The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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  • gardkarlsen
    Stavanger, Norway5,868 contributions
    A great place to visit
    First of all you can walk around it and on top of it - if you come there on a nice day, people will be relaxing in the sun or taking a dip in the ocean around the opera. Inside you can get guided tours (book in advance) and it is interesting to see the actual opera hall but also get to walk behind the stage itself. And if you do want to visit an opera performance there are quite a lot of options. Good seats can be expensive but you can actually buy a place just to stand and see a show for 100 kroner which is a good deal.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 17, 2020
  • Gluteus Maximus
    Whitchurch, United Kingdom65 contributions
    Amazing
    Being on a budget, I did not take the tour, but instead chose to simply walk up to the roof, which is open to all members of the public. It's a great experience and offers great view over the fjord, as well as good photo opportunities. Also is worth visiting g at night
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written February 23, 2020
  • EmeraldDiva
    3,501 contributions
    Beautiful at sunset
    Very distinctive building, beautifully situated by the water. On a sunny day, the reflections on all that glass are gorgeous. It is good to go inside and wander around, some very interesting angles and spaces in there. Once outside again, you can walk up onto the roof, quite unique. Oslo is not the prettiest city to view from up high, but this is a free attraction and it is quite lovely to be on the roof at sunset.
    Visited February 2020
    Written March 27, 2020
  • midway42
    Georgia3,057 contributions
    A tour of Norway’s signature performing arts venue.
    Norway’s tradition of opera is by modern standards fairly recent. The world-famous soprano Kirsten Flagstad put the country on the map after her debut at the Met in 1935, and she became the country’s first Opera Director in 1957. The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet Company ensued, and garnered enough attention and resources to build a home for their performances. In 1999 the Norwegian legislature confirmed construction of the theater, and 350 entires were submitted. The Norwegian architectural firm Snohetta was declared the winner, and the rest is history. Construction took four years and over 700 million dollars, and the current Opera House was opened to the public in 2008. I passed by here on a whim, to confirm the pier that my cruise to Oscarsburg was going to depart from later in the week. The exterior of the building was so striking I spontaneously decided to visit and walked around the roof for maybe thirty minutes. This was a bit of a surreal experience, as you can literally go down to the water’s edge and fifteen minutes later be on the apex of the roof with views across the harbor. As there were no performances, I decided to take a fifty minute walking tour later that week. This was well done, starting in the foyer and continuing to the medium and large performance halls, as well as the back stage lifts and costume shop. Our docent was well versed in the history of the venue as well as the current operations. In summary, despite the fact I didn’t get to see a performance, this was a worthwhile visit. First, the building is simply magnificent to look at. While the exterior is striking, the interior is more subtle but no less impressive. I’m not an “architectural expert” by any means but certainly on a visceral level this was a worthwhile stop. Second, the behind-the-scenes perspective of the amount of time, effort, people, and money that it takes to run a venue and opera/ballet performance was fascinating. My only small quibble would be that the tour only focussed on the interior of the building; an extra (final?) stop outside to explain the roof and maybe the “She Lies” sculpture would have made a good presentation perfect. Recommended. Even those without an interest in the performing arts will enjoy a rooftop walk and the accompanying views. Others will want to take a tour and, hopefully on my next visit, a performance.
    Visited July 2022
    Written July 31, 2022
  • Masood K
    Dar es Salaam, Tanzania1,441 contributions
    A piece of Art
    The Opera building situated across the station in the heart of the city is in itself a piece of art. Upon inquiry we were told that the design was that of a Glacier. Even if one doesn’t go to see a show, one does go up the building which is like big wide ram where wheelchairer and prams can also be taken. Youngsters throng this place a lot and you see the entire skyline and the harbor of Oslo from the vantage point. We had a beautiful sun-set view from up above. Do visit if you are in the city centre, particular during evening hours. You won’t regret spending an hour over here.
    Visited February 2020
    Written March 25, 2020
  • cecilieeidslott
    Oslo, Norway36 contributions
    Beautiful Opera-building - a "MUST" if you're in Oslo
    We went to see Madame Butterfly. It's always fun to come to the Opera-building in Oslo. The architecture is very beautiful and worth a closer look! Haven't eaten at the restaurant - it's not all that appealing as it is placed sort of in the middle of the 1st floor where all the Opera guests hang out between acts. The place is nevertheless worth a visit and a glass of wine!
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 17, 2020
  • Mark_Dornoch
    Dornoch, United Kingdom1,509 contributions
    Visually stunning
    An amazing architectural result. At the head of the Oslofjord, this stunning modern building of Italian white marble and granite is a must see when visiting Oslo. You can walk up on to the roof but tread carefully in wet weather. There are steps and foot treads to make it less dangerous. Great views from the top of the building down the Fjord and across the City. Has the appearance of an iceberg at the end of the Fjord. Very impressive. Unfortunately it was closed the day we visited but no doubt worth a visit inside and to a performance if you ever have the opportunity.
    Visited May 2020
    Written April 6, 2021
  • sattelite10
    1,059 contributions
    Beautiful exterior overlooking harbor.
    We viewed this beautiful structure at night while walking along the waterfront after dinner. It looked spectacular in the reflection of the water and people were walking along the angled roof. We watched the floating saunas and people jumping into the icy waters , then back again. It was beautiful .
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 2, 2020
  • debchan2015
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom20 contributions
    A must-see on a trip to Oslo
    Definitely visit this if you are in Oslo. It's immense fun walking up on the roof, seeing the views and people-watching. Restaurants within are over-priced and over-rated with mediocre customer serice (having had drinks, snacks and a meal there) but there are plenty of other options in the surrounding area. Good accessibility, baggage storage and cloakroom areas. I loved the elegant but understated architecture both in and out. Attended Alexander Eckmans Swan Lake and did the behind the scenes tours. Both absolutely stunning.
    Visited June 2022
    Written June 26, 2022
  • Dazzliedee
    22 contributions
    Walk on the Roof!
    What an amazing building, I had no idea that there was a building like this in Oslo, it commands an amazing position and you can actually walk all over the roof and the views from the top are spectacular, you can even see the Olympic Ski jump in the distance! Unfortunately the day we visited the Opera House was closed but it did not matter as the experience of walking up and over and down the roof was just incredible . This is an absolute must if you are visiting Oslo and also it was a fun experience, I would imagine it can rival Sydney for the roof walk, also a very imposing building. Highly recommended
    Visited November 2019
    Written January 8, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia5,373 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Visited today , and of course had to climb up on the roof for that fabulous view. ( easy climb) it’s easy on the eye. And a nice transition from the water. I imagine in winter it could almost be hidden if the snow came. Inside was vast with clean lines. Coat racks were vast and no security. Couldn’t happen like that in my country.
Impressive
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

