Whether you are visiting Oslo for the first time or you’re a frequent visitor, there are some attractions you just don’t want to miss during your trip to the Norwegian capital. And then there are some things to do in Oslo you may not know about, but definitely shouldn’t miss either.
The capital city is the most-visited destination in Norway, and with good reason due to the many fun things to get up to there. The city is the main port of entry for most travellers arriving in Norway.
Having lived in Oslo myself for 2 years, and with friends and family who still do, I visit the city often. In my humble opinion this makes me the perfect person to write a guide to the city, so look no further if you are in need of some unique and fun activities in Oslo on your next visit!
The sights, activities and excursions below are all tried and tested by myself and my friends, and I update it frequently!
If you are heading to Oslo and Norway anytime soon, you’ll want to read my guide to travelling to (and in) Norway, where you can find everything you might need to know before going: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Norway.
How long should you spend in Oslo?
First things first. How many days do you need in Oslo?
Most people spend just a day or two before heading off to see the fjords or heading back to the airport to visit northern Norway. If you only have a week in Norway in total, know that it is perfectly fine to see Oslo in one day (I have an itinerary for it here).
My personal recommendation is that 2 days in Oslo is sufficient, but there are plenty of fun and unique things to do in Oslo for those who want to stay longer. As a general rule, however, I would only spend more than 2 days in Oslo if you have at least 10 days to explore Norway in total.
As mentioned, lots of people start their Norway trips in Oslo, before heading west towards the fjords (or up north to explore the Arctic). If you are one of them, I have written a detailed guide on travelling from Oslo to Flåm here!
Of course, if you want something even more specific, I highly recommend you check out my Norway itineraries before you go.
44 Fun Things To Do in Oslo – Tips from a Local!
I’ll get straight to it.
These are my absolute favourite Oslo attractions that I recommend, for anyone wondering what to do in Oslo for their visit. I update it regularly, as I visit the Norwegian capital quite often (my brother and sister both live there, in addition to several of my close friends).
So whenever I experience something new I’ll add it to the list!
Oslo is a city in constant growth and expansion, and new attractions and sights pop up all the time. Rest assured I’ll add them here!
#1 Go for a walk along Akerselva
I’ve written about this green walk in the city before, and walking along Akerselva is one of my favourite things to do in the city. I always recommend it when people are limited on time and want to see Oslo in just a couple of hours.
Grab a coffee from Tim Wendelboe (a local coffee magician with his own little espresso shop along the river) and put on your best shoes. You’ll meet runners, dog walkers, businessmen on their breaks and more along Akerselva.
The river stretches through the city, and practically divides it in half.
You can spend hours strolling along it watching all the people. You’ll also catch some popular Oslo sights along the way too.
A nice walk along Akerselva is highly recommended, and there is even the option of downloading a self-guided walking tour to learn more about the sights along the river!
This is perfect for those that want to spend a lot of time outdoors during their trip, and you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours walking along the river.
#2 Coffee from Tim Wendelboe
Since I mentioned Tim Wendelboe already, I couldn’t not give his espresso shop by the river a shoutout.
Find it in Grüners Gate 1, just up a small hill from the river walk. If you are a coffee lover, you don’t want to miss grabbing a coffee to go from here.
They make their own blends and roast coffee beans from all over the world, and if you tell anyone in Oslo you enjoy your coffee, they’ll tell you to go here.
This is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall espresso bar, so don’t expect to find a seat (there are literally 2-3 tables inside, and they are usually taken). So just order your coffee to go and keep exploring!
#3 Visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum
The Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo is a private art museum with many exciting exhibitions. It was founded in 1993 and is considered one of the leading museums of modern art in the Nordics.
If you are a fan of the arts, a visit to this Oslo attraction is a must. The Astrup Fearnley Museum exhibitions is for many at the top of the list of what to see in Oslo, and the collection is one of Europe’s most comprehensive when it comes to international contemporary art.
Perhaps the most famous (and perhaps controversial) piece in the collection is the sculpture of Michael Jackson and his chimpanzee Bubbles.
