Run Oslo: The Route Locals Wish Tourists Knew

Oslo City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen) is perfectly located in the heart of Oslo, right between the city center and the Oslofjord.

Surrounded by iconic landmarks like Oslo City Hall, Aker Brygge, and the Nobel Peace Center, it’s a lively, scenic meeting point by the waterfront — and the ideal place to start your run.

The Nobel Peace Center is one of the first landmarks we run past — set by the waterfront, it stands out with its grand architecture and powerful presence at the edge of the city’s harbor district.

We pass Russeløkka School as we move into one of Oslo’s quieter residential areas.

Nestled among classic buildings, the school adds a local, everyday charm to the route — a glimpse of life beyond the tourist trail.

As we run past the Ibsen Museum & Teater, you’ll catch a glimpse of the former home of Henrik Ibsen — one of Norway’s most iconic writers.

Set near the Royal Palace, the building reflects Oslo’s cultural depth and literary legacy.

We pass the Royal Palace as we head through one of Oslo’s most iconic green spaces.

Set atop a gentle hill, the palace and its surrounding park offer sweeping views and a touch of royal grandeur along our route.

As we run past the Official Residence of the Prime Minister, we move through one of Oslo’s most elegant and secure areas — a quiet street lined with historic buildings and stately charm.

Running past the French School in Oslo, we pass through a peaceful, upscale neighborhood.

The historic school building adds a unique international touch to this otherwise distinctly local part of the city.

Queen Maud’s Riding Trail: As we follow Queen Maud’s Riding Trail, we pass through a serene section of the Royal Palace Park.

Once used by the queen herself on horseback, this shaded path adds a quiet, regal atmosphere to run.

We pass through Arno Bergs Square, a calm corner of the city surrounded by elegant townhouses and a central fountain. It’s a charming residential spot that adds a slower, local rhythm to the run.

As we run through Frogner Square, we enter one of Oslo’s classic neighborhoods.

Surrounded by early 20th-century architecture and lined with trees, it’s a vibrant yet relaxed part of the city with a strong local character.

Passing the Vigeland Museum, we run alongside one of Oslo’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Housed in a striking neoclassical building, it sits quietly at the edge of Frogner Park, offering a moment of artistic presence on route.

We pass the Museum of Oslo as we move deeper into Frogner Park.

Housed in a historic manor, it quietly marks the city’s past — surrounded by trees, open lawns, and a sense of old Oslo charm.

We take our first 10-minute break inside Vigeland Sculpture Park — Oslo’s most visited attraction.

Surrounded by over 200 dramatic sculptures and beautifully landscaped grounds, it’s the perfect spot to pause, take in the atmosphere, and snap a few photos before continuing.

As we pass Amaldus Nielsens Square, we move through a quiet, leafy corner of the city known for its weekend antique market and local charm.

Framed by historic buildings and a central fountain, it offers a peaceful contrast to the busier parts of Oslo.

Running past the House on the Hill, we pass through Stensparken — a green, elevated space in Oslo’s city center.

The building itself is a beautifully restored villa, now a youth culture house, adding both history and modern community life to this quiet part of the route.

As we pass through Stensparken, we run along shaded paths that wind through rolling lawns and rocky outcrops.

This hillside park offers a peaceful, green break in the middle of the city — a quiet stretch with a local feel.

As we run past Bislett Stadium, we pass one of Norway’s most iconic sports venues. Known for its rich history in athletics and speed skating, the stadium has been the site of numerous world records and continues to host major events like the annual Bislett Games (Track & Field: Golden League).

Its distinctive architecture and central location make it a standout feature along our route.

As we run past Vår Frelsers gravlund (The Cemetery of Our Saviour), we pass one of Oslo’s most historically significant resting places.

Established in 1808, this peaceful, tree-lined cemetery is the final resting place for many of Norway’s most influential figures, including playwright Henrik Ibsen and painter Edvard Munch.

Its serene atmosphere and rich history add a contemplative note to route.

As we ascend Telthusbakken, also known as "Tent House Hill," we pass through a picturesque street lined with colorful 19th-century wooden houses.

The area offers a peaceful, village-like charm with views over the city and nearby allotment gardens. This is also our second and final 10-minute break, perfect for a quick drink and to take in the unique surroundings before we head into the final stretch.

As we run through Damstredet, we pass one of Oslo’s most charming and historic streets. This short cobbled lane is lined with well-preserved wooden houses from the early 1800s, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings provide a delightful contrast to the bustling city center.

As we run past St. Olav’s Cathedral, we pass Oslo’s main Roman Catholic church — a striking neo-Gothic structure completed in 1856.

Set just off the main streets, its tall spire and red-brick façade add a moment of architectural contrast and spiritual calm to route.

As we run through St. Olavs Plass, we pass one of Oslo’s most distinctive urban squares. Framed by historic buildings and cultural venues, the square features the striking "Fountain of Light" sculpture by Swedish artist Swen Påhlsson, installed in 2008.

This modern art piece, composed of reflective steel plates, adds a contemporary touch to the classic surroundings. The square's open layout and central location make it a notable point along route.

As we run past the University of Oslo’s Faculty of Law, we pass one of the city’s most iconic neoclassical landmarks.

Set on Universitetsplassen and facing Karl Johans gate, the grand columns and symmetrical façade of Domus Media reflect Norway’s legal and academic heritage.

The building also served as the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony from 1947 to 1989.

As we run past the National Theatre (Nationaltheatret), we pass one of Oslo’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Opened in 1899 and designed by architect Henrik Bull, this neoclassical building stands between the Royal Palace and Parliament, anchoring the city's cultural heart.

Its grand façade is adorned with statues of Norway’s literary giants—Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson—symbolizing the nation's rich theatrical tradition.

We finish our run right where we started — at Oslo City Hall, one of the city's most iconic buildings.

Framed by the harbor and the open square, it’s the perfect place to catch the breath and capture the moment with a group photo in front of the City Hall to mark the end of the experience.

NOTE: No admission to the City Hall itself will happen.