Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
One of the most forward-looking and liberal cities in Scandinavia, an already famously gay-friendly region: It is no wonder travelers are choosing Gay Olso for their next holiday destination!
Experimental design, fabulous nightlife, trendy neighborhoods and those handsome Viking men (and women) are all waiting for you – Not to mention an active dining scene, vibrant contemporary art scenes and all that nature on your doorstep if you want to hire a car and explore.
Gay Oslo really does have something for everyone if you are just willing to explore and look a little beneath the surface.
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Norway since 2009, and in this peaceful and open-minded Nordic Capital, queer travelers will find small rainbow flags on almost every store, club and restaurant window. Inclusivity is often just a buzzword, but we found in Gay Oslo sexuality was (generally speaking) a non-issue.
However, in this almost ‘post-gay’ society, since everyone mingled together freely, it did make it hard to pinpoint defined queer spaces beyond a few gay bars – an interesting contrast to Helsinki and Copenhagen, where the gay scene is growing despite similar circumstances.
For an idea of how ‘post-gay’ Norway really just takes a look at the Norwegian teen drama phenomenon ‘Skam’ and how the third season is looking at the topic of homosexuality simultaneously alongside other issues. It’s been so wildly popular there is now an American version and German, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch versions on the way.
Norwegians are famously shy and withdrawn, loving to brag about how withdrawn they are – but we have to disagree and found Norwegians in Oslo warm, open and sincere…once you start a conversation.
While on the long, beautiful summer days, it is easy to meet gay locals in the parks and around town, in the bitterly cold winters, you might want to turn to hookups to meet a friendly local in Oslo to show you around.
Hopefully, with this guide to the Olso gay scene, you won’t need anyone else’s help to enjoy this modern city, but it won’t hurt as the city is changing and continues to reinvent itself rapidly.
In this article we will cover...
Gay Things To Do In Oslo
Naturally, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Oslo during the day!
Oslo is a very safe, tolerant and progressive city, and gay travelers in Norway do not need to take any extra precautions concerning public displays of affection. Rest assured, you will have no issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city, and even the essential list of things to do to keep visitors entertained for at least a couple of days.
A sizeable independent bookshop that specializes in lots of quirky genres, including feminism, and radical literature and even has its own LGBT section and a basement jam-packed with comic books.
One of the most popular things to do in Oslo is during the summer. Glide past the beautiful green islands and see Oslo just as the Vikings have for centuries (well, almost). Plus, there is something about having seafood on the boat, which just makes it so much better.
Discover the world-renowned Oslo Fjord with its numerous islands like a local! We can’t think of a better way to experience everything the Fjord has to offer than by this hopping tour, during which you will explore 1000-year-old ruins, a gorgeous hidden beach, and unique traditional wooden cabins.
Add to that swimming in the warm water of the Fjord and hiking through the forests and sea cliffs! You’ve got yourself the perfect island-hopping combination!
The three best-preserved Viking Ships in the world, are all in one place, and they are truly incredible. A national treasure and pride of Oslo, there is a reason they built a whole museum around them.
A futuristic ski jump that has become an icon of Oslo – along with providing some of the city’s best vantage points. Also home to a high-tech ski museum that is not to be missed.
One of the most beautiful Opera houses in the world, and if you have the budget, a performance of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet is utterly unforgettable. Otherwise, at the very least, take a wander around and in the public spaces of the building, and even head up onto the roof!
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
A peek back in the past before Norway found black gold and changed forever. An extensive collection of artifacts and buildings that had us rushing home to re-watch Elsa in Frozen …
A world-class museum and architectural icon of modern Oslo showcasing Edvard Munch’s life and over 28,000 pieces of his artwork.
Cross-Country Skiing Beginner Courses
You can’t find a better place to learn cross-country skiing than the majestic forests just outside Oslo. What better school than one led by a former Norwegian champion?
Cross-country is believed to be the origin of all the skiing disciplines we can enjoy nowadays. Initially conceived as a form of transportation on snow-covered landscapes, cross-country skiing evolved into one of the most popular sports in Nordic countries, especially in Norway, where the sport’s tradition goes way back.
The aim is to teach the very basic techniques used in classic cross-country skiing situations, and these are done in groups of people with the same level of experience. So why not try something totally new on your holiday? If nothing else – you will have a fabulous story to tell back at home!
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
A privately owned contemporary art gallery focusing on American appropriation artists and, more recently, the international contemporary art scene. Maybe they are most famous for paying USD 5.1m for a statue of the pop star Michael Jackson with Bubbles the chimpanzee.
The most popular tourist attraction in Oslo displays the works of Gustav Vigeland. His impressive statues seek to symbolize human relationships, and we think he hit the nail on the head. Completed between 1939 and 1949, we found some of the homoerotic subtext insanely progressive for the time, but we will let you judge for yourself.
The otherwise of Oslo is hipster Grünerløkka famous for its bohemian vibes, street art, parks and free thinkers. Right on the edge of Oslo City Centre but an entire world away.
Kayaking Trip On The Oslofjord
Exercise, summer fun and beautiful views – what’s not to love?
