Best for
Architecture fans, literature lovers, anyone wanting a beautiful free escape from Oslo's tourist circuit
Time needed
1–2 hours
Worth it?
Yes — one of Oslo's finest free interiors, and consistently underrated. The reading room alone is worth a visit.
Skip if
If you have no interest in reading rooms, exhibitions, or architecture — Vigeland Park is a better free option for outdoor-focused visitors.
About National Library of Norway
The National Library of Norway (Nasjonalbiblioteket) is one of Oslo's most underrated free attractions — a monumental building that most tourists walk past without realising they can step inside. Opened in 1913 and built in national romantic style with classical influences, the building sits at the western end of Henrik Ibsens gate, two blocks from the Royal Palace, and looks every bit as impressive as the museums on nearby Bygdøy.
The library holds Norway's most comprehensive collection of books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, photographs, films, and digital media — over six million items in total. Much of the collection is stored in a purpose-built mountain vault in Mo i Rana, but the Oslo building houses the most historically significant items, including handwritten manuscripts by Ibsen, Grieg, and Munch, and first editions of every significant Norwegian publication since the 17th century.
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What makes the library worth visiting as a tourist is not primarily the books — it is the building itself, the free cultural exhibitions that change throughout the year, and the reading rooms. The main reading room is a masterpiece of early 20th-century interior design: high ceilings, ornate cast iron galleries, natural light from skylights, and an atmosphere of profound quiet that is increasingly rare in Oslo's bustling centre. Visitors are welcome to use the reading rooms without a library card.
The exhibitions occupy several dedicated spaces throughout the building and rotate four to six times per year. Past exhibitions have focused on Norwegian literary history, the history of print culture, extraordinary cartographic collections, and Norwegian folk music archives. The quality of curation is consistently high, and there is almost always something worth seeing.
The internal courtyard café — covered by a glass roof — is one of Oslo's most pleasant spots for coffee. Surrounded by the building's neo-renaissance facades, with good food and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a genuine hidden gem rather than a tourist trap.
The library also hosts regular public events: author talks, concerts, film screenings, and lectures, most of them free. The programme is listed on the library's website. On summer Thursdays, outdoor concerts are sometimes held in the courtyard.
Practical notes: the building is free to enter and open to everyone. There is no need to register or show ID to visit the exhibitions or reading rooms. Photography is permitted in the public areas. The nearest T-bane stop is Nationalteateret (5 minutes walk) or the National Theatre tram stop directly in front of the Royal Palace.
What to See: Highlights
- 1Grand 1913 neo-renaissance building — one of Oslo's finest
- 2Free entry, no registration required
- 3Rolling cultural exhibitions — literature, maps, photography
- 4Spectacular main reading room open to all visitors
- 5Courtyard café under a glass roof — one of Oslo's best-kept secrets
- 6Holds original Ibsen and Munch manuscripts
- 7Regular free public events: concerts, talks, screenings
Insider Tips
Check the exhibitions calendar before visiting — quality varies
The courtyard café gets busy at lunchtime — arrive by 11:30 or after 13:30
Photography permitted in public areas and reading rooms
Free guided tours available on selected dates — check website
Combine with a Royal Palace visit and a walk through Slottsparken
Getting There
Henrik Ibsens gate 110, 0255 Oslo
Open in Google Maps →- 1T-bane to Nationalteateret (line 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) — 5 min walk. Tram to Nationaltheatret. On foot: 15 min from Oslo City Hall.
Where to stay
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you visit.
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Should You Visit?
Visit if...
- You appreciate beautiful historic buildings and interiors
- You're interested in Norwegian literature, history, or culture
- You want a peaceful break from Oslo's busier tourist sites
- You're a reader, researcher, or architecture enthusiast
- You're looking for a rainy-day free option in the city centre
Skip if...
- You want outdoor activities or Oslo's main landmarks
- You have no interest in libraries, books, or exhibitions
- Your time in Oslo is very limited and you're prioritising must-see museums
Ready to Book Your Visit?
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National Museum
Norway's largest art museum — successor to the original National Gallery — home to Munch's The Scream and 7,000 years of Nordic and European art.
Norwegian Resistance Museum
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