Oslo Opera House

Rising from the water like an iceberg in the middle of a fjord, this is the iconic Oslo Opera House. The Opera invites you to walk up its slightly sloped white marble roof. Unlike most places where signs state “don’t touch this” or “keep off that,” the message here couldn’t be any clearer: Please walk on the roof. This architectural gem was designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, named after a glacier cap, talk about destiny! They’re also the ones who built the stunning Library of Alexandria. Their Oslo Opera House design won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, and it’s easy to see why. Inside the Opera, you’ll find three performance halls and plenty of public spaces, hosting over 600 operas and ballets each year, not to mention an exciting lineup of outdoor events. The wood interiors are a warm nod to Norwegian nature, while the central chandelier in the main hall mimics a glowing full moon, shining day and night. Even if you’re not planning to watch a show, feel free to step inside and explore this extraordinary place. The open areas are free to access and have been transformed into works of art by the project’s many artists. Opened in 2008, this unique site now stands as one of Oslo’s most iconic and unmissable landmarks!