasinet Glasmagasinet Theatercaféen Theatercaféen Plaza hotel is the tallest building in Norway. Central station and Bjørvika area in front. Plaza hotel is the tallest building in Norway. Central station and Bjørvika area in front.