Fun Things to Do and Sightseeing Places to Visit in Oslo
Oslo is the national capital of Norway and the nation’s largest city. It is also the cultural and economic center of Norway. It is also the third largest city in the Scandinavian region. Oslo was one of the prominent centers of Viken during the Viking age in the region. There are several places to visit in Oslo reminiscent of the Viking era. The city is situated at the northern end of Oslofjord inlet. You can enjoy water sports and outdoor activities among the best things to do in Oslo, Norway. One of the best Oslo attractions to visit facing the sea is the Bygdoy Peninsula, located west of the city. It is one of the best day trips from Oslo, though it is technically part of the city. It takes about 20 minutes to make the Oslo trip from Bygdoy. The peninsula has all kinds of top things to do in Oslo including beaches, museums, nature, and sightseeing. Among Oslo tourist attractions you will find in Bygdoy are the Folk Museum, Fram Museum Maritime Museum, Kon Tiki Museum, and Viking Ship Museum. The peninsula is also home to the Bygody Royal Estate, one of the most popular places to visit in Oslo. It is one such place in the city where you can enjoy all the indulgences of Oslo vacation. The peninsula is also home to one of the best beaches in Oslo called the Hulk.
If you are looking for fun things to do in Oslo in winter, you will have to leave the peninsula and be back in the city. You can enjoy activities in Oslo like ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and so on. Besides outdoor things to do in Oslo in winter, there are several activities to enjoy in other seasons as well. There are numerous lakes in and around the city for Oslo sightseeing. You can enjoy peaceful boat rides in these lakes. You can also enjoy good hikes around these lakes. Kolsas Mountain Nature Reserve is a place for fun things to do in Oslo like hiking, camping, mountain climbing, and mountain biking. On the outskirts of the city, you will find many outdoor adventure parks for the best things to do in Oslo surrounded by nature.
Now getting to things to see in Oslo city, you can begin with the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. The things you see and learn at this museum will help you put the rest of the Oslo trip in perspective. You can then head to Frogner Park which displays 212 sculptures carved by Gustav Vigeland. It is among the free things to do in Oslo, Norway. There is also a museum dedicated to Gustav Vigeland which you can visit among Oslo’s top attractions to get a deeper perspective on his work. If you are interested in places to see in Oslo concerned with the Viking age, you can first visit the Norwegian Folk Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and Gol Stave Church. Each of these Oslo tourist attractions will tell you about the romantic age of the Vikings in the region. As for those who are interested in modern and contemporary art, there are quite a few places to go in Oslo to admire the creative minds. You can explore the exhibits at the National Art Gallery, Munch Museum, Ibsen Museum, Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park, Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and Henie Onstad Arts Center. As you go through this article you will discover more and more reasons to visit Oslo.
Table of Contents
Enjoy The Top Tourist Attractions in Oslo in 3 Days (Travel Itinerary)
This sections is a guide to navigate things to do in Oslo in 3 days. The tourist places in this section are picked based on their importance, popularity and proximity to one another. By following it, you can cover majority of things to see in Oslo.
Day 1
1. Fram Museum (Frammuseet)
This is the museum dedicated to the exploration of the poles by Norwegian sailors. The museum is one of the most interesting places to visit in Oslo. You will need about an hour to explore this museum.
2. Viking Ship Museum
This museum is among most popular Oslo tourist attractions. This museum exhibits naval engineering and artifacts related to naval exploration by nordic people. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
3. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)
If you wish to learn more about the Nordic culture, this place should be among top things to do in Oslo for you. It is an open air museum diving deep into the Norwegian culture. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.
4. Vigeland Museum (Vigelandmuseet)
This museum is dedicated to the life, work and art of Gustav Vigeland. It is among best Oslo attractions dedicated to art and sculpture. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.
Day 2
1. Oslo Opera House
The Norwegian National Opera, Norwegian National Ballet and National Opera Theatre are all associated with this building. It is an important cultural center among places to visit in Oslo. You will need about an hour and a half to explore the 3 halls of Oslo Opera House.
2. Akershus Castle & Fortress (Akershus Festning)
This castle and fortress were built under King Haakon V. The castle itself has several Oslo tourist attractions within it. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire complex.
3. Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke)
This cathedral is among the most important cultural buildings among things to see in Oslo. The church was built in the 17th century and is a pretty well known building among the locals as well as tourists. Though you don’t need more than 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
4. Royal Palace (Slottet)
This Palace is the residence of President of Norway. This palace is also a monument and a museum. You will need at least an hour to explore it.
5. Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter)
This museum is dedicated to the renowned Nobel Peace Prize Award. You get a deep insight into the history of this well known award and the people who have received it. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
Day 3
1. City Hall (Oslo rådhus)
This concrete and brick facade of the hall looks incredibly dominating. It is one of the most important landmarks of Oslo. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for the City Hall.
2. The National Museum – Art, Architecture and Design (Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design)
This museum exhibits wonderful works in each of the segments of aesthetic beauty. Art, Architecture and Design are three different branches of the same museum. It has among the best places to visit in Oslo. You would need about 3 hours to explore this museum.
3. Astrup Fearnly Museum of Modern Art
This museum of modern art exhibits works by several renowned artists of the period. The museum itself was designed by Renzo Piano. The museum also exhibits works of contemporary art. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.
4. Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum (Skimuseet i Holmenkollen)
This is the oldest skiing museum in the world. You can learn the history of this sport as it evolved over the years. You will need about an hour and a half to explore this museum.
If you plan to visit Oslo for more than 3 days or if you wish to add more places to your itinerary, do check out the section below. You can find an exhaustive list of variety of places to visit and things to do in Oslo for tourists and explorers alike. The list is divided into various sections, so you can easily navigate and pick from activities you like. Enjoy exploring Oslo.
Things to do in Oslo
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Oslo
- Vigeland Sculpture Park
- Viking Ship Museum
- Akershus Fortress
- The Royal Palace
- Radhuset
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
- Fram Museum
- Munch Museum
- Kon Tiki Museum
- Holmenkollen Ski Museum
- Nobel Peace Center
- Vigeland Museum
- Bygdoy Royal Estate
- Norwegian Folk Museum
- Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
- Oslo Cathedral
- National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design
- Norwegian Maritime Museum
- Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
- Isben Museum
- Oslo City Museum
- Norway Resistance Museum
- Storting Building
- Museum of Cultural History
- Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology
- Norwegian Parliament
- Gol Stave Church
- Natural History Museum
- Oscarhall Palace
- Polar Ship Museum
- Norwegian Armed Forces Museum
- The Monolith Sculpture
- International Museum of Children’s Art
- Center for Studies of the Holocaust & Religious Minorities
- St. Olav’s Cathedral
- Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
- The Viking Planet Museum
- July 22 Information Center
- Queen Sonja Art Stable
- Old Aker Church
- Kulturkirken Jacob Church
- Ekerberg Sculpture Park
- Sagene Church
- The Tiger Sculpture
- Frogner Manor
- Museum in Akershus
- Svenska Kyrkan Church
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Oslo
- Bygdoy Peninsula
- Akerselva River
- Hovedoya Island
- Sognsvann
- Gressholmen Island
- Langoyene Island
- Lindoya Island
- Sognsvann Lake
- Kolsas Mountain Nature Reserve
- Maridalsvannet Lake
- Vettakollen Hill
- Nakholmen Island
- Maridalen Valley
- Noklevann Lake
- Bleikoya Island
- Kalvoya Island
- Bogstadvannet Lake
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Oslo
- Oslo Opera House
- Holmenkollbakken Ski Slope
- Oslo Winter Park
- Oslo Botanical Gardens
- Henie Onstad Arts Center
- Oslo Reptile Park
- SALT Bar
- Rush Norway
- Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink
- Christian Radich Sailing Ship
- Oslo Camping
- Frognerbadet Swimming Pool
- Oslo Klatrepark
- Leo’s Lekeland Children’s Amusement Park
- Smaflaskemuseet Collection
- Harald Huysman Karting
- Klatreverket Torshov Climbing Wall
- Megafun Opplevelesessnter Amusement Park
- Eventyrfabrikken Children’s Amusement Center
Shopping in Oslo
- Bogstadveien Street
- Grunerlokka Street
- Gronland Street
- Oslo City Center
- Oslo Farmers Market
- Paleet
- Byporten Shopping Center
- Glas Magasinet Shopping Center
- Gronland Bazaar
- Storo Storsenter Shopping Center
- Gunerius Shopping Center
- Tveita Senter Shopping Mall
Beaches in Oslo
- Langoyene Beach
- Bygdoy Beach
- Hovedoya Beach
- Gressholmen Beach
- Hulk Beach
- Lindoya Beach
- Paradisbukta Beach
- Hvervenbukta Beach
- Ingierstrand Beach
- Hvalstand Beach
- Tjuvholmen Beach
- Langoyene Beach
- Katten Beach
- Sydstranda Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Oslo
- Hiking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Mountain Biking
- Kayaking
- Ice Skating
- Sledding
- Cross Country Skiing
Sightseeing in Oslo
- Karl Johans Gate Street
- Palace Park
- Oslo Port
- Bogstadveien Street
- Damstredet Street
- Telthusbakken Street
- Torggata Street
- Toyen Park
- Sofienberg Park
- Ekerbergsletta Park
- Sorenga Havsbad Docks
- St Hanshaugen Park
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Oslo
- Arakataka
- Atlas
- Spent Bakeri
- Stallen
- Bass Oslo
- Oslo Street Food Court
- Fuglen
- Gil: Ander
- Kolonialen Bislett
- Himok Storgata Destilleri
- Maaemo
- Tim Wandelboe
- Mathallen
- Skaal
- Sentralen
- Brasserie Rivoli
- Vippa
- Code Restaurant
How to Reach Oslo?