Fun fact: guests at The Thief (the luxurious hotel right next door) get complimentary admission to the museum.
#4 Vigelandsparken (the Vigeland Sculpture park)
The Vigeland Park is a sculpture park and the most popular attraction in Oslo. It also one of the most unique and unusual things to do in Oslo, in spite of its popularity.
The collection of sculptures is actually the largest sculpture park in the world created by only one artist; Gustav Vigeland. If you can find the most popular sculpture; the Angry Boy (Norwegian; Sinnataggen), make sure to get a photo!
In the Vigeland Park / Vigelandsparken, you’ll meet tourists and locals alike, as everyone loves to drop by for a walk.
The park is free of charge, and particularly busy on Sundays.
You’ll also find groups meeting in the park to work out or start their runs here, so if you are hoping to get some exercise during your trip, this is the place to start!
Head this way to read my quick guide to the Vigeland Park.
#5 Visit the Vigeland Museum
As mentioned, the Vigeland Sculpture park is one of the top things to do in Oslo.
But a lot of people don’t know that just around the corner from the entrance is the Vigeland Museum, where you can learn more about the life and creations of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.
The entrance fee to the museum is 100 kroner, and on selected days it includes a visit to Vigeland’s apartment.
He lived there from 1924 and until his death, and the apartment has been kept the same as it would have been when he lived there. Check the Museum website to see when a guided tour of the apartment is available.
#6 Art Galleries
Oslo actually has quite a busy art culture, with several art galleries worth visiting, in addition to the museums (such as Astrup Fearnley and the MUNCH Museum).
Don’t miss Fineart Oslo, a 2000-square meter space with paintings, drawings, graphic art and photographs from all over the country.
The Pushwagner Gallery is also a must, as Pushwagner (born Terje Brofos) is perhaps the most important contemporary artists in Norway.
#7 Stroll down Karl Johan’s Gate
Karl Johan’s Gate (for short, just Karl Johan) is Oslo’s busiest pedestrian street, with plenty of things happening at all times.
You’ll find shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment along the way, and the street leads from the central train station and all the way to the Norwegian Palace, passing the Oslo Cathedral, the Norwegian Parliament and National Theatre on the way.
Therefore, it is not only a street worth visiting in order to get shopping done or find a restaurant, but also a good way to orient yourself around the sights of Oslo.
#8 The Norwegian Palace
The Norwegian Palace is a must for when you visit Oslo, and so easy to check off your list. It was completed in 1849, and boasts 173 rooms!
This is where the royal family resides, and when the royal flag is up this means that the King is at home. I love walking around the palace trying to sneak a peek through the windows!
When deciding what to see in Oslo, most people make sure not to miss the Palace. As mentioned, it is located at the end of the main street Karl Johan, so it’s easy to drop by to see it when you are in the city center.
In the summer months you can join a guided tour of the palace. These tours sell out fast, so make sure to book in advance on their website.
READ MORE: The Norwegian Palace, Oslo
#9 Holmenkollen Ski Arena and Museum
We love skiing in Norway, and ski jumping is by many considered one of our national sports.
Holmenkollen is one of the top Oslo attractions, and the building itself is impressive with or without snow. At Holmenkollen you’ll find the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, which is the world’s oldest museum dedicated to skiing, and the famous jump tower.
The museum opened in 1923, and covers 4000 years of skiing history – with over 2500 pairs of skis on display!
How to get there: Take the subway line 1 towards Frognerseteren, and get off at the subway stop called Holmenkollen. The travel time from the city center is around 25 minutes.
#10 Have lunch at the Grand Café
Not everyone knows the significance of this place, and you’ll find that it’s mostly locals who do. But when I’m asked about what to do in Oslo, this is one of the first places I recommend.
The Grand Café is located right on Karl Johan, across from the Norwegian parliament Stortinget. And it is well worth a visit (for lunch, dinner, or just a coffee or glass of wine).
