Staying in a hotel in Oslo can be a pricey and sometimes rather bland experience. Airbnb has some great alternatives, where you can meet welcoming hosts, get to know lesser-known parts of the city, and stay in some unexpected buildings.
These rentals are almost always more interesting than a hotel, and often have their own kitchen, so you can save money on eating out, too (no small thing in expensive Oslo!). So, whether you’re looking for a seaside, mountain or city centre location, we’ve found some of Oslo’s best, quirkiest and most stylish Airbnbs.
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This Scandi-cool loft
Hang out with the hipsters and stay in a stylish Scandi-design loft in the heart of trendy Grünerløkka. Oslo’s trendiest district, the regenerated Grünerløkka is home to artists, students and other creative types – and this beautifully renovated apartment.
Right in the heart of the action, with bars, cafés, restaurants and galleries on its doorstep, it’s light and bright with high ceilings and a large balcony. It may be compact, but it’s been well designed to make the most of the space, and even has a modern wood-burner for cold winter evenings.
This room with a view
In Oslo’s ultra-modern Tjuvholmen neighbourhood, this fresh apartment has great sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows, from its own private balcony and from the block’s large communal roof terrace.
Connected to the Aker Brygge district by bridge, the island of Tjuvholmen is a hotspot for contemporary architecture and is home to the fantastic Astrup Fearnly Museum of Modern Art, designed by Renzo Piano.
Design buffs will love wandering around the district, taking in the buildings, sculpture park and waterside views – or simply sitting on the balcony and watching the lights coming on over the city and waterside.
This cosy little log cabin
For a true escape from the bustle of the city, but only five minutes’ walk from the metro, this traditional log cabin with a grass roof is a real find. Tucked away in the woods, it’s a rural retreat surrounded by gardens with stunning views down the hillside.
Originally built in 1850 as a stable to shelter animals on their way to and from their summer grazing up the mountain, the cottage has been beautifully restored with traditional wooden décor and all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay.
In winter you can cosy up in front of a roaring fire, while in summer you have access to miles of lovely walks in the surrounding forests. And, for ski enthusiasts it’s within walking distance of the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
This seaside cottage
Dive into the Oslofjord from your own private deck at this lovely lodge right at the water’s edge. With great views over Oslo, the fjord and its islands, this wooden cottage is less than a 15-minute drive or bus ride from the city centre.
Small, but cleverly designed to make the most of the space, the little cottage has a contemporary interior and all mod-cons. Steps lead down from the jetty in front of the cottage into the water, where you can go kayaking, boating, swimming and fishing. The dining area has fantastic views over the water, making it the perfect place to sit back with a glass of wine in hand watching the boats glide by.
This downtown apartment with a gym
Check out this beautiful apartment bang in the centre of Oslo, in the city’s former post office. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the distinctive Quadraturen building housed Oslo’s main sorting office for almost a century before being converted into beautiful apartments.
With high ceilings, large windows, wooden floors and a balcony overlooking the central courtyard, the apartment certainly lives up to the building’s grand façade. The public areas, including a large communal roof terrace, are equally as impressive.
Within walking distance of Oslo’s central station and many of its main sights including the opera house, the cathedral, the National Gallery, the Kongelige Slott (Royal Palace) and the Ibsen Museum, it’s in a great location. And if all that sight-seeing hasn’t tired you out, you even get use of the gym in the basement.
This houseboat in the heart of the city
You can’t get nearer to the water than by staying on this motorboat moored in Olso’s Aker Brygge district. It’s cosy, of course – well, it is a boat – but has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
There’s a small galley kitchen where you can prepare simple meals. Showers can be taken nearby at the local harbour, and breakfast is provided on the boat. It’s moored in a central location with easy access to cafés, restaurants and Oslo’s main sights.
But in summer, once you’ve explored the city centre, you’ll want to simply sit on the deck, listen to the lapping of the water and enjoy the views of the nearby Akerhus Slott castle.
This country-style apartment
Although in the heart of the city, this pretty apartment is an oasis of peace and quiet. On the ground floor of a wooden villa dating from 1862, it’s a tranquil bolthole, but only 10 minutes’ walk from the Munch Museum, with easy bus and tram access to the main tourist sights.
Inside, wooden floors and simple Scandi-style décor make it great place to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing. The pleasant garden, home to apple and pear trees, adds to the country atmosphere.
See also:
12 of the places to stay in Scandinavia
