Nestled among majestic fjords and lush green scenery, Oslo, Norway’s capital, enchants visitors with its breathtaking views and lively streets. The city seamlessly blends cutting-edge eco-friendly design with an extensive array of biking and hiking trails, creating a striking fusion of nature and urban innovation. Most of Oslo’s key attractions are conveniently close to the center, making it easy to explore on foot.
Whether you’re after a tranquil city escape with spectacular vistas, a dive into history, or a cultural journey through art, music, and more, Oslo has it all. Here are our top ten recommendations for things to do in Oslo, offering something intriguing for every traveler.
Oslo Opera House
Catch a Performance at the Oslo Opera House
Standing as a cultural beacon for Oslo and Scandinavia, the Opera House is a must-visit during your stay. Its design, echoing the glaciers of the fjord with its white stone and expansive glass windows, is a regional architectural icon.
A detailed tour allows you to explore the building’s interior and ascend to the stunning marble-roofed terrace, where panoramic city views provide the perfect backdrop for photos.
Set aside an evening to enjoy a performance within this iconic venue, which hosts top-tier opera and ballet shows. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium, with a capacity of 1,300, offers an intimate viewing experience.
Nearby, Oslo’s new main library, the Deichmann Public Library in Bjørvika, complements the Opera House. It features a vast book collection, a movie theater, media workshops, gaming zones, lounges, and a restaurant, making it a full-day destination.
Oslo Fjord
Discover Oslo Fjord
Oslo Fjord, a renowned inlet stretching 100 km from Torbjørnskjær and Færder lighthouses to Langesund and Oslo, is a major draw for tourists. The fjord offers numerous activities to immerse yourself in its enchanting environment.
You can visit the fjord’s islands—Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen, and Langøyene—by boat from Aker Brygge. Each island has its unique charm, from exploring Hovedøya’s monastery ruins to relaxing on Langøyene’s picturesque beach.
Urban Saunas
Unwind in Oslo’s Urban Saunas
While swimming in the fjord is an option, especially in winter, a warm-up at one of Oslo’s urban saunas is a great idea. Following Finnish tradition, saunas in Norway are a popular way to relax and socialize.
Oslo’s fjordside saunas are located along the harbor promenade. Each offers a unique experience, such as the wood-fired KOK Oslo sauna rafts, which provide a relaxing boat tour with minimal noise, or SALT, a nomadic art project featuring multiple saunas, cafes, bars, and live music.
For a different experience, visit Kongen Marina’s dome sauna in Frognerkilen, offering 360-degree views of the city and harbor.
Museums
Explore Oslo’s Museums
Oslo boasts over 50 fascinating museums, each telling a part of its storied past. While you might not visit them all, here are a few highlights.
For Arctic exploration enthusiasts, the Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built, showcasing its adventures and artifacts. Visitors can board the ship and learn about its voyages.
Art aficionados will appreciate the Vigeland Museum, once the home of sculptor Gustav Vigeland, featuring his work and neoclassical Norwegian architecture. Similarly, the Astrup Fearnley Museet offers contemporary art from notable Norwegian artists.
If time permits, consider visiting the Munch Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, Astrup Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the National Museum, each offering insights into various historical periods.
Akershus Fortress
Visit the Akershus Fortress
For history lovers, Akershus Fortress provides a day of medieval exploration and architectural wonder. Originally built for protection and royal residence, it has served as a military base, prison, and now hosts the Norwegian Prime Minister’s office.
Explore the fortress’s intriguing interiors, including heirlooms, dungeons, and remnants of ancient fortifications. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at the guard post.
Vippa Food Court
Dine at Vippa Food Court
Near the Akershus Fortress, the vibrant Vippa Food Court is perfect for a meal. This popular spot features 11 food stands offering diverse, sustainable dishes from around the world.
Vippa also functions as a social enterprise, promoting cultural connections and community integration. Enjoy international flavors from Syria, Mexico, Morocco, and China, with ample seating both indoors and on the waterfront promenade.
Shop in Grünerløkka
Explore Grünerløkka
Once a neglected area, Grünerløkka has become a trendy neighborhood with award-winning bakeries, microbreweries, and a thriving coffee culture. It’s also a great place for shopping, with a range of design boutiques, vintage stores, and flea markets.
Stroll along the Akerselva River trail, which features parks, the Mathallen Food Court, and the counterculture venue Blå, reflecting the area’s industrial heritage.
The nearby Torshov district offers a vibrant restaurant scene and alternative theater and music venues at Soria Moria and Det Andre Teatret.
Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Ski at Holmenkollen
Holmenkollen, located 20-30 minutes from the city center, is renowned for its ski jump and panoramic views from the subway ride up the hill. The site features a 60m high ski jump tower and a museum with an extensive collection of skiing artifacts and polar exploration exhibits.
For skiing enthusiasts, a vast network of cross-country trails offers stunning views of Oslo, while the 2km toboggan run in winter provides additional thrills.
Northern Lights
Chase the Northern Lights
Enhance your Oslo visit with a trip to the Lofoten Islands to witness the Northern Lights. This six-day tour, organized by Regent, allows you to explore Oslo before heading to the Arctic wonderland of Lofoten.
Fly from London to Oslo for a two-night city break, exploring museums, galleries, or enjoying a picnic at Vigeland Park. Then, travel to Lofoten for three nights at Svinøya Rorbuer, where you can search for the Northern Lights and enjoy outdoor activities like snowshoeing, kayaking, or exploring the fjords.
Botanical Garden
Stroll Through the Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden is a delightful spot for a picnic and leisurely walk. Discover Norway’s native plant species, including orchids, mountain flora, and cocoa trees, and explore the herbarium with up to 1.7 million herbs.
Unique to Oslo, the garden features a Viking Garden with a grounded longboat, once used by Norwegian explorers and now a base for a variety of thriving plants.
Is Oslo Worth a Visit?
In short, Oslo is a cosmopolitan city brimming with attractions, making it a worthwhile destination. Its stunning landscapes and walkable streets offer a relaxed vibe. Despite being a capital, Oslo’s compact size allows you to explore its highlights in just a few days.
Inspired by our recommendations? Contact one of our Travel Specialists to craft a custom tour of Oslo, combining beautiful architecture, breathtaking landscapes, historical trails, and more.
