Information
Landmark: Ekebergparken Sculpture ParkCity: Oslo
Country: Norway
Continent: Europe
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, Oslo, Norway, Europe
Overview
Perched on the hillside of Ekeberg in Oslo, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park blends a quiet nature reserve with an open-air gallery, where winding trails lead past towering pines and bold contemporary sculptures.Nestled by the Oslofjord, the park weaves together winding paths through wildflowers with striking works of art, creating a peaceful, inspiring place to wander.It ranks among Norway’s most important public art parks, where sculptures rise against the crisp northern sky.Ekebergparken Sculpture Park opened in 2013, but long before that, people wandered these hills to take in the sweeping city views.A private group, the Ekebergparken Foundation, created the park to bring art to everyone and weave contemporary pieces into the surrounding woods and hills.Set in Oslo’s Ekeberg district, it’s a short trip from the city center, with sweeping views of the Oslofjord glinting in the sunlight and the skyline spread out below.Covering more than 60 hectares-about 150 acres-the park blends shady woodlands with wide, sunlit fields, drawing hikers, casual walkers, and families with picnic baskets.Scattered along its paths are over 30 contemporary sculptures by internationally celebrated artists, from seasoned masters to rising talents.The collection features pieces by renowned artists like Salvador Dalí, Damien Hirst, Marina Abramović, Roni Horn, and Tony Cragg, among others.Scattered along winding paths and tucked beside quiet groves, the sculptures invite you to wander, merging with the landscape and deepening the park’s mood.Scattered through different corners of the park, these works are placed to frame just the right view-a sweep of trees, a patch of sky.One of Ekebergparken’s greatest strengths is how effortlessly it weaves art into the landscape.Visitors can take in striking sculptures and wander through the park’s quiet woods, open meadows, and hilltop spots that look out over Oslo and the glittering fjord.Perched on a hillside thick with wildflowers and birdsong, the park offers not only winding trails for nature walks but also a rich artistic experience.From its elevated paths, you can take in sweeping views of Oslo’s skyline, the glinting Oslofjord, and the scattered islands beyond.Among its most celebrated works is a replica of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Baroque masterpiece *The Kiss*, once housed in Rome’s Borghese Gallery.You’ll also find Salvador Dalí’s surreal *Sphinx*, part of the park’s international modern art collection.At the heart of it all stands the Ekeberg Pavilion, a striking design by the acclaimed Norwegian firm Snøhetta.The pavilion doubles as a visitor hub and gallery, where you can read about the park’s past and discover the artists who shaped its sculptures.The pavilion hosts rotating art shows and lively events, its clean lines and pale wood catching the light and blending with the hills around it.Ekebergparken offers a full calendar of cultural activities-exhibitions, guided walks, and performances that invite you to dig into the stories and ideas behind the art.Visitors can join workshops and hands-on sessions designed for all ages, connecting contemporary pieces with the park’s trees, gardens, and open air.Winding trails lead you past sculptures, quiet groves, and bursts of wildflowers, letting you explore at your own pace.Some trails wind briefly through the trees, while others stretch for miles, so visitors of any fitness level can find a route that suits them.Many of the trails welcome families, and the park’s layout ensures everyone can enjoy it-including visitors using wheelchairs or walking aids.One of Ekebergparken’s main aims is to bring art within easy reach of the public.Every sculpture in the park sits out in the open, free for anyone to see-no ticket, no gates, just art waiting beside the paths for you to enjoy.This turns the park into a welcoming cultural spot, where sculptures rise among tall pines and birdsong replaces the echo of museum halls, and you can get there from central Oslo in just minutes.It’s just a quick drive or tram ride from the city center, and you can hop on several bus or tram lines-like the one that rattles past the old stone fountain.You can stroll from the park to Ekeberg Hill in just a few minutes, making it easy for anyone who likes to hike or wander in on foot.It’s open all year, day and night, with free access to the sculptures and winding paths whenever you feel like exploring.The Ekeberg Pavilion and other temporary exhibits may open only at certain times, so check before you go.Admission’s free-you can wander the park and admire the sculptures without spending a cent.Some events, short-term exhibits, and activities might cost extra-think of a special guided tour or hands-on workshop.In the end, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park remains a must-see in Oslo for anyone who loves art and the quiet beauty of the outdoors.Blending striking contemporary art with the quiet beauty of nature, it offers an experience unlike any other-one that draws visitors from toddlers chasing butterflies to grandparents lingering by a sculpture in the shade.With its handpicked sculptures, art woven seamlessly into the rolling greenery, and sweeping views over Oslo’s rooftops, this park stands out as one of the city’s cultural gems.You might wander past sculptures by world-renowned artists or pause to breathe in the scent of pine along a quiet path-either way, Ekebergparken promises an experience that stays with you.
