Gay Oslo Oslo City Guide

Curation by Jamie McGhee, words by Ian Packham

When it comes to both culture and location, the Norwegian capital claims an enviable position indeed. Surrounded by the low mountains that inspired Edvard Munch's masterpiece, The Scream, and wrapped around the crystal-clear waters of Oslofjord, Oslo seamlessly blends urban sophistication with pristine nature. The compact city reveals itself as a cultural powerhouse where world-class museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and cutting-edge design coexist with forests, fjords, and islands accessible within minutes. Architectural landmarks—from the dramatic Opera House to the striking MUNCH museum—punctuate a skyline that leans boldly towards the future whilst honouring its Viking past. Beyond its museums and parkland, Oslo has cultivated a thriving culinary and nightlife scene that reflects the capital of one of the world's most progressive nations. The city's accepting atmosphere means gay and straight party together without the need for an explicit gaybourhood, though beloved LGBTQ+ institutions like London Pub and Elsker remain vital gathering points for the queer community. What else would you expect from a country whose king declared, 'Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and boys and girls who love each other'? From luxury boutiques and award-winning cocktail bars to rooftop terraces with fjord views, Oslo rewards the discerning traveller who appreciates substance alongside style.

Where to stay in Oslo

Commanding pride of place in Oslo’s theatre district, Hotel Continental has welcomed discerning voyagers for over a century with quintessentially Norwegian grace. Norway’s only five-star establishment—and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 1975—exudes that rarest of qualities: impeccable luxury that never feels stuffy. The property’s 151 rooms and suites showcase tasteful contemporary design elevated by handpicked artworks, whilst the legendary Theatercaféen downstairs remains one of the capital’s most animated dining rooms. In the intimate Dagligstuen Lobby Bar, you’ll discover one of Norway’s most impressive private collections of Edvard Munch lithographs—twelve original works that lend an air of cultural sophistication to your evening aperitif.

For those seeking Art Deco fantasy, Sommerro transports you into a Jay Gatsby reverie the moment you cross its threshold. This former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker has been transformed into Frogner’s most captivating address, where 231 exquisitely designed rooms blend 1920s glamour with contemporary indulgence. Stunning murals by renowned Norwegian painter Per Krohg adorn the ceilings and walls, whilst the rooftop pool and terrace—the city’s first—offer sweeping vistas across the capital. The remarkable constellation of seven restaurants and three bars ensures you need never venture beyond its embrace, whilst live jazz drifts through Ekspedisjonshallen each evening. Named “Best Hotel in Norway” for three consecutive years, Sommerro occupies that enviable sweet spot where heritage meets hedonism.

Over on Tjuvholmen—whose name translates rather charmingly as “Thief Islet,” a nod to its roguish past as a haven for smugglers—The Thief cuts a striking figure against the fjord. This design-led boutique hotel revels in its rebellious heritage whilst delivering thoroughly contemporary luxury. Each of its 119 rooms features original artworks curated by Sune Nordgren, former director of Norway’s National Museum of Art, transforming your accommodation into a private gallery. The Thief Spa is no afterthought—it’s a destination unto itself, with a heated pool, Turkish hammam, and treatments that draw inspiration from wellness traditions worldwide. Come evening, ascend to the rooftop terrace for sundowners with panoramic fjord views. The hotel’s location adjacent to the Renzo Piano-designed Astrup Fearnley Museum and a five-minute stroll from fashionable Aker Brygge makes it ideal for cultured wanderers, whilst complimentary museum access sweetens the proposition considerably.