We won’t lie; Oslo is expensive, but if you start, this card offers free admission to a selection of over 30 attractions as well as public transport, which can save you *a lot* of money if used correctly.
Norway’s LGBT community is advocating for liberation from all forms of discrimination. Annoyingly their site is only in Norwegian, but they have plenty of events and activities listed, which you can translate, or just ask a question about on their Facebook page. We love the sound of their Gay Guerrilla take-over of otherwise ‘straight’ spaces.
The largest gay event in Norway attracts thousands of people to celebrate progress, show visibility and push to end all forms of discrimination. Held annually in July, there are concerts, exhibitions, shows, films, debates and, of course, epic parties.
Scandinavian Ski Pride
A popular three-day event takes place annually in March at the Hemsedal ski field, a 3.5-hour drive from Oslo. Famed as the best ski resort in Norway, if you are not that into the snow, there are still epic gay parties and après-ski, of course.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Oslo
As you would expect in such a progressive country, pretty much every hotel and hostel in Oslo can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms!
Having said that, everyone likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few well-known hotels in Oslo that are known hot spots for gay travelers to stay! There are currently no exclusively gay hotels in Oslo.
The best location in Olso for gay travelers is in the compact city center, which is close to all the top tourist sites and attractions of the Oslo gay scene – by day or by night, but we also loved one hotel in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood and another luxurious ski countryside escape.
The following gay-friendly hotels in Olso are only the most popular with gay travelers, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Oslo if you don’t find quite what you are looking for.
Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap room to crash after a night of partying or a designer boutique option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people – Gay Oslo is something for everyone!
A gay-popular luxury hotel on the bustling Aker Brygge promenade known for its international art, designer furniture, avant-garde design and relaxing atmosphere. A modern retreat, yet so close to the city center – ‘escapees’ as guests are called loved the rooftop bar, tranquil, cove-like swimming pool and free entry to the nearby Astrup Fearnley Museum.
Oh, and while there is no gay spa in Olso, there is the Theif award-winning spa which has stolen treatment options from all over the world for you, including options like a Turkish Hamam bath (almost as much fun as Gay Istanbul) and Moroccan clay treatment.
A historic luxury hotel in Oslo, open since 1900 and still today the vanguard of old-world elegance, albeit with some welcome modern touches. Located in the heart of Oslo city, close to all the cultural institutions and gay bars in Olso, we loved the chic suites with Nespresso machines and soaking tubs – along with terraces offering views over the fjord.
A luxury hotel in Oslo is set just outside of the city. If your hiring a car in Oslo or want to be close to the Holmenkollbakken ski-jumping hill, then this rustic complex of wooden buildings is a popular option – It truly looks straight out of pages of a Norwegian folktale, and you will feel treated like a Queen with world-class service.
L’Occitaine products in the room, a restaurant seasonally featuring the best of Nordic cuisine and works of art on loan from the Henie Onstad art center.
A modern 37-story hotel centrally located in Gay Oslo with a fashionable Skybar, popular for its extensive city views. Of course, you can also enjoy these from most of their stylish views with a look out over the city towards the Oslo Fjord. There is also a sauna, an indoor pool, and a full Norwegian breakfast.
A hotel offering the best of Norwegian hospitality, we love the focus here on the smallest details, and the result is a boutique hotel you will never forget. We loved the Turkish steam bath, sauna and full organic breakfast, perfect for those who are intolerant. Quirky, warn and environmentally concise, this gay-popular hotel is for those who want to be pleasantly surprised.
Conveniently located in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood and only a leisurely 20-minute walk along the River Akerselva to the city center. We loved the Scandinavian chic feel, delicious full breakfast, and relaxed vibe.
With floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the Mathallen Oslo and the park, you can still experience Oslo from the comfort of your room…Perfect for those who want to experience a more ‘local neighborhood’ with a dash of luxury.
Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget ☆☆☆
One of the cheapest hotels in Oslo we could find, yet the reviews are still fabulous. Close to the gay bars in Oslo with helpful staff, fun design and some surprisingly beautiful views from the top-level rooms. There is even a roof-top hangout space, gym, and basic kitchen if you want to save some coins.
A new hotel concept that provides the cheapest private rooms in Oslo right on the doorstep of the main train station. Simple, stylish hotel with everything you need: a simple bathroom, comfortable bed, desk + chair, a desk and a bit of space to hang your clothes. Nice lobby hang-out space and a cool check-in terminal to get in and out in a breeze.
Our favorite hostel in Oslo is centrally located with a trendy, vibrant atmosphere, free breakfast and nice crowds. It really is posh, with plenty of cool hang-outs thanks to being co-located at the Saga Hotel Oslo Central.
If you want to meet other travelers and head out to explore the town (while saving more than a few kroner), this is the place to go! You could also try the Anker Hostel, but it’s a similar price. They charge for bed linen, are dirtier, have no lockers and receive generally unfavorable reviews.
Gay-Friendly / Gay Bars and Clubs in Oslo
Oslo is well-known as one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe and has a small but vibrant gay nightlife scene. Being such a tolerant society, you are unlikely to experience any issues with displays of affection in public in Norway and will be welcomed in most clubs and bars – so naturally, many gays in Oslo don’t feel the need to segregate themselves.
