When you think of Norway, big cities are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, once you get to know its capital Oslo a little better, that might change. With an array of stunning museums, idyllic parks and a breathtaking fjord, we’re sure that you’ll soon fall in love with Oslo. Here are our ten favourite things to do in the capital:
You can find Oslo’s most famous landmark right in the middle of the city centre, about a two-minute walk from the central train station. The impressive marble structure opened in 2008 and is built into the fjord, so the white marble merges seamlessly with the water underneath. If watching an Opera is not your thing, worry not, as you can take a stroll on the roof and sides of the building - which is quite a unique experience. You have a wonderful view from the top and can even spot the Holmenkollen Ski Jump in the distance.
At the end of Karl Johans gate, one of Oslo’s main shopping streets, you will find the beautiful Norwegian Royal Palace perched atop a small hill. The Royal Palace is the residence of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. You have a lovely view of the city from here, and you can wander through the idyllic park gardens called Slottsparken behind the palace. If you find yourself near the palace at 1.30 PM, you will catch the changing of the guard!
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is Oslo’s largest park, and it features over 200 statues made by the artist Gustav Vigeland. Not only did he create all the sculptures, but he was actively involved in the design and layout of the park. The park’s theme is “The Circle of Life'', and all the sculptures are naked. His most famous statues include The Monolith, The Angry Boy and The Wheel of Life. Vigeland Park is especially beautiful in autumn when all the leaves are shades of yellow, brown and red.
Our Tip: If you’re interested to learn more about Gustav Vigeland, you can also visit the Vigeland Museum, located about five minutes from the park’s main entrance.
You’ll find out very soon after you’ve arrived in Norway that its people take skiing very seriously. And there’s no better place to find out more than Holmenkollen. If you thought the jump looked imposing from a distance, wait until you stand directly underneath it. As Holmenkollen is a bit outside of the centre, the best way to get there is by T-Bane (which is the Oslo Metro).
Our Tip: Make sure to visit the museum, where you can learn more about the fascinating history of the place and finish it off by heading to the top of the ski jump to have a stunning view of Oslo and the fjord.
Oslo’s old fortress and the medieval castle stand imposing by the side of the fjord, the old walls still intact and wrapped around the buildings. When standing atop, one can almost imagine what it was once like, looking out for any intruders that want to attack. Today, instead of looking out for attackers, you have a lovely view of the neighbourhoods Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, which are both popular areas for restaurants and bars.
Forget everything you think you know about libraries before stepping into the new Deichmann Library - and prepare to be surprised. The building alone is impressive with its peculiar shape and stands right next to the Oslo Opera house. Not only has the library got an extensive book collection in over 137 different languages. With chess sets, lounge areas, private meeting rooms, music studios, cinema, sewing stations, 3D Printing and more - you will not be bored in this state-of-the-art-library. Plus - you’ve got a great view of the Opera House once you get to the top floors.
Bygdøy is a peninsula in western Oslo, nicknamed Museum Island because it has six different museums, a Royal Manor and a castle called Oscarshall. You can get there by bus or by ferry from the city centre. The Maritime Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram Museum are all relatively close to each other, making them perfect for visiting on the same day. The Viking Ship Museum is closed for refurbishment until 2025/26; however the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is well worth a visit. The highlight here is the Gol Stave Church, which was built in the 1200s.
Opened in 2022, Norway's brand new National Museum dazzles visitors from all over the world daily. In a sleek, modern building located in Aker Brygge, it houses its permanent exhibition of about 6500 artworks. One of these artworks is one of the world’s most famous paintings - the Scream, painted by Edvard Munch. You could easily lose track of time and spend your entire day wandering around and admiring and reading about the artworks on display.
One of the first things that will catch your eye when you walk around Oslo is the sixty-metre tall building standing behind the Opera House. It looks like its top floors are leaning forward, bent towards the fjord below. This building is the vibrant art museum MUNCH that houses over 26’000 artworks by Edvard Munch. They have three versions of the Scream on permanent display, amongst other fascinating exhibitions.
Our Tip: Head to the top floor, and you will find yourself in the cocktail bar Kranen, which offers some of the best views Oslo has to offer.
Have you ever wondered how to spend a summer evening like a Norwegian? There’s only one answer, and that is on a boat. Which is why an evening cruise on the Oslofjord is one of the best ways to feel like a local. You will see Oslo from a different perspective and venture further out into the fjord, where you will catch a glimpse of true Norwegian life. The cruise also goes past the Bygdøy Peninsula, where you can spot the museums you may have visited earlier on your trip.