The original Grand Café opened in 1874 in the basement of the Grand Hotel (where the likes of Obama and the Rolling Stones have stayed), and was a watering hole for the now famous ‘Kristiania Bohemes’.
The likes of Henrik Ibsen, Knut Hamsun and Gustav Vigeland (the sculptor) would all spend their days there.
So, when you are seated here, know that you are one of many, many important names and people who have done the same.
Don’t miss the large mural on the back wall, depicting some of the famous people who frequented this watering hole. When you get close to it, you’ll notice that their names are engraved on the frame of the painting, so you can see who’s who.
Tip: If you stay at the Grand Hotel whilst in Oslo, breakfast is served at the Grand Café!
#11 A Guided Walking or Bicycle Tour
There are some great tours on offer throughout Oslo, and joining one of them is a great way to get to know the city – especially for a first-time visitor.
Pick your tour based on your preferred mode of transport (hop-on hop-off bus tours are also available) and start exploring!
I especially love going on walking tours when I’m in a new city, because you really get close and personal with everything going on.
The guides are usually local, or have lived there long enough to be considered a local, and so you get more up to date information than from any guidebook.
Of course, if you prefer moving at a slightly faster pace, there are also bicycle tours you can join!
Here are some of the top walking and bicycle tours in Oslo:
#12 Go to the Botanical Gardens
At the Botanical Gardens, you will be able to see and explore plants and beautiful flowers from all over the world.
This is one of the more popular Oslo attractions, particularly because they have a ‘scent garden’ filled with plants of different scents, and designed specifically with the blind in mind.
The Botanical Gardens in Oslo were founded in 1814, and are worth a visit if you want a more relaxing day of sightseeing.
From June to August they have free guided tours of the gardens in English (on a first-come, first-serve basis).
#13 The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
This used to be one of my favourite activities in Oslo when I was little, as the Science and Technology Museum has so many fun things and activities for all ages.
If you are visiting Norway with children, and you’re wondering what to do in Oslo that will be fun for the whole family, don’t miss this place.
You can explore how electricity works, try to solve challenging puzzles and games, and simply learn while having fun!
#14 The Viking Planet
If you are curious about the Vikings, and want to learn more about this side of Norwegian history, don’t miss a visit to the Viking Planet in Oslo.
This modern experience uses 3D and other multimedia technology to take you on a deep dive into Viking history and the impact the Vikings had on Norwegian culture.
From cinematic experiences and the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to 3D Viking holograms, this is a truly unique way to learn!
I recommend booking your visit to the Viking Planet in advance in order to guarantee admission, especially in the summer months. You can do so here.
#15 Pick up a Free Coffee & Snack
If you have read my guide to visiting Oslo on a budget, you’ll know that there are many fun hacks that will get you a long way in the city.
One of my favourites is downloading the apps for 7-Eleven and Narvesen, two of our convenience stores in Norway, and entering your birthday as one of the days you are travelling to Oslo.
On the day of your birthday you will get a free coffee and a treat! Pair this with your walk along Akerselva, and you are golden!
#16 A Scenic Tram Ride
Oslo has a great public transport system, consisting of underground subways, buses and trams.
The latter is by far one of the best ways to explore the city, and can provide you with spectacular views of Oslo. For an overview of the different ways to get around in Oslo, check out the route maps before you go.
My favourite route for sightseeing is Tram 19. Get on at Majorstuen just west of the city center.
It’ll take you through Bogstadveien (the shopping street), past Slottsparken (the Palace Park) and Jernbanetorget (the central square by the train station), before climbing the hills up to Ekebergparken where you get amazing views.
#17 Go shopping in Bogstadveien
As mentioned, Bogstadveien is a shopping street in Oslo.
In fact, it is quite a nice shopping street, and located just behind the Palace.
The area is quite fancy, and you can easily spend an entire day people-watching along this street.
They have shops for any budget, from H&M to By Malene Birger. If you want to pick up some Norwegian fashion and Scandinavian brands, this is the place to go.
You’ll also find some great restaurants along Bogstadveien.
