Amerikalinjen, Oslo – A Historic Boutique Hotel with Soul
Whenever I plan a trip, especially to new locations or hotels where I haven’t been before, as much as I do research I don’t like to over-analyse a place or hotel in advance so there is still an element of surprise, and also it can be really hard sometimes to establish what a place is like online only. This was certainly the case with the Amerkalinjen, a 4-star hotel in the heart of Oslo.
I guess I would normally only look at five star options, but looking at the location and building, and realising this hotel had history, not only did it come onto my radar, but became my first stop when spending a few days in the new country (for me) of Norway and its capital city, Oslo.
Amerikalinjen’s grand façade — steps from Oslo Central Station.
Inside Amerikalinjen, Oslo’s Heritage Hotel
A former shipping headquarters reimagined as a soulful city stay
Read on to discover what makes this historic hotel so special — once the home of the Norwegian America Line, and a major reason I was drawn to stay here.
From 1919 until the line ceased operations in 1980, this building was the departure point for thousands of Norwegians emigrating to the United States. It’s hard to imagine the courage it took — setting off across the Atlantic with no phones, no internet, and no certainty of what lay ahead. Today, Amerikalinjen honours that legacy with warmth, character, and a sense of place that’s as welcoming as it is storied.
The inviting entrance to Amerikalinjen, Oslo — a blend of historic architecture and bold contemporary design, leading through to the hotel’s serene courtyard atrium.
Book Amerikalinjen, Oslo with VIP Perks
Enjoy One of Oslo’s Finest Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Benefits
As a guest of The Private Traveller, enjoy exclusive benefits at Amerikalinjen — one of Oslo’s most storied boutique hotels — through the Preferred Platinum Programme via Fora Travel.
Preferred Platinum Perks at Amerikalinjen
🍽️ Daily breakfast for two guests
💳 $100 hotel credit per stay (valid towards dining, bar, or selected services)
🎁 Welcome amenity and a personalised welcome note from the General Manager on behalf of Fora
📶 Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
🛏️ Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
🕐 Priority early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
🛎️ When booking with The Private Traveller, I’ll ensure you receive the best possible perks for your stay — whether you’re arriving by train from the airport, enjoying a drink at Pier 42, or settling into one of the quiet, design-forward rooms across from Oslo Central Station.
The lobby lounge blends Art Deco flair with contemporary Oslo energy.
Fast Facts for Amerkalinjen
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Amerikalinjen |
| Address | Jernbanetorget 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway |
| Nearest Airport | Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) – 35 km / approx. 22 mins via Flytoget |
| Rooms & Suites | 122 rooms and suites |
| Dining & Bar Options | Atlas Brasserie/Café, Pier 42 Bar, The Little Bakery, Gustav Club/Lounge |
| Spa & Wellness | Decent sized gym and sauna, occasional live jazz and curated cultural events |
| @amerikalinjen | |
| Website | amerikalinjen.com |
| TripAdvisor Ranking | #5 of 107 hotels in Oslo (as of June 2025) |
| Visited | June 2025 |
The hotel’s public spaces are rich with nostalgic design touches.
Hotel Accommodation: Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Heritage architecture meets boutique style — with city-centre convenience and a story to tell.
There were three room types here, and two suites, in this Oslo boutique hotel with a great location. Accommodation was across floors 2 through 7, accessible by two elevators - just be aware on the left hand one goes as far up into the roof to floors 6 and 7.
Room and Suite Types
Standard Room – Compact and elegant, with queen-size bed and high ceilings
Cosy,
Courtyard, or
Explorer.
Superior Room – More spacious, with king-size bed and views to the city or courtyard
Deluxe Room – Light-filled corner rooms with extra space and seating area
Fortuna Suite – Elegant suite with separate living room and views across Jernbanetorget
Triton Suite – The hotel’s signature suite with original 1919 detailing, a grand salon, and walk-in shower as well as a bath
“Amerikalinjen’s venerable headquarters have been reborn as a vibrant boutique hotel, designed for the modern explorer. Outside the door lies the pulsating city of Oslo. The Opera, shopping in Kvadraturen and the nightlife on Youngstorget are our closest neighbours. Welcome!”
The light-filled atrium — perfect for relaxed breakfasts or evening drinks.
Facilities & Service at Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Historic headquarters turned boutique hideaway — with soul, style, and a strong sense of place.
