Ekebergparken Sculpture Park sits on a forested ridge just above central Oslo, where sweeping views of the fjord meet contemporary art tucked between pines and birches. It is one of those places I bring friends when they visit, because you get a little bit of everything that makes Oslo special, fresh air, dramatic light, good design, and a calm walk that ends with coffee and a view.
If you want the short answer for planning, the park is free, open 24 hours a day, and easy to reach by tram. You can see a lot in 60 to 90 minutes, although two to three hours is better if you like to linger, photograph, or have a meal with a view. Expect internationally known artworks, a famous viewpoint connected to Edvard Munch, and well kept trails suitable for most visitors.
Ready to make a simple plan and squeeze the most out of your time up there. Let’s take a deeper dive into Ekebergparken Sculpture Park.
How to get to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
From the city center, Ekeberg rises directly behind the Opera House and the Bjørvika waterfront. The fastest way up is by tram. Take tram 13 or 19 toward Ljabru and get off at Ekebergparken or Sportsplassen. From either stop, signed paths lead into the park in a few minutes. If you prefer to walk, start near the Opera House or Sørenga, then follow the marked paths that zigzag up the hillside. It is a steady climb, but there are benches and plenty of distractions in the form of city views.
If you are driving, there is limited parking on the ridge near the restaurant and sports fields. I rarely recommend driving here, since trams are frequent and the park is meant to be wandered at an easy pace.
What to see, art highlights and viewpoints
Ekebergparken is a curated landscape, not a fenced museum. Sculptures appear and disappear between trees, some monumental in bronze or stone, others subtle, like a light work that changes the way you notice dusk. The collection blends Norwegian and international artists, and new installations come in from time to time. You might recognize figurative works in marble or bronze, and you will also find pieces that play with reflection, color, or sound.
Because the artworks are placed along multiple paths, it helps to pick a loose loop. From the Ekebergparken tram stop, head toward the main lawn and viewpoint, then circle through the forest trails. If you love photography, bring a lens with a bit of reach. The way sculptures sit against the city and water gives strong compositions, especially in the late afternoon when Oslo glows warm and the fjord turns silver.
Please do not climb on the artworks, even if they look sturdy. Touching is fine when signage allows it, but much of the appeal here is how art and nature are in conversation. Let them talk without us jumping into the middle.
The Munch connection, finding the “Scream” view
Ekeberg is where Edvard Munch found the mood and skyline that fed his most famous painting. Locals know the spot simply as Utsikten, which means The View. On clear days you can trace the same sweep of the inner Oslofjord, the islands, and the city below. Even on overcast afternoons, the light can feel charged up here, especially in autumn when the trees turn copper and the air gets that crisp, electric quality Munch wrote about.
There are signs pointing to Utsikten inside the park. If you are short on time, make this the one viewpoint you do not miss. It anchors the whole experience, a reminder that Oslo’s culture and landscape are intertwined.
Walking routes and how long to spend
If you want a simple loop, allow about 60 to 90 minutes from the tram stop and back. Walk to the main viewpoint, continue along the ridge through the forest paths, then drop back toward your starting point. For a deeper wander, add an extra hour to include the lower paths and some of the side trails that cut through quieter woodland. The park is safe and well signed, but it is still a hillside, so wear shoes with decent grip. After rain or in winter, some paths can be slick.
Families often split the visit in two parts, a short art loop, then a snack break at the restaurant terrace or a picnic on the grass, then a second loop to catch the pieces they missed. That rhythm works well for most visitors, especially in summer when daylight stretches late.
When to visit, seasons, light, and weather
Ekebergparken is open year round, which means you can tailor your visit to the kind of atmosphere you enjoy.
In spring, the forest starts to green up early on the ridge, and the light is clean and bright. Summer brings long days, picnics on the lawns, and warm evenings when the city below looks like a model made of gold. Autumn is my favorite for color and low sun that turns sculptures into silhouettes. Winter can be magical if there is snow, the forms of both trees and artworks simplify, and the view over Oslo is razor sharp. Just dress properly and consider ice grips if it is been cold for a while.
Sunset is prime time for photographers. Morning is quieter and lovely for a reflective walk, especially if you want the viewpoints to yourself.
Food and drink with a view
Right on the ridge sits Ekebergrestauranten, a much loved example of Norwegian functionalist architecture from the early 1900s. It is worth stepping inside even if you are only after coffee and a pastry, the windows stretch toward the fjord and the city, and the terrace on a warm day is a treat. If you are planning a proper lunch or dinner, it pays to book ahead, since locals use it for celebrations and weekend dining.
Picnics are encouraged, and the lawns around the viewpoints are perfect on sunny days. Bring a blanket, pick up pastries or sandwiches in town before you ride the tram, and make it a slow visit. Please pack out everything you bring in.
Visiting with kids and non museum people
Ekebergparken is great for mixed groups. Because the setting is outdoors, people who do not care for traditional museums relax here. Kids can walk, snack, and explore without whispering. Keep an eye on youngsters near the steeper drops by the viewpoints, but otherwise it is an easy place to let them burn energy while you enjoy the art and scenery. In summer, you will often spot locals playing frisbee or just lounging with a book.
Accessibility and practical tips
The park’s network includes both gravel paths and paved sections. There are step free routes to the main viewpoints, although some gradients are moderate, since this is a hillside. If mobility is a concern, start from the tram stops on top rather than hiking up from the waterfront. Toilets are available at the visitor facilities and at the restaurant during opening hours.
Bring a light jacket even on warm days. Oslo weather changes quickly, and that ridge catches the breeze. In winter, gloves and a hat make the difference between a short dash and a proper visit.
Etiquette, safety, and photography
Oslo is safe and Ekebergparken is no exception. You will see runners, families, and dog walkers at all hours. Common sense is enough, stick to lit paths after dark, and do not leave valuables unattended. Drones are not a great idea here, both for safety and out of respect for other visitors.
Tripods are welcome, but move them off the main walking line if the park is busy. If you photograph other people, ask first. And again, no climbing on the sculptures. The patina and surfaces are part of the artwork and damage easily.
A note on light installations and events
Some of the pieces in Ekebergparken involve light, and occasionally there are scheduled programs at dusk. If that interests you, check the park’s official channels for times. It can be a beautiful way to experience the ridge, when the sky is changing and the city lights flicker on below.
Pair it with simple Oslo itineraries
Ekeberg pairs naturally with the waterfront neighborhood of Bjørvika. Ride the tram up, wander the park, then descend on foot and explore the Opera House roof, the Deichman Library, or the MUNCH museum by the water. If you prefer to start low and earn your view, do it in reverse, coffee first in Bjørvika, hike up through the birch forest, then reward yourself with lunch on the terrace.
If you are short on time, combine Ekeberg with a loop around the central sights. You can fit the park, the Opera, and a stroll along Karl Johans gate into a single day without feeling rushed.
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is one of Oslo’s easiest wins, a free, open, and generous place where the city shows its best side. Give it a couple of unrushed hours, keep your plans loose, and let the hill do its work. The view alone is worth the tram ride, the art is the bonus that keeps you there longer than you expected.