#18 The National Museum
The brand new National Museum opened in 2022 and contains Norway’s largest public collection of paintings.
The museum spent years in the making, and opened its doors right in the city center by the Opera House and Nobel Peace Center, and within walking distance of Oslo’s Barcode neighbourhood (pictured below).
It is now the largest museum in the Nordics, and covers several floors of exhibitions (both permanent and temporary) – in fact, they have over 5000 pieces in their collections!
Art lovers will love visiting the National Museum – my only recommendation is to check their website before you visit to orientate yourself with their floor plans and exhibits. You don’t want to get lost and miss out on the pieces you most wanted to see.
#19 The Nobel Peace Center
Right next to the National Museum you will find the Nobel Peace Center. Not everyone know that the Nobel Peace Price is handed out in Oslo every year.
The center is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Price, its history, winners and impact through the years. They use modern exhibitions to dive into topics on peace and war, with the aim to inspire visitors to “work towards a more peaceful world”.
This is especially a good place to bring children. I remember it had a big impact on me when I visited when I was little.
#20 Catch a Concert or a Festival
You may be surprised to hear that Oslo actually has a thriving music scene! Telenor Arena, Oslo Spektrum and Valle Hovin are the larger arenas in the city, where you can catch the bigger tours.
There are also several smaller venues, such as Sentrum Scene and Rockefeller, where you can catch more intimate concerts, and even acoustic shows as well.
Festivals worth noting in Oslo are By:larm (September) and Øyafestivalen (August).
#21 See a Musical or Play
There are plenty of great musicals going on in the city, just make sure you know whether it’s in English or Norwegian first!
Folketeateret always has a musical or play on stage, and have in the past showed the likes of Les Miserables and Mary Poppins for example.
At Nationaltheateret (the National Theatre), right by the Parliament and Palace, you can catch classics such as A Doll’s House or Hedda Gabler (both written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen).
#22 The Big Tiger (photo-op)
Outside the Oslo Central Station, you will find a large statue of a tiger.
Don’t ask me why, but Oslo’s nickname amongst Norwegians is actually Tigerstaden – ‘the tiger city’.
Whether the nickname or the statue came first, I don’t know.
Taking a photo with the tiger has become a tourist staple, however, so make sure you drop by and strike a pose.
#23 The Viking Ship Museum / The Museum of the Viking Age (CLOSED UNTIL 2026)
If you are interested in Oslo attractions revolving around the history of the Norwegian Vikings, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Oslo.
A visit to the Viking Ship Museum is not to be missed, and is in my opinion one of the most unusual things to do in Oslo, Norway! Here you will find restored Viking ships and loads of interesting history to explore.
Please note that the Viking Ship Museum is closed for refurbishment until 2026. I will update this post when it opens.
At the moment, the best place to view Viking age artefacts in Oslo is the Historical Museum.
#24 The Historical Museum
As mentioned, the Norwegian Historical Museum is now the place to go to learn more about Norway’s Viking History through artefacts and exhibitions.
They are home to the largest cultural and historical collections in the country, with exhibitions focusing on the Viking Age, the Arctic, and more.
Fun fact: this is where you can view the oldest skull ever found in Norway.
#25 Dinner at Aker Brygge
Oslo is located by the Oslo fjord, and there are plenty of areas close to the water where you will find stunning views and the opportunity to go for a nice walk.
Aker Brygge is a short walk from Karl Johan (the main shopping street), and boasts plenty of restaurants along the fjord. Here you can enjoy everything from a proper steak to Spanish tapas. You’ll really find something for everyone.
If you are visiting Oslo in the summer, make sure to arrive early to scout out a restaurant, or to book your table in advance. It can get very busy on Aker Brygge, especially on the weekends.
#26 Explore the Grünerløkka neighbourhood
There are several neighbourhoods in Oslo, and they all have their distinct style and reputation.
Grünerløkka is considered the hipster area of Oslo, and you’ll find it a little east of the city centre. In the evenings you will find that the neighbourhood comes alive with many restaurants, bustling bars and an exciting nightlife.