Conversely, this is no vibe like a gay club vibe, and we loved how lesbians and gay men frequently mix in all the Olso gay bars and have an inclusive night out with our queer family. If you’re not sure where to go, we recommend heading to the gay bars in the central city of Oslo or, for a more low-key night, the mixed bars in the Grünerløkka Neighbourhood are where fancy, rich hipsters, and designer gays hang out.
The most famous and biggest gay bar in Oslo has been open since the 70s (We told you this was a progressive country). Expect all your usual trappings of an iconic gay bar with a fun happy hour until 9 pm, drag queens, an inclusive atmosphere and a superb atmosphere.
Plenty of weekday events to draw in the crowds, such as karaoke and quiz nights, but as you would expect, London Pub is packed on the weekend and gets very cruisy.
A fun gay bar in Oslo with plenty of drag-related events and frequent RuPaul Drag Race viewing parties (bring your best Ru Paul merch!). A young crowd of mixed gays/lesbians who dance the weekend away to Euro-pop trash.
Who said gay bars have to be all unicorns and glitter twinks? We loved Bob’s Pub, just a simple bar serving snacks, drinks, and nice gay company. On a sunny day in summer, you can sit outside and enjoy other queer company, or in the winter, escape the cold in the cozy interior.
A fabulously funky gay dance party was held over the summer month. Sure, Oslo might not have a dedicated gay club, but this popular LGBT event has a striking line-up of venues and local/international talent and is worth planning a trip to Gay Oslo around. We just checked, and their last event was gay disco-mini golf!
An indie gay club night where everyone is welcome. An alternative to the typical ‘gay hits’ on repeat (though can you really ever have too much Lady Gaga) with alternative pop hits and sickening DJs.
A super-fun party bar popular with students that get packed most nights of the week. As with every bar in Oslo, you can find gay people here, but we are going for the Oktoberfest atmosphere with beer towers, Jägerbombs, and all-night dancing.
Upscale clubbing with a more sophisticated atmosphere tabled and friendly staff. Imagine a more ultra-lux Las Vegas nightclub than a carefree unpretentious Edinburgh.
A fun industrial-style club and jazz bar with cheaper beer and drinks than most Oslo clubs. Very student popular and eclectic events that always draw a crowd. We loved leaving in the summer under the almost-endless sunlight and selfie-ing up a storm in the street-art-covered laneway. Blå also hosts awesome concerts by the river and has taken the live music scene in Oslo by storm!
A large, open-air bar and restaurant is insanely popular when the sun is out. Located seaside in the upscale Aker Brygge area, we loved people-watching and making the most of the admittedly short Norwegian summer.
34 SkyBar @ Radisson Plaza Blu Hotel
The place to go for relaxed cocktails and a breathtaking panorama of Oslo’s fjords, and it’s a rocking nightclub late at night to boot!
Underwater Pub
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Quirky, fun and with free opera on Tuesday and Thursday… what’s not to love! This nautically themed bar transports you to a sunken ship under the sea and is pretty famous in Oslo for obvious reasons. We also loved you could bring your own food. Hint, there is a Thai restaurant across the road.
I don’t care who you are; everyone loves a Tiki bar – and sitting inside sipping fruity drinks in the bitter Oslo winter makes it all the more fun. A gay-friendly bar with funky decor, strong drinks and the ability to make transport you to Hawaii…at least for a few hours!
Cruising & Gay Sauna in Oslo
One place where Grindr and other gay hook-up apps really made a difference worldwide is the closing of saunas and bathhouses.
While other European destinations such as Prague, Brussels, and Valencia have bucked the trend and continue to have a thriving gay sauna scene in Olso, this is not the case in Oslo. Sadly, today only Club Hercules remains – although it is one of the top gay saunas in Scandinavia.
Spread out over four floors; Club Hercules / Saunahuset Hercules offers plenty of fun with a busy jacuzzi, steam and dry sauna room, XXX room, private cabins, and a maze. It’s not the cleanest, but as you would expect, this Oslo gay sauna is popular with tourists and sexy.
Norwegians who really get right to it if you’re not too picky. Friday’s and Saturday’s after 1 am are most popular.
Otherwise, the crowd is mostly older Bear Viking guys. Entrance is NOK 175 or NOK 110 for those under 26s, with towels, condoms, and lube all provided. Re-entrance is free on Sunday with a stamp, so you can visit the Hercules gay sauna in Oslo before 8 am that morning and head back for a second time after 3 pm at no extra cost.
If the gay sauna in Olso isn’t your scene, there is also the ever-popular SLM Oslo Fetish Club / Cruise Lounge for your hit of Scandinavian Leather Men (SLM). They host mostly themed parties with special dress codes on the second Saturday of every month and have Bondage workshops.
Read their house rules before going and register on the webpage no later than 10 pm the day of the event. Downstairs is the fun cruise/play area with a dark room, sling, and essential BDSM toys.
Gay Map Of Oslo
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Oslo? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!