At nine kilometres west of Oslo’s city centre, Ullern is a great choice for visitors wanting to escape the crowds. The district is made up of 12 neighbourhoods, with key commercial areas located in Lilleaker, Vækerø and Skøyen.
Ullern Church is by far the district’s claim to fame and has sat on the Holgerslyst property since 1903. It’s a fantastic example of cruciform Romanesque construction and was designed by legendary Norwegian architect, Harald Bødtker. For energetic visitors, climbing the 201 metres up the Ullernåsen hill unlocks great views over the city.
The Oslo Tramway services Ullern via both the Lilleaker Line and the Skøyen Line. The Drammen Line railroad stops at stations throughout the borough, as does the Oslo T-bane’s Kolsås Line. For those arriving by road, the European route E18 cuts through the district’s southern footprint. To Oslo city centre, it’s a quick 15-minute drive or an easy 30-minute commute on public transport.
While today Ullern is home to a lively business scene, it draws its name from an old farm called Norse Ullarin. The 1800s brought the first signs of urbanisation, with Ullern now considered a bona fide district of Oslo.