A stroll through Grünerløkka in the daytime will let you go vintage shopping, explore cute boutiques and unique coffee shops. In the nighttime, the restaurants are busy and the bars full of life.
If you have extra time when visiting Oslo, I highly recommend spending some time in this part of the city.
Pair it with a visit to the Botanical Gardens or National History Museum (both located nearby).
#27 Visit the food markets in Mathallen
Mathallen is a ‘food hall’ inspired by the European indoor food markets. Here you will find stalls, cafes and restaurants, and many food-related activities throughout the year.
Make sure to visit their website before your trip to see if there are any special events or offers going on!
From tapas to desserts, they’ve got a large selection of great foods and dishes to try.
#28 Go Ice Skating in Spikersuppa (Winter Activity)
‘Spikersuppa’ means ‘the nail soup’ (as in construction nails, not the ones on your fingers), which is a fun nickname given to this small body of water and fountain in the centre of Oslo.
You will find it along the Karl Johan Street, and in the winter it freezes over and is turned into a free ice rink!
You can rent ice skates in the small hut next to it, at a pretty decent price (150 kroner at the time of writing).
It is especially beautiful during the winter when the Christmas lights are on and the “Jul i Vinterland” Christmas market is on.
#29 Jul i Vinterland Christmas Market (Winter Activity)
From November to December, the area around Spikersuppa (in Karl Johans Gate, between the Parliament and Nationaltheateret) comes alive with stalls and twinkling lights.
Jul i Vinterland directly translates to “Christmas in Winterland”, and is a market/Christmas festival that draws vendors from all over the country.
If you are visiting Oslo in the Winter, don’t miss this – it is the epitome of cozy (or “hygge”, as we say in Norway)!
#30 The Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is more than just a cultural performance hall, it is one of the best things to do in Oslo during your visit.
It is the first Opera House in Norway, and opened in 2008. In addition to being the place to go for classical concerts, ballet and (of course) opera, the structure itself is quite impressive.
The fun design of the Opera House attracts many visitors, and having a walk around the roof is a great Oslo activity for a sunny day. Grab a coffee to go and enjoy the views of the harbour!
#31 Tusenfryd Amusement Park
If you are looking for thrills, head to Tusenfryd!
This amusement park just outside of Oslo is actually Norway’s largest amusement park. From big, terrifying rollercoasters and thrill rides to ferris wheels and fun houses – you’ll be able to spend a full day here without being bored.
You’ll find buses running from the Oslo Bus Station to the park, making it really easy to visit! Bus route 505 runs straight to the park (stop: Tusenfryd).
#32 The Norwegian Folk Museum
The Norwegian Folk Museum is a great activity in Oslo! This open-air museum has 160 historic buildings, showing you how Norwegians have been living for hundreds of years.
You will find indoor exhibits as well, including one displaying the evolution of the Norwegian Bunad (our national costume) throug the years, amongst other exciting displays.
#33 Explore Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress overlooks the harbour of Oslo and is a castle and fortress dating back to the 1300s. It has been a prison, the seat of the royal family, and currently holds barracks belonging to the Norwegian army.
In short, Akershus is one of the most important buildings in Norwegian history, so if you are unsure of where to start and what to see in Oslo first: this is it.
You are also just a short walk from Aker Brygge, so it’s the perfect thing to do in Oslo before dinner and a stroll on the roof of the Opera House!
There are daily tours taking you around the grounds of Akershus, and they also have a visitor centre where you can get all the information you need.
Akershus Fortress also contains two museums (the Resistance Museum and the Armed Forces Museum).
#34 The Norway Resistance Museum
Inside Akershus Fortress you will find the Hjemmefrontmuseet (the Resistance Museum), dedicated to the resistance movement during World War II.
Norway was under German occupation for the majority of the war (from 1940 to 1945 to be exact), and this museum shows how the military and the country as a whole showed small and big signs of resistance against the Nazis.
The museum opened in 1970, and contains photographs, artefacts and documents from this part of Norwegian history.
