Is the St. Hanshaugen neighborhood walk difficult?

It is considered an easy walk, though it does include some uphill sections. Telthusbakken is a fairly steep incline, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Where are the best photography spots in Oslo?

Damstredet and Telthusbakken are two of the most iconic spots for photography in the city. The colorful wooden houses and the view of Old Aker Church from the bottom of the hill offer classic 'old world' perspectives.

Can I see Edvard Munch's grave on this walk?

Yes, Edvard Munch is buried in the honorary section (Æreslunden) of Our Savior's Cemetery. His grave is marked by a bronze bust and is a central highlight of the final stop on this route.

What is the oldest building in Oslo?

Old Aker Church is the oldest building in Oslo, dating back to roughly 1080. It is a medieval stone church that remains in use today.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly as it passes through quiet streets and parks. Children often enjoy the 'fairytale' look of the tiny wooden houses, though parents with strollers should be prepared for some hills.

Are the wooden houses on Damstredet open to the public?

No, the wooden houses are private residences. Visitors are welcome to walk the street and take photos of the exteriors, but should be respectful of the residents' privacy.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Morning is ideal for photography as the light hits the wooden facades beautifully. The area is also very peaceful during the early hours before more visitors arrive.

Fairytale Lanes and Wooden Houses | Walking Tour

1 hr 15 min

Duration

5

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step away from the modern glass and steel of Oslo's waterfront and enter a world of cobblestones, colorful timber, and medieval history. This self-guided walk through the St. Hanshaugen neighborhood reveals a side of the Norwegian capital that many visitors miss. Here, the city feels more like a sleepy village from a Hans Christian Andersen story than a bustling Scandinavian hub. The route focuses on the preserved wooden architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries, specifically the iconic lanes of Damstredet and Telthusbakken, where charming cottages lean against one another in a vibrant display of historical preservation. Beyond the architecture, this neighborhood stroll connects you with the deep roots of the city at Old Aker Church, the oldest standing building in Oslo, and offers a quiet moment of reflection among Norway's most famous figures at Our Savior's Cemetery. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of flower-draped fences or a history buff eager to see the medieval foundations of the city, this walking route provides a peaceful escape into Oslo's past. You will experience the dramatic contrast between the grand Egebergslottet, once the city's largest private residence, and the humble, tiny dwellings that once housed the city's working class. This is a journey through time that showcases how Oslo has evolved while fiercely protecting its most enchanting corners. Exploring independently allows you to linger at the viewpoints overlooking the city's allotments or spend extra time finding the graves of Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch. This walking tour Oslo residents love highlights the authentic, quiet charm of the city's hidden residential gems.

Highlights

The storybook wooden cottages of Damstredet
Panoramic views from the grand Egebergslottet
The vibrant gardens and timber houses of Telthusbakken
Old Aker Church, the oldest building in Oslo
The final resting places of Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (5)

1

Damstredet

Start your journey at Damstredet, one of Oslo's most picturesque streets. This narrow, winding lane is lined with well-preserved wooden houses dating back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. Originally a suburban area for the city's working class, these colorful timber buildings have survived the urban modernization that claimed much of Oslo's old wooden architecture. As you walk, notice the uneven cobblestones and the tiny gardens tucked between the houses. It is a remarkable example of 'Empire style' architecture and provides a glimpse into the humble lifestyle of 18th-century residents. Today, it is a protected area, serving as a living museum where people still reside in these historic gems.

2

Egebergslottet

Look up toward the imposing building known as Egebergslottet, or the Egeberg Castle. Built at the turn of the 20th century for Westye Egeberg, it was once the largest private residence in Oslo. The architecture is grand and classical, reflecting the immense wealth of the timber merchant family that commissioned it. Though it was later converted into luxury apartments, it remains a dominant landmark on the hillside. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the elevation of the St. Hanshaugen district, which offered the city's elite fresh air and sweeping views away from the industrial smoke of the lower city.

3

Telthusbakken

Telthusbakken is perhaps the most photographed street in Oslo, and for good reason. On one side of the steep hill, you have a row of vibrant, multi-colored wooden houses from the 1800s. On the other side, you will see the 'parsellhager' or allotment gardens, where locals grow vegetables and flowers. This combination of historic architecture and urban greenery creates a unique atmosphere. The houses here were once considered slums, but today they are among the most sought-after residences in the city. The contrast between the brightly painted wood and the lush green allotments perfectly captures the Norwegian love for combining urban life with nature.

4

Old Aker Church

At the top of the hill stands Old Aker Church (Gamle Aker kirke), a Romanesque stone basilica that is officially the oldest building in Oslo. Constructed around 1080 during the reign of King Olav Kyrre, it has survived centuries of fire, lightning strikes, and plunder. The church is built over an ancient silver mine, and local legends even suggest that dragons once guarded treasures in the tunnels beneath its foundations. Its thick stone walls and simple, sturdy design are a sharp contrast to the delicate wooden houses you just passed, representing the enduring power of the medieval church in Norwegian history.

5

Our Savior's Cemetery

Conclude your walk at Vår Frelsers gravlund, or Our Savior's Cemetery. This is not just a graveyard, but a beautiful park and a national monument. Established in 1808, it became the final resting place for Norway's most prominent citizens during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The 'Grave of Honor' section is where you will find the resting places of world-renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen and the pioneering painter Edvard Munch. The atmosphere here is one of quiet dignity, with grand monuments and mature trees, making it a perfect place to reflect on the cultural history of the nation before heading back into the modern city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. The distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles), but you will want extra time to take photos and explore the cemetery grounds.