Oslo, the beautiful capital of Norway, combines its striking natural beauty, with great historical architecture and modern style, which captivates whoever visits it. Despite being a small city it is full of many things to do. Countless museums, spacious parks, and delicious restaurants will keep you entertained. Do you want to know more about what to see and do in Oslo? Read on! We have an unmissable list of what this beautiful city has to offer.
What can you see and do in Oslo?
Oslo is a bit expensive destination for some tourists. But, its charm and beauty make it worth a bit of a budget break. This charming town is close to numerous forests with walking and biking trails, and there are also plenty of places to swim in the summer. So there are many options it offers to have a good time touring it. Let’s see some of the best things to see and do in Oslo that will fascinate you.
Take a free walking tour
Free walking tours are an inexpensive way to see top sights. Also, you can learn a bit of history, meet other travellers, and have access to a local guide who can answer all your questions about the city. The Free Tour Oslo organizes daily tours that last 90 minutes and are a very good introduction to the city. You just need to make sure you tip the guide well when the tour ends.
Enjoy the view from the Oslo Opera House
This massive contemporary theatre sits on the water and is home to the national opera and ballet. Inaugurated in 2007, it has a spectacular architecture composed of multiple flat levels that act as small squares. Visitors can walk on the roof and enjoy the view of the harbour and the city. In good weather, it is the popular place to watch the sunset.
Visit the Viking Museum
Located on the island of Bygdøy, this museum houses some of the best-preserved Viking ships in the world. These ships, some of which date back to the 9th century, were found in Norway. Here are Viking burial ships, as well as chariots and tools from the Middle Ages. In the museum there are few things, in fact, the highlights are the boats, but they also transmit a short film and other interesting curiosities.
Explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park
At Frogner you will find a unique collection of sculptures created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. It is the largest sculpture exhibition in the world. The artist created more than 200 bronze, iron and granite statues that are now housed in this kind of open-air gallery.
Visit the Historical Museum
This museum has many artefacts and information about Norway’s past, including a lot of Viking content. There are also exhibits on ancient Egypt (including mummies), Africa, and the country’s Arctic expeditions. You can also use your ticket to get free entry to the Viking Museum (and vice versa) if you do so within 48 hours.
Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is an open-air museum that houses relocated traditional Norwegian buildings. It is close to the Viking Ship Museum and exhibits more than 150 buildings from various periods throughout Norwegian history. The most impressive of its exhibits is Gol Stave Church, a wooden church dating from the 13th century, which is intricately carved. In summer, you can also feed the animals and take carriage rides in the area.
Explore Akershus Castle
Originally built in 1290, this castle is a medieval fortress. Which was converted into a Renaissance palace under the reign of the Danish King Christian IV. It was built both for protection and as a royal residence. Inside, there is a military museum and another dedicated to the resistance during World War II.
Relaxation at Aker Brygge
Located near the pier, here is the largest concentration of restaurants in Oslo, ranging from French cuisine to traditional Nordic dishes. There are also many shop windows and architecture to admire. At the dock you can find something for all tastes. Plus, it is a great place to spend a couple of hours soaking up the city life.
Tobogganing in Korketrekkeren
Tobogganing is a traditional Norwegian winter activity and should not be missed if you are here during winter. At over 2,000 meters long, the Korketrekkeren track is fun for both adults and children.
Visit the Royal Palace
The official residence of the monarch, completed in the 1840s. The palace is surrounded by a large park. And, you can usually see the locals enjoying the little sun they get throughout the year. During the summer, some parts of the palace are also open to visitors. Tours last an hour and you can see some of the luxurious historical rooms.
Explore the National Gallery
The National Gallery contains Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream”. The gallery is small, but there are many artists on display. Here you will find some impressionist and Dutch works. As well as some by Picasso and El Greco. It is not the most extensive collection, but it is worth a visit, especially if you are a fan of the more classic styles of art.
No matter what your tastes are, Oslo will have something to entertain you. Its vast and diverse collection of museums, an abundance of parks and hiking trails, and beautiful views and landscapes will not allow you to get bored.
Take a tour of the Fram Museum
This museum focuses on polar exploration, a predominant theme in Norwegian history and culture. The centrepiece is the Fram, the world’s first icebreaker ship. The museum is very detailed and offers a lot of history, as well as photographs, tools, and artefacts.
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