Aker Brygge Wharf, Oslo (must see)
Aker Brygge in Oslo is a vibrant neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Once an industrial area with a shipyard that operated until 1982, it underwent significant redevelopment starting in the mid-1980s, transforming into a commercial and residential hub.
This redevelopment involved a mix of demolishing old industrial buildings and repurposing workshop halls into shopping areas, culminating in a modern district completed in 1998. The area now features shops, restaurants, a cinema, offices, residential apartments, a small boat harbor, and a ferry terminal. Further reorganization between 2010 and 2014 enhanced public spaces and added a new district.
Today, Aker Brygge attracts around 12 million visitors annually and is a leader in waterfront development in Norway. It combines public areas with cultural sites, such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and various artworks like the 'Sundial for Spatial Echoes' by Tomás Saraceno and the 'South Oslo' sculpture by Jacqueline Donachie.
The local pier is a popular spot for people-watching, dining at food trucks, and relaxing. The Aker Brygge Marina offers boat rentals, kayaking, and saunas, making it a great place to experience the Oslo Fjord.
Still, the most popular activity at Aker Brygge is strolling along the promenade, which offers abundant outdoor seating—estimated at around 2,500 seats—allowing visitors to enjoy the blend of old-world and modern architecture. The wharf frequently hosts pop-up shops, fashion shows, concerts, and art exhibits, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Aker Brygge provides enough entertainment for a visitor to easily spend an entire day enjoying the sights and activities.
This redevelopment involved a mix of demolishing old industrial buildings and repurposing workshop halls into shopping areas, culminating in a modern district completed in 1998. The area now features shops, restaurants, a cinema, offices, residential apartments, a small boat harbor, and a ferry terminal. Further reorganization between 2010 and 2014 enhanced public spaces and added a new district.
Today, Aker Brygge attracts around 12 million visitors annually and is a leader in waterfront development in Norway. It combines public areas with cultural sites, such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and various artworks like the 'Sundial for Spatial Echoes' by Tomás Saraceno and the 'South Oslo' sculpture by Jacqueline Donachie.
The local pier is a popular spot for people-watching, dining at food trucks, and relaxing. The Aker Brygge Marina offers boat rentals, kayaking, and saunas, making it a great place to experience the Oslo Fjord.
Still, the most popular activity at Aker Brygge is strolling along the promenade, which offers abundant outdoor seating—estimated at around 2,500 seats—allowing visitors to enjoy the blend of old-world and modern architecture. The wharf frequently hosts pop-up shops, fashion shows, concerts, and art exhibits, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Aker Brygge provides enough entertainment for a visitor to easily spend an entire day enjoying the sights and activities.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Aker Brygge Wharf on Map
Sight Name: Aker Brygge Wharf
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Oslo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Oslo Walking Tour
The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour
Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour
Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour
Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...