Drinks in high places: 8 alluring rooftop bars in Oslo

Summer in Scandinavia is all about long days and light nights spent in the open air. After all, city summer life really only needs to consist of a rooftop terrace, good company and a cocktail in hand.

Oslo is not short of outdoorsy options, and as the temperatures rise and the holiday crowds hit the streets, it can be tempting to go up for some air. These are eight great rooftop bars in the Norwegian capital, from lively vibes to relaxing ambiences.

The newly refurbished Mynt bar tops off the vibrant eatery Sentralen in downtown Oslo. The rooftop terrace serves natural wines and ciders from the bar accompanied by dishes, such as their tasty sourdough pizzas, from the eatery downstairs. Come for an after-work drink and stay until dusk to experience live music and special events in a pleasantly laid back ambience with views over the city's rooftops

Good to know: Sentralen updates their socials regularly with information about events. The terrace is open during the summer season, drop-in only.

Øvre Slottsgate 3, 0157 Oslo

Kranen bar sits a top of the new Munch Museum in Bjørvika, in the 13th floor, 60 metres above ground, offering spectacular panoramic views over the city and the Oslo fjord. The sight itself gives seventh heaven feels making Kranen the ideal site to watch golden hour after a day of indulging in some of Norway's finest artworks.

Good to know: Kranen is open for drop-ins all year-round. There's both seating, in and outside if it gets nippy. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo

Not technically a rooftop, but to leisure outside on the terrace at Ekebergrestauranten certainly feels you are up on an awe-inspiring roof, looking across Oslo. The restaurant sits in the hills above the city, at the edge of the lush sculpture park Ekebergparken, which you might recall from the Oscar-nominated movie The Worst Person in the World. Go in the afternoon for drinks or dinner, when the whole terrace is bathing in sunlight, and stay to witness the sun setting in the Oslo fjord.

Good to know: Combine a visit to Ekebergrestauranten with a walk in the surrounding sculpture park.

Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo

The top of the venerable Grand Hotel Oslo is perfect for a city escape to relish either cocktails, a glass from the extensive wine list or an ice-cold Norwegian brewed beer. As Eight Rooftop Bar is in Karl Johans Gate, Oslo's high street, it is a sweet pause from the inner city buzz and bustle, offering vistas stretching from street crowds and brick facades, right across to the sky and hills on the horizon.

Good to know: Eight offers both in and outside seating, open to hotel guests and the public alike.

Karl Johans Gate 31, 0159 Oslo

Calmeyers Hage at The Hub hotel is a prime spot for Nordic flavours and metropolitan, joyful feels. Drinks include spirits from local distilleries such as Bareksten, topped with herbs from the hotel's herb garden on the roof. The menu features a range of snacks from local produce. Plus, DJs play on selected evenings.

Good to know: Ask for local produce from the menu for a taste of Norway.

Biskop Gunnerus gate 3, 0155 Oslo

If your preferred bar situation includes vibrant colours, charm and flowers in an amicable and urban ambience, visit Godt Håb. The informal bar is a little hidden gem in Grønland with a homey feel, serving colourful drinks at long tables, surrounded by lush greenery and plants. Plus, the bar frequently hosts events, DJs and live music until late.

Good to know: Check their Instagram for live events. Open till late at the Weekends.

Grønland 18, 0188 Oslo

Oslo's main national library, Deichman in Bjørvika, is worth visiting solely to experience its award-winning architecture. As a bonus, the library is home to the fjord-facing roof terrace, Mezzanin at restaurant Centropa. The bar serves both drinks and food with a direct view of another architectural monument, the Oslo opera house. Perfect for people watching on a sunny afternoon by the waterfront or for a pre- or post dinner sip.

Good to know: The terrace is open Wednesday through to Sunday when the weather allows it. Drop-in only.

Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Tjuvholmen sits at the very tip of the city, offering pristine swimming and sun conditions. The area is also home to Astrup Fearnley Museum and The Thief hotel. Take the lift up to the hotel rooftop bar where we suggest visiting for upbeat vibes and panoramic city and nature sights, or, perhaps warm up with a cocktail under the heating lights once you've had a splash.

Good to know: The rooftop also has a grill, ideal for when the cravings kick in. Open to hotel guests and the public.

Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo