Sebastian and Daniel's top tips: 6 breezy rooftops in Oslo
Few places come alive quite like Norway's capital when the sun and warmth finally return after a long, cold and dark winter. Local couple Sebastian and Daniel have a particular fondness for breezy rooftops. Here are their six top summer tips.
The streets of Oslo fill with people, tables begin to appear on the pavements, and the year's first alfresco beer is being sipped.
With the sun shining nearly all evening, it's fitting to relish good company in comfortable surroundings, preferably from a bird's eye view.
Here's the list of six of Oslo's best rooftop bars.
1. THIEF ROOF grill & THIEF ROOF bar
Atop the fashionable The Thief hotel, you'll find Thief Rooftop. Here, you can sunbathe and enjoy the fresh sea air and take in spectacular panoramic views of the Oslo Fjord.
This rooftop terrace is divided into two parts. At the THIEF ROOF Bar, you can order your desired beverage while lounging in comfortable seating areas. Even if the sun isn't shining, you'll stay warm here. Heat lamps, glass walls, and an electric roof ensure the temperature never drops too low, and you can enjoy the view until the sun goes down. The rooftop terrace is open seven days a week from April to late autumn, and there is a live DJ on weekends to elevate the atmosphere.
Local Oslo couple Daniel and Sebastian find it particularly exciting to meet here after work.
"Especially after a busy work period, it's nice to meet here for a little date before we stroll home," they share.
On the other side of the rooftop terrace, you'll find the THIEF ROOF Grill. This is a modern grill restaurant with a Nordic twist offering both light dishes and larger meals. With immediate proximity to the fjord, The Thief is especially good at seafood, and the grill menu on the 9th floor is no exception.
Address: Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo
Photo, Munch Museum: Einar Aslaksen
2. Munch – The Crane Cocktail Bar
Oslobukta has become a popular place among Oslo citizens and tourists. Here, you'll find the new Munch Museum, which towers high over the Oslo Fjord. On the top floor is the cocktail bar, The Crane, offering fantastic views over Oslo and Barcode, and it's actually Oslo's highest rooftop bar. The Crane is open year-round, making it the perfect place to end the day after a visit to the Munch Museum.
Address: Edvard Munchs plass 1, 0194 Oslo
3. Sommerro – Izakaya Street Food and Cocktail Bar
Strictly speaking, Izakaya is not a rooftop bar as it's not located on top of Sommerro, but is positioned on the hotel's seventh floor. Nevertheless, this bar deserves a spot on the list, according to Sebastian and Daniel. Izakaya is a casual street food and cocktail bar run by award-winning chef Frida Ronge. One floor above is TAK Oslo.
Izakaya has a beautiful terrace with views over Frogner, the forest, and the fjord. This is the perfect place for a glass of sake, a cocktail, or a mocktail. Izakaya also offers snacks and full meals. The interior is designed by the New York and London-based studio, GrecoDeco.
Address: Sommerrogata 1, 0255 Oslo
4. Mynt – Atop Sentralen
At the heart of Oslo, you'll find the rooftop terrace, Mynt. Mynt is situated on top of Sentralen, and its name harks back to when the building housed the Christiania Savings Bank. Here, you get city life up close, but without the noise from street level.
The bar offers a selection of natural wines, beers, and ciders, and serves sourdough pizza from the restaurant on the first floor. You can also order smaller dishes and snacks at the bar, and in the evening, there's often soothing live music. Mynt has a laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for after-work gatherings.
Address: Øvre Slottsgate 3, 0157 Oslo
5. Clarion Hotel® The Hub - Calmeyers Hage
Right by Oslo Central Station is Clarion Hotel® The Hub.
On the 13th floor of the hotel, you'll find the cocktail club Calmeyers Hage, which provides a splendid view over Oslo city. The bar aims to be as sustainable as possible.
The drinks are made with Nordic ingredients and spices from around the world, using spirits from Himkok and Bareksten, two of Norway's top distilleries.
Calmeyers Hage also has snacks on the menu, but if you desire a full meal, you can reserve a table in the Norda restaurant. Norda also has a very popular brunch menu served on Saturdays.
In the evening, a DJ ensures a good vibe.
Address: Biskop Gunnerus gate 3, 0106 Oslo
Photo: Marika Foto
6. Centropa – Architectural Gem, Deichmanske Library
Centropa is a restaurant, café, and rooftop bar located at Oslo's new and internationally acclaimed library in Bjørvika. Centropa boasts a stylish restaurant on the first floor, serving European and local dishes. The rooftop bar/café one floor up has an impressive list of fine wines and champagnes.
The bar may not be the highest in Oslo, but the airy terrace offers a splendid view of the fjord and the opera house. It's worth a visit just for the architecture and the beautifully redeveloped area of Bjørvika. Come as you are and enjoy a coffee or a drink with colleagues, family, or friends.
Address: Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo
