Over the past 15 years, newcomers to Oslo’s Bjørvika harbor district, such as the marble and glass facade of the Oslo Opera House and the Astrup Fearnley Museum, have transformed it from an industrial wasteland into a center of modern architecture. In October, he got another world-class cultural destination when the Estudio Herreros-designed Munch Museum opened to reveal 11 galleries housing the Norwegian master’s most extensive collection in the world, including several versions of The Scream. The 13th floor terrace bar, Kranen, is already a favorite. Here, how to turn a visit to the museum into a full day in the neighborhood.

The conceptual space

Launched more than a decade ago as a nomadic art and food project, Salt now has a permanent home in Oslo, where its large wooden ‘fish racks’ host live music and exhibitions. Visitors can browse the outdoor food hall, eat waffles in the cozy Boat House, and sweat it out in six waterside saunas.

The landmark

With or without concert tickets, visitors are invited to walk through the sloping roof of the Snøhetta-designed Oslo Opera House and into the lobby to view works by Olafur Eliasson. The building debuted in 2008, heralding the start of Bjørvika’s regeneration. Last summer, Operastranda, a 100-meter-long public beach, opened up in front.

The wellness break

Floating saunas are the hottest trend in cool Oslofjord. The two largest operators are KoK, which has four sauna boats, and Oslo Badstuforening, whose largest facility, Bademaschinen, opened this summer. Visitors can let off steam in its two saunas, then jump into the icy water for a natural endorphin rush.

The water point

Hip wine bars are also popular in Oslo, but none can match the location or selection of Vin Bjørvika on Munch Brygge, next to the museum. There are over 100 wines by the glass and 600 bottles from New Zealand to Napa to choose from as you take in the views of the fjord.

The brunch corner

Behind a bubble-gum pink door hides the Vandelay, the little brother of the Michelin-starred Maaemo, from chef Esben Holmboe Bang. It’s packed at all hours, but brunch attracts a particularly large crowd of diners, who come for subtly Nordic-influenced classics, such as fluffy pancakes with birch syrup and avocado over rye.

The eco shop

Known for timeless and versatile clothing inspired by Norwegian architecture and Scandinavian minimalism, sustainability-conscious label Envelope1976 opened its first physical store in September. The design ethos extends to the store itself, where everything from shelving to decor is made from surplus or reused materials.

This article originally appeared in the December 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here.