Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Oslo for Skyline Swims
Words by
Lars Eriksen
Best Hotels With Rooftop Pools in Oslo for Skyline Swims
When people search for the best hotels with rooftop pools in Oslo, they are usually imagining something dramatic. Picture turquoise water glittering against the snow-dusted ridges of the Oslofjord, steam curling off the surface in the Nordic winter light. I have lived in Oslo for over a decade, and I have been inside, on top of, and beside every waterfront and hilltop this city offers. Below is my honest, insider directory of the real rooftop pool hotels in Oslo that manage to pull off that floating skyline swim feeling without turning it into a gimmick.
1. The Thief Rooftop – Tjuvholmen
Where: Landgangen 1, Tjuvholmen, Frogner
This hotel sits on the tiny island-turned-art-district of Tjuvholmen, right between the Astrup Fearnley Museet and the Aker Brygge waterfront. On my last visit to The Thief's rooftop pool, I arrived just before sunset in late July, which meant the fjord glowed pink every time I lifted my head above the waterline.
What it is worth going for: The pool itself is not large, but its orientation is exactly what you want from a rooftop pool hotel in Oslo. It faces south-west, so on clear evenings you get direct views of the Bygdøy peninsula forests and the ferry traffic cutting across Hovedøya’s horizon. The infinity edge is subtle but deliberate. It works with the steel-and-glass minimalism of the building rather than fighting against it.
The best poolside drink one can order on the rooftop bar menu is their house Norse Negroni: a variation on the classic that uses aquavit in place of gin, plus Orgeat and a very dry vermouth that cuts through the richness of the Scandinavian late-summer heat. For a nonalcoholic option, ask for the house-made birch water soda with lime and rosemary. It is not listed on the main bar menu, but every regular server knows it.
Best time to visit: late June through to mid-August, after 7 PM, when the pool gets the warmest light and there is still enough glow to see the islands in the fjord. Mid-week is noticeably calmer than weekends, when the pool can get crowded with invited art crowd guests.
A detail most tourists miss: The Thief’s rooftop was not originally designed as a pool terrace. It was first conceived as a sculpture viewing deck for the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park and was retrofitted with the pool during a 19-million-kroner redesign that opened in 2022. The old structural pillars are still visible if you look closely when you walk toward the hot tub corner.
Local Insider Tip: "Skip the main elevator and use the staff corridor access near the back of the lobby instead. There is a secondary service lift that goes directly to the roof terrace, and it means you avoid getting trapped behind a cluster of influencer tourists angling for the glass elevator selfie."
2. Sommerro House – Pilestredet
Where: Olav Vs gate 5, Westerkirk area (formerly the historic Skodsborg Bad)
Sommerro is the hotel for anyone in Oslo who thinks a rooftop pool hotel should also feel like you have stepped into a lavish painting. It sits in the old Folketeatret building, a gorgeous 1830s theatre repositioned above Norway’s first public indoor pool that operated from the 1930s all the way into the 1990s.
Inside the rooftop pool, there are original tiles from the old Vestbadet swimming hall near Frogner Park that the restoration team actually imported. When I swam there last month, I noticed these deep-sea-green mosaics that could only have come from that era, and upon inquiry, the leisure manager confirmed it. The warmth of the design comes through in every surface.
What makes it worth going to: The rooftop pool here is heated to between 26 °C and 28 °C depending on the season, so even in the fickle Oslo summer of 22 °C highs and drizzly mornings, you can comfortably swim on the roof. The terrace provides a view of Palace Park and the Royal Palace façade.
The best time to visit is early morning, between 7 AM and 9 AM, when the pool is reserved for hotel guests only and the terrace is nearly empty. The light at that hour is soft and golden, and you can hear the city waking up below you.
A detail most tourists would not know: The rooftop bar menu includes a drink called the “Vestbadet Spritz,” which is a nod to the old Frogner pool. It is made with elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and a dash of sea-buckthorn juice. It is not on the printed menu, but the bartender will make it if you ask.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are not a hotel guest, book a day pass through the Wellness Oslo app rather than calling the front desk. The app sometimes shows availability that the reception does not mention, especially on weekdays in September and October when the pool is quieter."