By Air
There are two major airports near the city for Oslo travel. Oslo Airport and Sandefjord Airport are both great options to visit Oslo. The former is the largest airport in Norway and second largest airport in Scandinavia. You can direct flights for Oslo travel from several major European cities including Barcelona, Amsterdam, Alicante, Edinburgh, Alghero, London, Liverpool, Milan, Bergen, Marseille, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Riga, Sofia, Bucharest, Wroclaw, Chișinău and many more. You can also get a direct flight from Reykjavík in Iceland to visit Oslo.
You can reach the places to visit in Oslo from the airport via buses or cabs. There are several slow and expresses buses to take you from the airport to Oslo attractions. These buses run at several different intervals to various Oslo sightseeing spots. There are numerous bus lines you can use for Oslo trip form the airport. You can catch cabs as well to get to Oslo tourist attractions from the airport. But cabs are expensive. You can take buses to reach the city and then get a cab to take you to your hotel or Oslo Norway attractions from there onwards. You can also take cabs from the airport for best day trips from Oslo.
By Road
The Oslo Central Station is served by several national and international trains. You can direct trains for Oslo travel from Gothenburg, Stockholm, Karistad, and Copenhagen. These places are also among best day trips from Oslo. You can also make international Oslo trips by bus. You can get direct buses to visit Oslo from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo and Copenhagen. The bus service is also a great alternative for making international day trips from Oslo. You can also get tour buses for best things to do in Oslo, Norway from several cities. Such tours cover majority of places to visit in Oslo in single day tour.
If you are traveling by road, there are several routes you can take for Oslo travel. Some of the most popular routes to take to visit Oslo are E18, E134, E16, E18, and E6. All these routes are great for Oslo sightseeing. You can also take these international roads to make day trips form Oslo.
By Water
Oslo is an important port of Norway. You can get ferry to visit Oslo from Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, Larvik, Kristiansand, and Hirtshals. The later three destinations are served by high speed boats for Oslo trips. There are also a few cruise lines which include Oslo travel in their itinerary. Some of the cruises have guided tours of Oslo tourist attractions. You can plan Oslo vacation alongside several other cities with such cruise tours.
Image Reference
- Fram Museum (Frammuseet) – Tore Storm Halvorsen / Wikimedia Commons
- Viking Ship Museum – Richard Mortel / Flickr
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum) – Jonathan / Flickr
- Vigeland Museum (Vigelandmuseet) – Vigeland Museum / Wikimedia Commons
- Oslo Opera House – Eutonia / PixaBay
- Akershus Castle & Fortress (Akershus Festning) – Jonathan / Flickr
- Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) – Richard Mortel / Flickr
- Royal Palace (Slottet) – Monica Volpin / PixaBay
- Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter) – Jon Callas / Flickr
- City Hall (Oslo rådhus) – Mariano Mantel / Flickr
- The National Museum – Art, Architecture and Design (Nasjonalmuseet for kunst, arkitektur og design) – Bjørn Erik Pedersen / Wikimedia Commons
- Astrup Fearnly Museum of Modern Art – Kvikk / Wikimedia Commons
- Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum (Skimuseet i Holmenkollen) – Andreas Schau / PixaBay