aspoe093
Pierre, SD616 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
An incredible building and great architecture. We didn't go to the opera but went inside the opera house. Nice inside but the outside was amazing. I mean who doesn't want to walk on top of an opera house.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jongleurgirl
England, UK909 contributions
Jul 2023
The setting of the opera house is quite spectacular, the building all white and glass set into the blue waters is beautiful. We did not go inside but did walk on the roof which was quite surreal. The area is vast and the reflections in the glass makes for fun photos.

Please be aware that there are trip hazards due to the dazzling white and the design which makes small almost invisible steps.
Written July 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AAppa
Europe1,036 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Stunning architecture. The best Oslo’s highlight. The materials, the design, the climbing to the roof, the views. A dream place.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

thomaslegner
Vienna, Austria287 contributions
Jul 2023
Oslo's Opera must be one of the most beautiful Opera Houses in all of Europe, the architecture is simply stunning.

While it may not be able to compete with Europe's great opera houses (Vienna, Milan, etc.) on a musical level, it is definitely worth a visit.
Written July 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TeWe
Helsinki, Finland1,083 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
A nice piece of architecture situated right by the sea in downtown Oslo. Very popular for just hanging around if the weather is nice.
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar10,596 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Outstanding building located few hundred metres from main Oslo train station. You can go inside when concerts not on and there is a good cafe/restaurant inside with an outside terrace. The interior design is very impressive. The outside roof terrace is a bit of a climb with fantastic views across the city and Oslo Fjord. There are also tours available inside the opera house and make up rooms/behind the scenes workings. Must see part of an Oslo visit.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AdventureKA
New York514 contributions
Apr 2023
Not in tour book but well worth walking up and down. Great views and a very unique structure. Try to do it in good weather as it’s likely slippery in the rain.
Written June 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sct Lucia
Copenhagen, Denmark39 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We walked on outside facade of the opera building. On the other side of the building there was a little playground on the small beach which our kids of 5 and 7 year old found fun to play with. There were some ducks in the sea they tried to feed.
Written June 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sligoinian
Sligo, Ireland161 contributions
Jun 2023
We walked up to the roof top first there are some spectacular views from the top Had a wander inside in the main reception area the Opera house is designed in a very nice wood effect only seen it from outside of Theatre
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet (Oslo) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Mon - Fri 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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