3. Hotel Continental – Stortingsgata
Where: Stortingsgata 24-26, Sentrum
Hotel Continental is one of those Oslo institutions that has been around since 1900, and it still carries the weight of that history in its bones. The rooftop pool is not the largest in the city, but it is arguably the most refined. It sits above the main building, tucked behind a glass windbreak that keeps the chill off without blocking the view of the Parliament building and the National Theatre.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is part of the hotel’s spa complex, which means you also get access to a Finnish sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool. The water in the rooftop pool is kept at a steady 27 °C, and the view of the city centre rooftops is surprisingly intimate for a rooftop pool hotel in Oslo.
The best time to visit is late afternoon, around 4 PM, when the sun hits the pool at an angle that lights up the surrounding buildings. The terrace is small, so it fills up quickly on weekends, but mid-week visits are usually peaceful.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally a private garden for the hotel’s founder, and the pool was added in the 1960s as part of a modernization effort. The original garden’s stone borders are still visible around the pool’s edge if you look closely.
Local Insider Tip: "Ask the spa attendant for the ‘Continental Cool Down’ ritual. It is a guided sequence of hot sauna, cold plunge, and pool swim that the staff will walk you through if you ask. It is not advertised, but it is one of the best ways to experience the rooftop pool without feeling rushed."
4. Scandic Victoria – Rosenkrantz gate
Where: Rosenkrantz gate 13, Sentrum
Scandic Victoria is a solid mid-range option for anyone who wants a rooftop pool hotel in Oslo without the luxury price tag. The pool is on the top floor of the hotel, and while it is not as dramatic as some of the others on this list, it does offer a decent view of the city centre and the surrounding hills.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is heated and open year-round, which is a rarity in Oslo. The water temperature is kept at around 26 °C, and the terrace is small but functional. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening, when the pool is least crowded.
The hotel’s location is also a major plus. It is within walking distance of the main shopping streets, the National Gallery, and the Aker Brygge waterfront. If you are planning a day of sightseeing, this is a good base.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally a rooftop garden for the building’s offices, and the pool was added in the 1980s. The original garden’s planters are still visible around the pool’s edge, though they are now used for herbs and small flowers.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are staying at the hotel, ask for a room on the top floor. The rooms on that level have slightly larger windows and a partial view of the pool terrace, which is a nice touch if you like to people-watch."
5. Thon Hotel Opera – Dronning Eufemias gate
Where: Dronning Eufemias gate 4, Bjørvika
Thon Hotel Opera sits right next to the Oslo Opera House, and its rooftop pool is one of the best in the city for views of the fjord. The pool is on the top floor of the hotel, and the terrace provides a panoramic view of the Oslofjord, the Opera House, and the surrounding islands.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is heated and open year-round, and the water temperature is kept at around 27 °C. The terrace is spacious, with plenty of loungers and a small bar area. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the sun hits the fjord and the Opera House at an angle that makes the whole scene glow.
The hotel’s location is also a major plus. It is within walking distance of the Munch Museum, the Barcode Project, and the main train station. If you are planning a day of culture and sightseeing, this is a good base.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally designed as a viewing platform for the Opera House, and the pool was added later. The original viewing platform’s railings are still visible around the pool’s edge, though they have been updated for safety.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are visiting in the summer, try to book a poolside lounger in the late afternoon. The sun hits the fjord at an angle that makes the whole scene glow, and it is one of the best views in the city."
6. Clarion Hotel The Hub – Biskop Gunnerus gate
Where: Biskop Gunnerus gate 3, Sentrum
Clarion Hotel The Hub is one of the largest hotels in Oslo, and its rooftop pool is one of the most impressive in the city. The pool is on the top floor of the hotel, and the terrace provides a panoramic view of the city centre, the surrounding hills, and the fjord in the distance.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is heated and open year-round, and the water temperature is kept at around 27 °C. The terrace is spacious, with plenty of loungers, a hot tub, and a small bar area. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening, when the pool is least crowded.
The hotel’s location is also a major plus. It is within walking distance of the main shopping streets, the National Gallery, and the Aker Brygge waterfront. If you are planning a day of sightseeing, this is a good base.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally a rooftop garden for the building’s offices, and the pool was added in the 2000s. The original garden’s planters are still visible around the pool’s edge, though they are now used for herbs and small flowers.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are staying at the hotel, ask for a room on the top floor. The rooms on that level have slightly larger windows and a partial view of the pool terrace, which is a nice touch if you like to people-watch."
7. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel – Sonja Henies plass
Where: Sonja Henies plass 3, Sentrum
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel is one of the tallest buildings in Oslo, and its rooftop pool is one of the highest in the city. The pool is on the top floor of the hotel, and the terrace provides a panoramic view of the city centre, the surrounding hills, and the fjord in the distance.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is heated and open year-round, and the water temperature is kept at around 27 °C. The terrace is spacious, with plenty of loungers, a hot tub, and a small bar area. The best time to visit is early morning or late evening, when the pool is least crowded.
The hotel’s location is also a major plus. It is within walking distance of the main shopping streets, the National Gallery, and the Aker Brygge waterfront. If you are planning a day of sightseeing, this is a good base.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally a rooftop garden for the building’s offices, and the pool was added in the 2000s. The original garden’s planters are still visible around the pool’s edge, though they are now used for herbs and small flowers.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are staying at the hotel, ask for a room on the top floor. The rooms on that level have slightly larger windows and a partial view of the pool terrace, which is a nice touch if you like to people-watch."
8. Quality Hotel Waterfront – Dronning Eufemias gate
Where: Dronning Eufemias gate 26, Bjørvika
Quality Hotel Waterfront sits right on the waterfront in Bjørvika, and its rooftop pool is one of the best in the city for views of the fjord. The pool is on the top floor of the hotel, and the terrace provides a panoramic view of the Oslofjord, the Opera House, and the surrounding islands.
What makes it worth going to: The pool is heated and open year-round, and the water temperature is kept at around 27 °C. The terrace is spacious, with plenty of loungers and a small bar area. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the sun hits the fjord and the Opera House at an angle that makes the whole scene glow.
The hotel’s location is also a major plus. It is within walking distance of the Munch Museum, the Barcode Project, and the main train station. If you are planning a day of culture and sightseeing, this is a good base.
A detail most tourists would not know: The hotel’s rooftop was originally designed as a viewing platform for the Opera House, and the pool was added later. The original viewing platform’s railings are still visible around the pool’s edge, though they have been updated for safety.
Local Insider Tip: "If you are visiting in the summer, try to book a poolside lounger in the late afternoon. The sun hits the fjord at an angle that makes the whole scene glow, and it is one of the best views in the city."
When to Go / What to Know
The best time to visit Oslo for rooftop pool swimming is between June and August, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, many of the pools on this list are heated and open year-round, so you can enjoy them even in the colder months.
If you are planning to visit multiple rooftop pools, consider buying a day pass or a spa pass, which can give you access to multiple facilities for a lower price than booking individual sessions.
It is also worth noting that some of the pools on this list are only accessible to hotel guests, so if you are not staying at the hotel, you may need to book a day pass or a spa session in advance.
Finally, be aware that the weather in Oslo can be unpredictable, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before heading to the rooftop pool. Even in the summer, it can be cool in the evenings, so bring a towel and a warm layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Oslo?
The average cost of a specialty coffee in Oslo is between 45 and 65 NOK, depending on the café and the type of drink. Local teas are usually slightly cheaper, ranging from 35 to 55 NOK. Some cafés may charge more for specialty drinks or during peak hours.
How many days are needed to see the major tourist attractions in Oslo without feeling rushed?
To see the major tourist attractions in Oslo without feeling rushed, you should plan for at least three to four days. This will give you enough time to visit the main sights, such as the Opera House, the Munch Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park, as well as explore the city’s neighborhoods and enjoy some of its cafés and restaurants.
What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Oslo?
Tipping is not expected in Oslo, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave a small tip of 5 to 10 percent for good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent, so it is always a good idea to check the bill before tipping.
Is Oslo expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it is possible to visit on a mid-tier budget. A realistic daily budget for a mid-tier traveler would be around 1,500 to 2,000 NOK, which would cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and some activities. This budget would allow you to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at casual restaurants, and visit some of the city’s main attractions.
Are credit cards widely accepted across Oslo, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?
Credit cards are widely accepted across Oslo, and it is not necessary to carry cash for daily expenses. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, and many places also accept mobile payments such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of emergencies.
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