The hotel was in a spectacular location, and the history made it such an interesting stay. Certainly don’t forget to check out the reconstructed waiting area of the original building on the second floor. Unless your room or suite was on that level, there would probably be no reason to be on that floor. With my suite on the 6th floor, I wondered where this area was, having seen some of the images online. I had to ask at reception, as I definitely didn’t want to miss this. It evoked such a feeling of nostalgia wondering who had sat in such a room, waiting for the new life to begin on the other side of the world.
Here’s a closer look at the hotel’s standout facilities and services, along with my personal take on each.
My Fortuna Suite 605
Located on the sixth floor (reception/ground is 1st, then rooms and suites are on levels 2 through 7) my suite had a perfect view on one side over Jernbanetorget Square (a public square located next to the train station) with a double balcony (albeit not step out) and another on the side from the bedroom looking towards the Opera House and the harbour.
It was hard to work out whether indeed it was a Fortuna or Triton suite, the descriptions sounding remarkably similar save for the actual size. I’m geeky about hotels and details, but I don’t (yet!) carry around a measuring tape to check the sizes.
Whichever it was, it was impressive with the great views and expansive views with a really light and airy feel from all the floor to ceiling windows that opened onto a balcony.
The entrance area was a triangular shaped living and work space, with a super large armoire housing the mini bar, safe, wardrobe space and ‘Mrs’ The Private Traveller always looks for first (although he wasn’t with me this trip) an iron and ironing board. There was plenty of space with a three seater sofa, relaxing chair, coffee table and a large TV which you could connect to from a mobile device or laptop. The desk space was also good with a chair, desk light, and a retro phone which worked.
Levels of Comfort
This was such a great space, and really good that the room was divided between relax, work, and sleep areas, yet all felt connected and so light and airy with wrap-around balconies and floor to ceiling windows. When I first saw the mattress being only a few inches thick, I’d thought it might not be that comfortable but I was so wrong. I’m not sure if this is just a Norwegian thing, or a particular bed type chosen by the hotel chain (as the Sommerro was the same) but it was supremely comfortable. There was a large bed base (padded) and then what was almost like a mattress topper above. Great pillows too, and it was an excellent night’s sleep.
Bathroom:
Through an art deco style frosted glass door, this corner bathroom was excellent, in a dramatic black and white colour scheme. In the entrance was a WC and large marble topped wooden vanity with a single sink (I was alone so no need to moan about the lack of a second sink when ‘Mrs’ TPT is there). Through a glass wall was a decent sized soaking tub and a walk-in shower area - I’ve seen this a few times now in hotels, and it’s such a good idea. Rather than having the traditional shower over a bath, and if there isn’t tremendous space to have a full open wet-room area for a shower, putting the shower adjacent to the bath in an enclosed space means you can have the best of both worlds. A bath, open shower, yet the whole bathroom doesn’t get soaked if you have a shower.
The black and white design was classic but certainly didn’t feel too dark, if there is over-use of black - this so well balanced by large mirrors, glass, a mix of white tiled walls and a grey mosaic (heated) floor), and I loved the Sprekenhaus Oslo toiletries (foam bath, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, hand wash, and body lotion). There was also a whole pull-out drawer of any other items you might need, as well as plenty of pristine white towels. Bathrobes and slippers were in the wardrobe.
Breakfast
With 122 rooms and suites (although the hotel never felt over busy) I was advised to book for breakfast and I did so for 8am. This was quite a tourist crowd and it was busy, though service was still good and it’s a great location overlooking the main square.
There were a number of buffet tables throughout the back of the restaurant, with almost every imaginable thing you could want for breakfast, as well as the main bar area also being complete with a whole selection of juices, smoothies, etc. and a basket of the delicious iced donuts that had been part of my in-room welcome selection.
As well as all the buffet items, there were hot food items to order from a menu (everything included except I think the Mimosa or Bellini options were extra) like a Green Omelette, Ham & Cheese Omelette, Vegan Tapioca, or there was the offer to ask for anything bespoke too.
You’ve got a choice of seating types around the windows looking out from the brasserie, although if it’s not being used for a private event, the light and airy covered courtyard (the Haven) was also an extension area for breakfast diners.
Restaurants & Bars at Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Nordic flavours with New York energy
There was really just the one choice of restaurant and bar here, albeit I wouldn’t say there was any need for more with such a massive selection on the doorstep outside. The Jazz Club, downstairs, wasn’t open when I was there, but nor would I have gone as not really my thing. The way it was designed and decorated, I can see it would be great place for a private event or a club night.
Breakfast with a view — Amerikalinjen’s Atlas Café pairs Scandi-chic design with curated artwork and calm morning vibes, perfect for a slow start in Oslo.
