Top-notch transit and plenty of attractions concentrated around the downtown harbor, Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen make it possible to get a good feel for Oslo.
Aker Brygge is known for its strip of restaurants along the boardwalk, with plenty of opportunities for al fresco wining and dining. It was built on the area of Aker Shipyard, which was closed down in 1982, freeing up a potentially attractive area of Oslo’s harbor front.
For those with an interest in contemporary architecture, the area has plenty to offer. Buildings by 20 architects feature across the island, among them Niels Torp, Kari Nissen-Brodtkorb and Telje-Torp-Aasen Architects, provide a comprehensive overview of current trends.
Take a leisurely stroll along Aker Brygge’s seaside walkway on the west side of Oslo Harbor. The ultra-modern waterfront is lined with restaurants bustling with young families, bars filled with hipster banker, and motorboats zipping in and out of canals.
There’s also a wide selection of fashion shops, if you want to renew your wardrobe. The area now has the highest concentration of shops in this part of the city and its portfolio of stores makes it well worth a visit. Local clothing labels as well as international brands can be found here.
The construction work was carried out in four steps. The first new part opened the summer of 1986. Due to the financial crisis at that time the owners Aker Eiendom and DNC lost several million kroner.
12 million people visit Aker Brygge every year using almost 2 billion NOK annually.
There are about 400 apartments at Aker Brygge, and companies situated on the islet employ approximately 5,000 people.
Last year Aker Brygge re-opened with a new and modernized interior, in addition to a wider seaside promenade and a pier, which gives you direct access to the Oslo Fjord.
The neighboring district Tjuvholmen is one of Oslo’s newest boroughs. The area is characterized by an intriguing architectural diversity and unique outdoor areas. It plays host to several galleries and art installations, including the Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, flanked by a sculpture park and a beach.
In the 18th century, Norway’s most dangerous criminals were sent to the tiny island of Tjuvholmen (Thieves’ Islet). Today, it has been transformed into a hub of contemporary art and architecture and has become Oslo’s most vibrant district. Just five minutes’ walk from the city center, Tjuvholmen offers 2 kilometers of seafront along with an array of high-end boutiques, award-winning restaurants, extraordinary works of art and magnificent architecture.
Feature image (on top): Tjuvholmen, Photo: Leif Harald Ruud – Visit Oslo
At the Edge in Oslo, written by Tor Kjolberg