#35 The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum
As mentioned, there are two museums found inside the Akershus Fortress grounds.
The Forsvarsmuseum (Armed Forces Museum) opened in this exact spot in 1860, and shows the development of the Norwegian military from the 1400s and until modern times.
Expect to see weapons and uniforms, as well as other artefacts depicting the history of Norway’s armed forces through history.
#36 Damstredet (the prettiest street in Oslo)
Damstredet is one of the most beautiful streets in Oslo, due to the lovely wooden houses along it.
This is definitely one of the more unknown suggestions on my list, but a must if you are looking for some proper Oslo sightseeing!
Basically, this area is just really pretty and makes for a great photo spot. All the houses in Damstredet date back to the 1800s, and I promise you that you’ll enjoy a stroll along this street.
#37 MUNCH (The Munch Museum)
Edvard Munch is perhaps the most famous artist to come out of Norway.
His most well-known painting is The Scream (in Norwegian; Skrik), but other notable works of art include Madonna and The Girls on the Bridge (Pikene på Broen).
The Munch museum, simply named MUNCH, is a modern, 13-storey building in Oslo’s Barcode district. The most famous pieces are found on the 4th floor (in the exhibition called Endless Munch/Munch Uendelig), and Kranen Bar on the 13th floor is one of the best bars in Oslo for the views alone.
#38 Ibsen Museum & Teater
Another famous Norwegian artist is Henrik Ibsen, said to be one of the world’s best playwrights, next to William Shakespeare.
His works include Hedda Gabler (1890) and A Doll’s House (1979), and are still being put on by theatres all over the world.
At the Ibsen Museum you can learn more about Ibsen, through exhibitions including artefacts and items belonging to the artist himself.
Henrik Ibsen’s apartment is a part of the museum, furnished with original furniture.
#39 Stortinget (The Norwegian Parliament)
Just along Karl Johan’s gate you will find the Norwegian Parliament, housed in a building named after the political body itself: Stortinget.
The building opened in 1866, and is one of many important buildings raised in Oslo in the 1800s (such as the Royal Palace, the University and National Theatre).
On their website you can get a digital tour of the interior, and in the summer months there are daily (physical) tours.
#40 Rådhuset (City Hall)
Oslo City Hall (Norwegian: Rådhuset) is a large, brick building in the city center – that is clearly visible from Aker Brygge and the waterfront of the city (as seen in the photo below).
Rådhuset opened in 1950, and is open to the public. However, to experience the most fun thing about it you don’t have to enter!
Every hour from 7 in the morning to midnight, the city hall clock tower (the largest chimes in Norway) play a variety of songs. These change with the season and years, but you will usually hear Morning Mood at 7am (written by famous Norwegian musician Edvard Grieg).
Throughout the years the clocks have played everything from the Downton Abbey and Top Gun themes, to Heal the World by Michael Jackson.
During the winter of 2023 they actually played the theme from The Office daily at 9am!
Check the current “set list” here.
#41 Oslo Street Food Tour
What better way to enjoy a city than to eat your way through it?
If you join one of these Oslo Street Food tours, you’ll not only be taken on a walking tour around Oslo, but you will also get the change to sample some local dishes and delicacies.
From traditional Norwegian hot dogs and waffles, to meats and drinks – this is the perfect activity for foodies, and will also allow you to explore a more alternative side to Oslo.
#42 The Fram Museum
The Fram (meaning “forward”) Museum is dedicated to polar exploration and the expeditions of explorers Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup.
These Norwegians led expeditions all over the polar areas, such as to the South Pole and Greenland.
Roald Amundsen, for example, lead the first ever expedition to reach the South Pole, and Fridtjof Nansen lead the first ever (successful) crossing of Greenland.
The main attraction here is the polar expedition ship Fram, which the museum is named after.
You can learn more book your entrance ticket to the museum here!
#43 The Kon-Tiki Museum
Speaking of Fram, this is another famous Norwegian ship that has a museum named after it.