Atlas Brasserie & Café
The hotel’s all-day dining hub, serving everything from à la carte breakfast to seasonal Nordic-European plates.
Actually a bit disappointing, as I had booked for 8pm with the online reservation system showing that they were open until 10pm (as did Google say today too, and the hotel website). When I got there however and sat down, I was immediately told that the kitchen would be closing in 25 minutes, and they didn’t have one of the one vegetarian dish I had been really looking forward to - a ravioli.
That said, I opted for the veggie burger and it was very good, which came with excellent hot crispy salted fries on the side. Accompanied by a Hendricks G&T, it was good with a window table overlooking the square in front of the hotel, and it was a nicely designed space. I was meant to have received a free dessert (as was mentioned earlier a couple of times at check in) but there seemed to be a complete hard stop of any food beyond 8:30 and even another couple were denied anything but a coffee just on that time. Was really probably the only negative of the stay, but it wasn’t busy (nothing like the buzz of Sommerro) so I can understand why they would close early.
Pier 42
This is the cocktail bar off the main reception, and another really nice space. I went just as it was opening at 4pm so it was quiet, but a nice place to sit for a drink, and the service was excellent. Great views out too from large floor to ceiling windows.
Haven
A serene, light-filled courtyard at the heart of the hotel — perfect for morning coffee, quiet reading, or a glass of wine in Oslo’s long summer evenings
The Little Bakery
Tucked inside Atlas Brasserie, this charming counter serves freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, and excellent coffee to stay or go — ideal for a quick bite before exploring the city.
Gustav: The Jazz Club
A sultry, velvet-draped cocktail bar in the basement, Gustav channels the spirit of a New York jazz lounge with curated live music and expertly crafted drinks.
The Floating Bartender
A clever in-room touch — guests can request a cocktail made and delivered directly to their room, complete with mixology theatre and hotel flair. I love quirky things like this, and had I not been on my own I would have tried to book this.
The Floating Bartender is available for pre booking in the Superior and Deluxe rooms as well as the Fortuna suites. The visit lasts for 30 minutes and costs 425kr per person (about £30, €36, or $42), only available Fridays and Saturdays.
Wellness & Fitness
Underground energy with a Scandi twist — part combat gym, part calm retreat
On the basement level, was a very decent sized gym (all Technogym equipment) with a very decent selection of machines, weights and other gym equipment. It was quiet when I was there but supremely clean and well serviced, and a darker vibe than the rest of the hotel, very in keeping with a trendy gym, like a boxing gym.
The basement gym is smartly designed and well-equipped.
Towards the back was a sauna area and two heated beds. Slightly oddly, in the middle of the entrance corridor were the lockers and I guess also a changing space. British people, and I guess maybe the Americans are too, are a lot more prudish than Scandic/Nordic countries, or those of Germanic origin, so I think some might find this off putting. I just thought good on the man who got changed there after a sauna!
Design & Architecture at Amerkalinjen
Where heritage meets bold modernism
Originally opened in 1919 as the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, the building predates the peak of the Art Deco era but still carries the elegance and symmetry of early 20th-century civic architecture. Today, Amerikalinjen has been beautifully reimagined — combining preserved architectural features like grand staircases, tall arched windows, and intricate cornicing with clean-lined Nordic interiors, tactile fabrics, and a cool urban palette. The result is a space that feels rooted in Oslo’s history yet distinctly international — a boutique hotel with both soul and swagger.
A peaceful nook inspired by vintage travel and old-world charm.
What about the Amerkalinjen Location?
Right in the heart of Oslo — historic, central, and effortlessly connected
In the heart of Oslo, where grand journeys once began — now the perfect place to start your own.
Easy to reach, impossible to miss. Just steps from Oslo Central Station and moments from the Opera House, Amerikalinjen blends historic significance with unbeatable city-centre access. Ideal for arriving by train, exploring on foot, or setting off to see more of Norway.
I had assumed I would order a car from the airport (and indeed it was already booked) but then the hotel recommended using the airport train service, Flytoget. This was so easy and so efficient - step out from the airport baggage area and follow the signs to the platform. I had tickets in advance on my phone, but there was an excellent lounge-style ticket area in the airport, and the train was so quick into central Oslo. Stay on for the second stop (Central Station) for Amerikalinjen, third stop (National Theatre) for the Grand Hotel, Sommerro, or The Thief; although these are not as close as I was from the station to Amerkalinjen.
