8 Best Things to See in Tjuvholmen: Oslo’s Modern Art Neighbourhood

Tjuvholmen is a culturally rich neighbourhood close to Oslo's main tourist area, Aker Brygge.

I accidentally stumbled upon Tjuvholmen during my recent three days in Oslo and found it a lovely place to explore. It is one of Oslo's must-visit places if you love modern art and architecturally designed buildings.

Whether a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a relaxing escape from the city, Tjuvholmen has plenty of things to see, including an open-air sculpture park, art museums and a beach!

In this post, I outline the top things to see in Tjuvholmen during a trip to Oslo.

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Art Walk Adventure

Begin your time in Tjuvholmen with a leisurely self-guided art walk through the neighborhood, discovering hidden gems and surprising art installations that will spark your imagination.

Tjuvholmen is full of contemporary sculptures and art installations and is the perfect place to visit to see the creative side of Oslo.

The neighbourhood has undergone a complete urban renewal; however, unlike the raw bohemian vibe of Grünerløkka, this neighbourhood has a purposeful modern, curated feel.

Even so, keep your eyes peeled for a few unexpected bursts of creativity in street art and murals popping up in the area.

Enjoy the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

Head to Tjuvholmen's open-air sculpture park, where artistic masterpieces come to life amidst lush greenery.

Pack a picnic and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city.

Swim in Oslofjord

Soak up the sun's warmth and the tranquil vibes of the Inner Oslofjord at Tjuvholmen Beach, next to the sculpture park. It's a popular place for locals to spend their free time, and the views of Oslo's fjord islands are fabulous.

In summer, the cool water provides a welcome respite from the city's heat, and yes, Norway does heat up in summertime!

If you want to enjoy a water activity, you can hire a SUP in Tjuvholmen and explore the area as far as Aker Brygge.

Enjoy Tjuvholmen's Restaurants and Bars

Whether you're in the mood for a sophisticated cocktail at a stylish rooftop bar or a gastronomical feast in one of Tjuvholmen's fine dining establishments, the area has something to suit every palate.

For a burst of Mediterranean flavours, head to nearby charming restaurants offering mouthwatering tapas and seafood straight from the fjords. Or enjoy traditional Norwegian dishes showcasing the country's rich culinary heritage at restaurants like Sjømagasinet or The Salmon.

For light bites and great coffee in Tjuvholmen, head to Apent Bakeri. And for delicious Italian ice cream, stop at Paradis Gelateria.

Tjuvholmen Shopping

Explore local shops offering a variety of crafts, clothing, and unique souvenirs. Take home a piece of Tjuvholmen's charm as a memento of your visit to Oslo.

Cultural Immersion

Delve into the neighbourhood's cultural scene by visiting galleries and exhibition spaces. Immerse yourself in the contemporary art world and connect with the local creative community.

Visit the iconic Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, which is a work of art in its own right.

Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of contemporary art, including works by renowned artists like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman.

Gallery Rod Bianco is another must-visit gallery. Rod Bianco presents a diverse range of contemporary art, often pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.

Don't miss Galleri35's exhibitions from local artists.

Catch a Sunset

Don't miss the opportunity to witness a mesmerising sunset over the Oslofjord. Find a cosy spot by the water, sit back, and let nature's show unfold before your eyes in Norway's fjord city.

Tjuvholmen's Hotels

If Tjuvholmen sounds like a place you would like to explore further, why not book to stay in this culturally rich Oslo neighbourhood? Here are some of the best places to stay in Tjuvholmen:

Luxury Stay - The Thief is a design boutique hotel on Tjuvholmen in Oslo. The promenade of Aker Brygge is within a 5-minute walk.

Rooms at this stylish hotel feature a Nespresso machine, a mini-bar and a rainforest shower in the private bathroom. The Thief has 24-hour room service and free WiFi throughout the property.

The Thief Spa includes a Turkish hammam, sauna, and swimming pool. Guests can relax on the chic rooftop terrace and enjoy contemporary Norwegian cuisine at the Thief Food Bar.

Comfort Stay - Tjuvholmen I, As Home, is a self-catering apartment with free WiFi and air conditioning.

The apartment features a terrace and quiet street views, one bedroom, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven, and one bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Budget Stay - Oslo City Centre Rooms is a privately owned property. The house has two rooms for guests and a shared bathroom with the guest(s) of the other room.

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