The Kon-Tiki belonged to Thor Heyerdahl, who was a Norwegian explorer and archaeologist. His expeditions took him across the ocean to the Galapagos Islands and even Easter Island, and he was overall a very impressive man.
Fun fact: He won an Oscar for his documentary about crossing the Pacific onboard the Kon-Tiki.
The Kon-Tiki Museum is located right by the Fram Museum on Bygdøy, so it makes sense to visit the two museums in the same day.
You can book your Kon-Tiki tickets in advance here!
#44 Oslo Fjord Cruise
It isn’t Norway without a fjord cruise, right?
Whilst it can be argued whether the Oslofjord is a proper fjord or not, there is nothing like heading out on the water.
There are several fjord cruises available from Oslo, usually lasting about 2-3 hours. They will take you on a roundtrip journey through the fjord, and bring you back to the city docks by the end.
With several to choose from, I thought I would share three of my favourite fjord cruises in Oslo here.
This 3-hour evening cruise takes you out on the fjord onboard a beautiful wooden boat in the evening, and includes a small seafood bar consisting of shrimp snacks (a Norwegian favourite in the summer).
If you want a slightly shorter tour, this daytime boat tour on the Oslofjord lasts 2 hours, and is available both in the morning and afternoon, so you can plan around the rest of your activities for the day.
Finally, there is the sightseeing boat to Bygdøy. This is the perfect mode of transportation for those who want to head out to the Bygdøy museums (Fram, Kon-Tiki and the Museum of the Viking Age). You can disembark at Bygdøy after the 1-hour 45-minute cruise through the fjord, and return to Oslo by bus (Route 30).
Your Questions About Oslo – Answered! [FAQ]
I get a lot of emails and DMs with questions about Oslo and visiting Norway (I always say: start by reading my Norway trip planning guide here).
So, below I have tried to gather some of the most frequently asked questions I get about Oslo and things to do there, in the hopes that it is helpful to you!
Of course, if you have a question that isn’t covered here, please leave a comment below!
I won’t say Oslo is a must-visit destination in Norway (go to the fjords or up north instead), but it is worth spending a day or two there if you are flying to the Norwegian capital anyway.
In my opinion, yes. 1-2 days is sufficient to see the main sights of Oslo.
The top sights in Oslo are the Vigeland Sculpture park, the Oslo Opera House and Akershus Fortress.
Assuming you mean the western fjords of Norway, you can reach them by train, bus, car or even by taking a plane to Bergen.
Read my full guide on this here.
Looking for more things to do in Oslo?
There you have some of my favourite Oslo activities and things to do during a visit. There are plenty of unique ways to explore Oslo, whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge a little.
Oslo is a great city to visit, both in the winter and the summer, and I hope you enjoy the Norwegian capital! You can find some more information about visiting Oslo and Norway here on Fjords and Beaches, and also on the Visit Oslo website.
Visiting Bergen as well? Don’t miss my guide to the best things to do there!
Below are a bunch more things and activities in Oslo for your trip. As always, I recommend booking activities and tickets in advance, as Oslo (and the whole country really) gets busy in the summer.
6 comments
I have not yet visited Oslo. when I visit this city I will follow your advice 🤗
That’s great to hear! I know you’ll love it 🙂
[…] 30+ fun things to do in Oslo […]
[…] to pull something useful out of this post. You’ll be happy to hear that there are loads of things to do in Oslo if you are trying to avoid breaking the […]
Aker Brygge is a short walk from Karl Johan (the main shopping street), and boasts plenty of restaurants along the fjord.
[…] A few KM out of the centre of the city is the huge open air Vigeland Sculpture park at Frogner Park. The incredible and eye opening work was created by Gustav Vigeland between 1924 and 1943 and is a permanent exhibition of his most famous works. The provocative Art Deco sculptures, bridges and other installations study the human form in all its oddities in what makes for a strange but impressive installation across the park. The park itself is home to the historic Frogner Manor for which is was originally created in 1750 as a baroque garden and is one of the top things to do in Oslo. […]