Things to Do Nearby in Oslo:
Explore the city, the culture, and Oslo’s waterfront — all just steps away
Reflections, symmetry, and summer energy ☀️ The Oslo Opera House isn’t just for performances — it’s one of the city’s most vibrant gathering spots. 🇳🇴🎭
I will be publishing a full Travel Diaries blog of what to do in Oslo, but here is just a snapshot:
Stroll the Oslo Opera House rooftop
Take a boat trip through the Oslofjord
View Munch’s masterpieces at the MUNCH Museum
Explore Akershus Fortress’ medieval walls
Discover modern art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum (free entry for guests of The Thief Hotel)
Visit the colourful houses and streets at Damstredet & Telhusbakken
Walk around the Var Frelsers Graveyard, and see the gravestone of Edvund Munch
The Historical Museum
Visit The Royal Palace
The Oslo Konserthus
The National Theatre
Try a fjordside sauna and fjord bathing at Oslo Badstuforening
Book a floating sauna with Kok
Visit the island of Hovedoya
The City Hall
National Museum
Nobel Peace Centre
The museums at Bygdoy
Check out the Dyna Lighthouse
Highlights of my stay:
There were countless highlights during my time at the Amerkalinjen, but here are just a few of the standout moments that made this stay unforgettable:
Location - wow, so easy to get to from the airport. Hop on the Flytoget train and get off at the second stop, Central Station. Literally come out of the railway concourse, and you will see the hotel across the square in front of you.
Also really easy to walk around Oslo, and most of the main sites are on the doorstep or only a short walk away.
Welcome - great that my suite was ready early, and such a nice welcome from the reception and concierge teams.
The suite - as above, a really perfect space, and loved the bathroom.
Great bathroom toiletries, and it didn’t matter about only one sink as “Mrs’ TPT wasn’t with me.
The welcome bowl of cookies, muffins, pastries, donuts, and macarons - sure I’ve missed out something, as there was a lot, but all totally delicious!
The bedtime cookies, a nice touch too.
Panoramic floor to ceiling windows in the restaurant - literally the perfect view onto the square.
The subtle red ‘A’ branding on crockery etc. throughout the hotel.
The history - anything to do with travel fascinates me, and I loved the recreated lounge area steeped in nostalgia on the second floor.
Great gym - excellent Technogym machines, and very atmospheric - had the feeling of a boxing ring.
Areas for improvement:
While every hotel has its high points, there's always room for improvement. There really isn’t much to add here other than one point where I think Amerkalinjen could elevate the experience even further:
It was frustrating booking a restaurant that was meant to be open until 10pm, to then find on arrival at 8pm I had only 25 minutes to get one course before the kitchen closed.
What I did find really odd, and I know this is a regular criticism that comes up a lot from guests in hotels, was that there was no complimentary mineral water provided, even on arrival or at turndown. There was a paid mini-bar with water there, but I just thought it was unusual for a high-end hotel to provide nothing. Even in the restaurant they had hotel bottled water, so they could have provided some of that even in the interests of sustainability. On checking out, once I lifted my laptop off the hotel information sheet, I then saw that the advice was to drink the Nordic water fresh from the tap. I think Sommerro dealt with this better, having water stations on each floor with a refillable glass decanter in the room to use. I was probably just drinking the same water there, but it felt more premium than drinking out of a bathroom tap.
Would I Stay Here Again?
Absolutely. Amerikalinjen combines heritage, design, and location in a way that really worked for me. It felt like the perfect base to begin my Oslo adventure — and I'd happily return.
A nod to the hotel’s transatlantic roots — vintage luggage in the library hallway.
My final thoughts on Amerikalinjen, Oslo
A hotel with soul and a story. From its maritime roots to its stylish reinvention, Amerikalinjen blends thoughtful design with genuine character. If you're arriving by train, exploring on foot, or simply looking for a city hotel that feels both local and international — this is a standout choice.
Golden hour at the Oslo Opera House — where bold Scandinavian architecture meets serene waterfront reflections. A must-see on any design lover’s trip to Norway. 🇳🇴✨
Share Your Thoughts
Have you stayed at Amerikalinjen, or is Oslo on your radar? I’d love to hear what you think — or where you’d like me to review next. And if this post has sparked ideas for your own Nordic escape, I’d be thrilled to help you plan it — complete with insider recommendations and exclusive perks through The Private Traveller and Fora Travel.
Once the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line, Amerikalinjen is now one of Oslo’s most atmospheric boutique hotels — and my first stop in Norway.